Today’s Scripture Threshing for Monday, March 18, 2019
Today’s Text: Lamentations 3:20-28
Key Verse: Lamentations 3:23 (NLT): ”Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Years after emperor Napoleon’s death, a story came to light about a mother who once approached the emperor, seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed the same offense twice and therefore deserved to die by the demands of justice. "But I don't ask for justice," the mother explained. "I plead for mercy." "But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon replied. "Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for." Well, though the emperor was unwilling to offer mercy, he spared the woman's son because the nature of mercy prevailed in the scene.
Grace is when we are offered or served what we do not deserve, while mercy is when we are not served what we deserve. The author of today’s scripture is a weeping prophet. He was so burdened and lamented the pain of his people. However, in the midst of all reasons to weep and refuse to be comforted; he sees so many grounds of gracious dealings of God for which he, and the whole of a Israel may be grateful.
He saw all the newness that despite his bitterness, the gravel stones on his teeth edges, and the ashes that covered Him, much more undeserved mercies surround him. He possibly lifted up his heads and saw reasons to say “I recall to mind, therefore have I hope.” (Vs. 21) The same is always true about us. If we look through our tear-shot eyes, we’d never miss the clarity of the mercy of God.
See how surrounded we are with incredible newness. We never look twice at the same sun. No, we never drink twice the same water from the river — the water flows along and next moment, it’s a new river. This is not just true about the Sun and the river; but it’s true of the whole universe. Landscapes, mountains, forests, oceans, skies, all change while we watch. Even science testifies to the fact that our landed property itself are not static. As long as the earth rotates, no one is ever on the same location by longitude or latitude under the Sun. So, apart from all the blessings are lovingkindness that we enjoy, we are so blessed with many newness. This itself is mercy. Are you grateful?!
Quote for the Day: “We are surrounded by mercies, not just in temporal, but in deep spiritual senses; and the mercies are not just daily, they are ever new, constant, continual, continuous and fresh.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear LORD, thank you for your steadfast love and tender mercies. Let your mercies continue to be my inner clothing and outer garment, so that I may continue not just to receive your mercies but to be your agent of mercy to all who come in contact with me, in Jesus name we pray,. Amen.
With all my Love and Prayer,
Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),
2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,
Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA
Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org
BBMme: E3F988D2
[Today’s Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]
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