Mercy never runs out
A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy
Mercy is an attribute of God, an infinite and inexhaustible energy within the divine nature which disposes God to be actively compassionate.
Mercy never began to be, but from eternity was; so it will never cease to be. It will never be more since it is itself infinite; and it will never be less because the infinite cannot suffer diminution. Nothing that has occurred or will occur in heaven or earth or hell can change the tender mercies of our God. Forever His mercy stands, a boundless, overwhelming immensity of divine pity and compassion.
Lamentations 3:21-24
21 But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”
To wake up in the morning and realize that God’s steadfast love didn’t cease overnight, that His mercy didn’t run out, that every morning there is as much grace, love and mercy as you might need–that is truly amazing and utterly unmerited.
Some worry, even warn, that we should not talk about grace and mercy in these terms for fear of “letting people off the hook.” They warn that some will take grace for granted and some will abuse mercy. But who are we to seek to limit God’s grace and mercy? If anyone takes it for granted, they are taking God for granted–and He can take care of Himself. And if anyone abuses mercy, they are abusing God’s gift–and He is the one wronged, not us.
Oh, that we would be a people of grace and mercy.
I don’t want to limit God’s grace and mercy–I need all I can get!
I want to wake up each morning thanking God for His renewed grace and reservoir of mercy. The more I understand His character, the more I understand what grace and mercy are, the more I should worship. And worship includes obedience.
Take grace for granted? Abuse mercy? I probably will.
But praise God, He grants grace and never ceases giving mercy.
Oh, may I live ever to honor, to obey, to praise Him, the one whose grace I abuse and whose mercy I require constantly.
Habakkuk 3:2 2 O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. (ESV)
Daniel 9:17-19 Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.” (ESV)
