October 28, 2018 - - Psalm 136:1-2 - - Repeated mercy
/Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 136:2 NKJV
This past week I was in Orillia at the Canadian Police Chaplains Annual Training Seminar. On the return drive I had the privilege of traveling with fellow Chaplain Angus Haggarty. As we drove along, we shared our favourite texts. What a blessing it was.
Angus reminded me of this Psalm. There are 26 verses. Every single verse ends with the refrain "For His mercy endures forever." Why all this repetition?
God is the Merciful One.
We are in need of mercy every moment of every day.
Our hearts deceive us and we sin despite our good intentions--we are creatures sorely in need of mercy.
Our hearts rebel against the way of God--we are trembling creatures held in the grip of embrace as He whispers mercy over us, to us, in us, until mercy accomplishes its work.
The enemy hisses in your ear: Can God really love you? And the Word of God echoes back: His mercy endures forever.
To the anxious heart, worried mind, and in response to the endless racing thoughts the refrain echoes: "For His mercy endures forever."
His mercy is for you.
Battle-weary, wounded heart--return to the strong tower, our Father in heaven, Who welcomes you with open arms.
Return to a bible-believing church and find rest for your soul.
Assured Christian, faithful church attender, welcome in the Name of Jesus, all those who hesitantly, fearfully are coming to church. They have been summoned by the Spirit's clear call of mercy. Show the mercy of God to them.
Thank You, God of gods, that You show us mercy that endures forever! Thank You, Father in heaven, that Your mercy is most clearly seen in Jesus Christ. Thank You, Spirit of God, for taking the truth of Scripture and bringing its wondrous assurances home to the deepest recesses of our troubled hearts. Thank You, Triune God, for mentors, mothers and fathers in the faith who show Your mercy in fresh and living ways. Blessed be Your Name, mighty God, now and forever. Amen.
