Key Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-5

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Relevance

How rich is rich? It's an age-old question. When I was young, a millionaire was considered a wealthy person. These days, with superannuation and skyrocketing house prices, many people are now millionaires in that sense. Today, one needs tens of millions of dollars to be considered highly wealthy. 

Our key scripture states that God is RICH in mercy. One would think that God would be rich in everything. After all, He is God. But Paul is making a point about mercy in regard to salvation by grace, and to never take it for granted. Mercy and grace go hand-in-hand.

We are made in the image of God; therefore, mercy is a part of our inheritance as saints adopted into the spiritual commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12). The adoption itself is an act of God sharing His mercy. 

Jesus said, Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life. (John 6:27) Part of that meat is mercy. Jesus says to labour to be rich in a merciful heart—one that can judge wisely and dispense freely.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 instructs us in that. Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. 

Most of us take that scripture to mean financial generosity, but we can also interpret it to mean anything we are rich in, including mercy. This verse could easily have been written by a fisherman speaking of casting his large net and hauling in a huge catch days later. The scripture is not speaking of gain, but the Godly principle of freely giving when it is in the power of our hands to give. Mercy is always within our power to give, as its supply is unlimited. 

Instead of chasing fame or wealth, we should aim to be rich in the character of God. As God shares His riches of mercy, we too should seek to become wealthy in largesse of heart to share even with those who abuse us and dispitefully use us.

The desert Israelites tried to withhold Manna until the next day, as if it were in limited supply. They always displayed a fear of loss for everything God gave them. We should be different. The Manna example shows us today that mercy isn't to be hoarded either. It can't be. God supplies it fresh and new each day. Lamentations 3:22-23, It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

This verse reveals why we should remain ever grateful for the mercy we have received through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also shows that, like a good parent showing love to the children when they wake, our Father dispenses His merciful goodness to us every morning, ready for us to arise, appreciate, embrace and pass on. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we wonder how your mercy can flow continuously like a stream in a desert of harshness and cold judgment. The warmth of your love radiates through our Spirit, encouraging us to pay it forward abundantly. 

Photo by Jametlene Reskp