The word “mercy” is a much-used word in Scripture. One source suggested that it is used 296 times in the Old Testament (“O. T.”) and forty-three times in the New Testament (“N. T.”). We often refer to the agape love of God as His most prominent attribute, but perhaps the term mercy should supersede it? One of my sources suggested that “mercy…is the cornerstone characteristic of God.” The dictionary defines “mercy” as this: “compassionate treatment, especially under one’s power; or a disposition to be kind and forgiving.”
The historical Christian church has incorporated the phrase, kyrie eleison, into its liturgy for centuries. The modern-day translation is, “LORD have mercy.” As my previous source quote reminds us, the word mercy is used very frequently, thus it must be important. I believe it! God’s mercy indeed shows His strength – yes, His greatness and even gentleness. These attributes connect His mercy with His agape love. How? Well, to be shown mercy is a statement of grace – that is, God’s righteousness at Christ’s expense (GRACE).
If we go back to the O. T. time of Moses, we see an extraordinary example of God’s grace. Moses had conversations with his LORD. In Exodus 33, we see one such event. Here we see where Moses asked to see God’s glory. And the LORD said, “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim My name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” (Exodus 33:19ff, paraphrased) Remember, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and chose him to lead His people from captivity to the Promised Land. Now, Moses may have shown his doubt. Or, perhaps wanted to experience the God who had done marvelous deeds to deliver His people from the hands of Pharaoh’s army.
I found an intriguing article (www.desiringgod.org) that is entitled, “Have Mercy on Me: Four Glimpses into the Heart of God.” The author leads off with this statement, “The mercy of God is one of the most precious realities in the world.” Just as Moses experienced the great mercies of God, we too can see Him in a similar light. The same author made this very memorable comment, “…wrath is His righteous response to evil, but it is not His heart. Justice is the stem; mercy is the flower.”
King David is perhaps the most prominent example of God’s mercy to him and to his constituents, i.e. Israel. In my book, Reflection: Journey through the Psalms,” I entitled chapter 86, “Slow to Anger: Abounding in Love.” This psalm of David is in line with his many lament-type psalms. In my exposition, I created a table as follows:
| Cry (Plea) Help | Request or Response |
| Hear…Answer | I am poor and needy |
| Guard my life | I am devoted to You |
| Save your servant | Who trusts in You |
| Have mercy | I call on You all day long |
| Bring joy | I lift up my soul |
| Hear…listen | For mercy |
| I call | You answer |
Chapter 86, page 193
David indeed relied on God’s mercy. Even though he was God’s chosen one to lead Israel, he was a sinner and in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. His sin was ever before him as evidenced by his many lamenting songs of despair.
Israel did continue for a time but fell back in the sins of old that resulted in their captivity by the evil leaders of Babylon. Jeremiah, the prophet, is often referred to as the “Weeping Prophet.” Why? He lived in the time of the decline and Israel’s removal their land. Jeremiah also penned his book of lament called “Lamentations.” In his chapter three he states, “the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness…” (Lamentations 3:19ff, paraphrased)
God indeed saw their despair and again delivered them back to their homeland. The journey back was overtime and their rebuilding efforts – from temple to the wall – was lengthy. Their time without interference was not long as they fell prey to the Roman control over their country. Again, enslaved but this time in their own land. But the time was being fulfilled from ages past – again due to God’s great mercy and love. This time He gave His people the greatest example of His mercy ever recorded, that is, His Son, Jesus, the Christ. As we look back to the numerous examples of God’s mercy, none can compare to His ultimate example of donating His one and only Son for our transgressions and to deliver us to His new Jerusalem, i.e. with Him in eternity.
St. Paul marveled at God’s mercy. First, to him! Yes, he was an adversary of the LORD as he attempted to eliminate the Way. But, God in His mercy, chose him to be an emissary for the true God. In his many epistles, Paul remarks at Jesus’ examples of mercy: see examples of Jesus’ compassion/mercy in Matthew’s gospel.
- Matthew 15:22: Canaanite woman
- Matthew 17:16: Epileptic boy
- Matthew 20:30: Blind men
These examples of Jesus’ compassion and mercy are only exceeded by His Father’s mercy for our redemption. Yes, the ultimate example of mercy can be in none other than Jesus’ final sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary for your sins and mine. That is mercy packaged in love. Today’s human form of mercy fails to show the same degree of mercy that is defined in God’s only Son, Jesus. Many of our church’s services include the phrase, “LORD have mercy.” As we pray each week to seek the mercy of our LORD for our continuing failure to abide in His will, we continue to go to Him in prayer for forgiveness, yes, “LORD have mercy.”
Listen to the words of the hymnist “Kyrie! God, Father.”
Kyrie! God, Father in heav’n above,
You abound in gracious love,
Of all things the maker and preserver.
Eleison, Eleison! Kyrie!
O Christ, our King.
Salvation for all You came to bring.
O LORD Jesus, God’s only Son.
Our mediator as the heav’nly throne;
Hear our cry and grant our supplication.
Eleison, Eleison!
Kyrie! O God the Holy Ghost.
Guard our faith, the gift we need the most.
And bless our life’s last hour.
That we may leave this sinful world with gladness.
Eleison, Eleison!
(LSB 942)
Yes, Jesus is the vessel (of God’s mercy and love) containing the sins of the world; proving once for all that He is indeed merciful. Praise God for His unfailing love for His creation so that, in faith, we appear blameless.
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
