POWER OF MERCY

Read Hosea 1:10,11

MEMORISE: And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abounding in goodness and truth" (Exodus 34:6)

EXPOSITION

Mercy is defined as kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly; kindness given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation. Though all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), and as such, are due for death (Rom. 6:23), it is in the prerogative of God to either treat us as we deserve, or as His mercy requires. God says, 'I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion' (Exo. 33:19b). Though the northern Israel was a deplorable sinful state, and so, due for God's wrath, yet He would only disperse them for a while, and bring them back to Himself, now and in the future. God's love will not allow Him abandon His people forever. He will gather them from all the corners of the earth. Though God's people might be scattered, oppressed and forsaken for a while, He has designed programmes to bring them back.

Children of God must never lose heart or lose hope in difficult situations. Jesus told His disciples, 'These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world' (Jn. 16:33). Though enslaved, imprisoned, and oppressed today, either by your spouse, boss, leaders and government, your Father's mercy remain unquestionable in your life. Peter felt he was alone and wanted to turn back from the Way, but God's mercy brought him back to the fold and re-commissioned him (Jn. 21:15-17). Only listen as He calls, turn over a new leaf and follow Him all the way. Like the prodigal son was welcomed, God's mercy is saying, "Welcome again!"

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, show me mercy, once again!

2. O Lord, by Your mercy, bring back our children and youths who have followed the devil in trying to make both ends meet.

3. Father, deliver all who are in the captivity of the evil ones, all over the world.

EXTRA READING: Numbers 21 - 22 & John 2

Remain blessed!