TOPIC: ASK FOR MERCY
MEMORIZE:
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
READ: Luke 18:10-14
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
MESSAGE
A brilliant Bible study leader always taught married couples that when the wife is pregnant and is about to deliver, all they need do is bind all the bindables, loose all the loosables, command the baby to come out, and the baby will be delivered easily.
When he got married, and his wife became pregnant and was about to deliver, he said the same prayers, but the baby did not come out. After his wife had been in labor for three days, he fell on his face and said, "God, just have mercy on me." When he went back to see his wife, their baby had been delivered safely.
God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4); His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him (Psalm 103:17). In Mark 1:40-42, a leper came to and said, "I know you can heal me if you are willing." Jesus, moved with compassion, said, "I will," and He did.
Beloved, when your prayers don't seem to be answered, just ask God for mercy; He hardly ignores such a plea. In today's Bible reading, Jesus told the story of two fellows who went to the temple to pray. One of them, a Pharisee, told God about all his good deeds; the other, a publican, bowed his head and said, "God be merciful to me, a sinner." The man who cried for mercy was the one who returned home justified. When you ask for mercy, you acknowledge your helplessness before God, and He will respond to you with help. Bartimaeus' cry for mercy reached Jesus' ears, and he got his miracle. He didn't only receive his sight: Jesus made him whole (Mark 10:46-52). The woman from Tyre and Sidon cried for mercy on behalf of her demon possessed daughter, and Jesus helped her (Matthew 15:21-28).
Those who ask God for mercy never leave empty-handed. You need God's mercy when things are good and when they are not so good. You need mercy when you are in need and when you are satisfied. When in need, God's mercy will bring you answers to problems, and in good times, His mercy will preserve your blessings. The cry for mercy shouldn't only be on the lips of those who are in trouble and need urgent help; even those who live in abundance and believe they don't have problems must ask for mercy so nothing will tamper with their blessings.
ACTION POINT
Go ahead and ask for mercy in every area of your life.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 11-13
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN 15: PASS ME NOT O GENTLE SAVIOUR
1. Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
Refrain:
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
2. Let me at a throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.
3. Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.
4. Thou the Spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in heav'n but Thee?
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