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The world has turned pretty cold, and mercy can seem like an abstract concept. This is because we don't often experience or witness mercy in our daily lives. And being unfamiliar, most don't show it to others. This leads many to overlook that God is merciful. Some think He only shows mercy to certain people, such as those who believe in Him or those who are perfect. However, Apostle Paul said something different about God's mercy upon him in 1 Timothy 1:13 - Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
It may seem counterintuitive, but yes, those who are ignorant of the Lord's ways and act in unbelief receive mercy for the very fact that they know no better. Imagine punishing a baby for doing something it had no idea was wrong. God is not evil, so He doesn't deal with people that way. Instead, Jesus spilled His blood for each of us while we were sinners as an expression of God's love (Romans 5:8). He didn't wait for anyone to become more righteous before dying on the cross to restore sinners to the Almighty. If that's not a sign of mercy, nothing else could be.
However, things change when the gospel has been presented to a person. God is a gentleman, and He chases people, giving them opportunities to discover who He is through His Son. Jesus Himself said in Revelation 3:20 - “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends (NLT). If such a person ignores the invitation, then they've rejected Jesus and His Father. This is their right. Though, as with all choices, there are consequences. Since they have heard the gospel of Jesus, and likely seen His power, they are no longer ignorant but are stiff-necked. Still, God will beckon to them and encourage them to change their attitude and choose Him. If they do not turn to Him before meeting Him on the judgment seat, then mercy will no longer be available for them.
It's a similar situation for the believer who turns away from the Lord. We are not ignorant in the way an unbeliever is because we have witnessed God's power and encountered Jesus. In addition, we are expressly told not to backslide and warned of the outcome. 2 Peter 2:21 - It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life (NLT). Thus, if a child of God decides to stop obeying the Holy Spirit and doesn't return to God before standing in front of His judgment seat, then they would have also missed their chance at mercy.
Many people assume that they have ample time to choose Jesus. They don't want to be 'bothered' by God's word, thinking it a burden that will keep them from enjoying themselves. They think they can give their lives to Jesus in the far-off future. This attitude, however, ignores that nobody knows the exact day and time they will transition from this existence to the next. A young lady may say she'll live for Jesus and God when she turns 40, only to pass away a day before that birthday. And if she didn't choose Jesus before that moment, then God's mercy will no longer be an option because He gives people the chance to choose Him only while they are alive, not afterward.
Now is the time to seek and receive God's mercy. Isaiah 55:6 - Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near (NLT). He longs to forgive even the worst sinner, so a horrible past is no reason to delay choosing to live for Him and His Son. All He wants is for us to sincerely repent for our sins and take steps to live a life that shows we were changed by the grace received. We can't forget that the more a person rejects the gift of mercy, the more distance is created between them and the Lord. King Asa did that, and things didn't work out for Him.
King David took advantage of God's mercy after he killed the husband of the married woman he'd impregnated. He was imperfect yet received grace and was deemed a man after the Lord's own heart. And thanks be to God for Jesus, all people can do the same by repenting and asking for mercy. That way, they can experience God's compassion and unending mercy on this side of eternity. He is merciful and waiting to show this side of Himself to anyone who wants to know what that feels like. Don't let doubt, fear, or 'logic' make you hesitate. Ask to taste and see God's mercy today. God bless you.
As you await fellowship at Noon EST, learn how to open the door to Jesus by watching the video in the Altar Call below and reading the following previous P&P messages:
