Dear People Who Keep Company With God,
Several years ago God gave me a revelation of mercy. The Message Bible, which did not exist at the time, puts into words what the Holy Spirit revealed to me. “In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that he can personally open the door and welcome us back in” (Rom. 11:32).
One of the worst things that can happen is to receive our promised spiritual inheritance apart from a revelation of mercy. Apart from mercy we will fall into pride and His promises will become frustrated in our lives. All of God’s promises are fulfilled in His mercy (Luke 1:54) and there is no lasting spiritual success apart from His mercy (2 Cor. 4:1).
Mercy prepares the way for all God will do in your life (Ps. 89:14). Every day is marked by new mercies (Lam. 3:22-23). Life, righteousness and honor all come with a revelation of mercy (Pro. 21:21). God’s meeting place is called the mercy seat (Ex. 25:22). He meets with no one unless His mercy goes before Him.
In the Old Testament they sang, “His mercy endures forever.” The revelation and recognition of His mercy brought the glory of God’s presence into the temple (2 Chron. 5:2, 13-14). Solomon prayed, “Remember your mercies” and the fire of God came down from heaven (2 Chron. 6:41-42, 7:1-3). In 2 Chronicles 2:21-22 they sang, “His mercy endures forever” and their enemies were defeated.
In the New Testament a blind beggar’s cry for mercy stopped Jesus in His tracks and a miracle was given (Mark 10:52-56). Paul told Timothy one of his greatest secrets was a revelation of mercy (1 Tim. 1:12-16). I could go on and on because mercy is intertwined into the very fabric of the entire Bible.
Why do I bring this up? I believe we are entering a new season and God’s first order of business is always mercy (Luke 1:78). We need mercy for the messes from the past season so they will not drag us down in what God plans to do in this new day. My friend Dean Stein recently had a dream that illustrates this.
“In the dream I had purchased a house without actually going inside and looking at it. When I did go inside I realized I had made a gigantic mistake. There was evidence that the roof was leaking by the stains on the ceiling, the floors were covered with carpet, but terrible underneath, glass walls that were meant to be pretty were broken and shattered and covered with clear plastic. I cried out, “Oh my goodness I have made such a terrible mistake, what am I going to do?” Then the woman who sold me the house asked if I would like to just give her the keys back. An overwhelming relief came over me as I thanked her profusely and gave her back the keys.”
So how do we step into His mercy? Here are three ways.
1. Ask for it (Psalm 86:5).
God is ready, willing and loves to reveal His mercy to those who ask for it. David began his great Psalm of repentance with a cry for mercy (Ps. 51:1). The tax collector in Jesus’s time asked for mercy and instantly received it (Luke 18:13-14). We have not because we ask not (James 4:2).
2. Give it away (Matt. 18:21-35).
Extend the mercy that has already been extended and mercy will flow like a mighty river in our hearts.
Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy (Matt. 5:7).
With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful (Psalm 18:25).
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us (Matt. 6:12).
3. Change your mind (John 8:10-11).
Jesus had mercy on the woman’s promiscuity and simply said, “Leave that life behind and come in to My world.” (BW Version)
I believe if we will humble ourselves and acknowledge our need of mercy, we will see His door of mercy is already wide open. God will rescue us for mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).
Many Blessings, BW