The Everlasting Echo of God's Mercy

INTRODUCTION

I don't suppose that there is one person present today that is under the impression that you deserve any of the blessings that you've been the recipient of. But just in case, there may be one, let me remind you that the only thing we deserve is justice. Three words come to mind that would serve us well to keep in memory: grace, justice, and mercy. “Grace is getting what you do not deserve, justice is getting what you do des and mercy is not getting what You deserve.”

Judge Kaufman presided at the trial of the alleged Russian spies, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. In 1953, they were charged with and convicted of treason against the United States and sentenced to death. In his summation at the end of the long and bitter trial, The lawyer for the Rosenbergs said animatedly, “your honor, what my clients ask for is justice.” Judge Kaufman replied calmly, “this court has given what you asked for - Justice! What you really want is mercy. But that is something this court has no right to give.”

When we think about it, it ought to make us praise God that He has not given us what we deserve. If He had given us what we deserved: evil men would have killed us, everybody would have abandoned us, we would have been crushed by the weight of our heavy burdens, we would have lost it all: our minds, our lives, our joy, our peace, and our hope.

As we take time to reflect upon these truths today, all of us should join in with psalmist and blend our voices with those who echo the glories of God’s everlasting mercy.

CONTEXT OF THE TEXT

Psalm 118 expresses gratitude for the Lord's enduring goodness and mercy. It encourages Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the Lord to proclaim His everlasting mercy. In the 29 verses of this psalm, the psalmist recounts calling upon the Lord in distress, receiving help, and finding strength in Him. It emphasizes the superiority of trusting in the Lord over people and noblemen. The psalmist celebrates the Lord's deliverance from enemies and acknowledges His discipline without death. It highlights the significance of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone and calls for rejoicing in the day made by the Lord. The psalm concludes with a call to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness. Five times in this psalm we hear the reverberating refrain echoing: “His mercy endures forever.”

Some of the best places on Earth to hear echoes include: canyons like the Grand Canyon, large caves, well-designed ancient structures like the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, deep wells, and certain large empty rooms with hard surfaces where sound waves can bounce off and create a clear echo. We hear a clear echo present here in this passage today; it teaches that understanding and recognizing God's mercy leads to a life of gratitude and praise. It invites believers to live in a constant state of thankfulness, protect and nurture their relationship with God, and practice an awareness of His presence in their daily lives.

I believe that this text is tailored to encourage believers to reflect on God's mercy in their own lives, especially during challenging times; and to cultivate a heart of gratitude that moves them to echo the message of God's mercy with others.

Bible Passage: Psalm 118:1–4

Psalm 118:1–4 NASB 2020

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His mercy is everlasting. Let Israel say, “His mercy is everlasting.” Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy is everlasting.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His mercy is everlasting.”

1. Praise: Recognize God's Mercy

Psalm 118:1 NASB 2020

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His mercy is everlasting.

Explanation

This verse highlights the perpetual nature of God's goodness and mercy. In the context of Psalm 118:1 ("Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever"), the term "mercy" can be better understood through its original Hebrew word, "חֶסֶד" (chesed). This word is rich in meaning and connotations, often translated as "steadfast love," "loving-kindness," or "covenant loyalty."

Original Intent of "Chesed":

Steadfast Love: "Chesed" encapsulates the idea of unwavering and enduring love that God has for His people. It is not a fleeting emotion but a consistent, reliable, and enduring commitment.

Loving-Kindness: This reflects God's compassionate and benevolent nature, highlighting His acts of kindness and generosity towards humanity.

Covenant Loyalty: "Chesed" also implies faithfulness to the covenants made with His people. It signifies God's loyalty and fidelity in maintaining His promises.

Perhaps you could focus on the call to give thanks to the Lord as our response to experiencing His mercy. This verse emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's goodness and mercy as foundational. By recognizing His unchanging love, we are inspired to live in gratitude. This thanksgiving becomes a transformative act, drawing us nearer to God as we appreciate His unwavering kindness.

2. Proclaim: God's Mercy Together

Psalm 118:2

Maybe you could explore the collective call for Israel, God's chosen people, to proclaim His mercy. This verse illustrates the necessity for the community of faith to bear witness to God's steadfast love. It challenges believers to share testimonies of God's mercy, fostering unity and hope among God's people. Here, you can discuss the importance of communal gratitude and declarations of God's eternal goodness.

3. Priests: Lead in Mercy

Psalm 118:3

You could consider how the house of Aaron, symbolizing spiritual leadership, is summoned to acknowledge God's mercy. This point underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide others in recognizing and responding to God's mercy. By modeling gratitude and faithfulness, spiritual leaders inspire others to hold fast to God's promises, shaping a community centered on His enduring love.

4. People: Revere God’s Mercy

Psalm 118:4

Perhaps your focus here should be on all who fear the Lord acknowledging His mercy. This verse extends the call beyond Israel and the priests to every believer. It invites a personal reflection on God's mercy in one's life, urging each believer to respond with awe and thankfulness. This individual response collectively strengthens the church, echoing God's mercy throughout the world.

CONCLUSION

Feathers for Arrows Mercy—Continual

MERCY—Continual

A BENEVOLENT person gave Mr. Rowland Hill a hundred pounds to dispense to a poor minister, and thinking it was too much to send him all at once, Mr. Hill forwarded five pounds in a letter, with simply these words within the envelope, “More to follow.” In a few days’ time, the good man received another letter by the post—and letters by the post were rarities in those days; this second messenger contained another five pounds, with the same motto, “And more to follow.” A day or two after came a third and a fourth, and still the same promise, “And more to follow.” Till the whole sum had been received the astonished minister was made familiar with the cheering words, “And more to follow.”

Every blessing that comes from God is sent with the selfsame message, “And more to follow.” “I forgive you your sins, but there’s more to follow.” “I justify you in the righteousness of Christ, but there’s more to follow.” “I adopt you into my family, but there’s more to follow.” “I educate you for heaven, but there’s more to follow.” “I give you grace upon grace, but there’s more to follow.” “I have helped you even to old age, but there’s still more to follow.” “I will uphold you in the hour of death, and as you are passing into the world of spirits, my mercy shall still continue with you, and when you land in the world to come there shall still be MORE TO FOLLOW.”