I got an ol’ friend that I have been having discussions and fellowship with the Lord, and always enjoyed my visits with him.

But when I say I got “an ol’ friend”, I don’t want to give the impression I’ve known him all my life. No no no. When I say he is “an ol’ friend” I mean he is really really old. The ol’ coot is 85 days old, but acts like he is only 55. He has a long flowing white hair, sun tanned face and rides a three wheeled motorcycle.

Well I reached out to him for lunch recently, and I was glad he was able to spend some time with me. He spoke of his plans of moving to Hawaii, to the island of Kona, to living his last days there with his son who would follow him later on.

He is a great ol’ friend, but we usually end up in a spirited discussion on the goodness of God, or some topic that we “sharpen each other” with. It is always a mind bender!

This time, he had it in his craw that mercy was expressed at the cross for all believers, and that it was “dished out” once and for all, to all. According to Jerry’s position, mercy is not a component of God’s interaction with the saints on an ongoing basis, but was provided in a “lump sum” payment for the church at the Saviors death.

Interesting concept, and at first it appeared to have some value, but as my thoughts travelled around my skull, two items came to mind

My experience.

In my walk with Him, I have found that I have tripped, fallen and disobeyed to the point where my appropriate discipline, per my mind, was much greater than the mercy of the Lord in my life.

I spoke of the principle that Paul taught the Galatians, where he reiterated the concept of sowing and reaping in relation to general life decisions, and specifically on our decision to submit to the Spirit!

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

It is as if Paul had to correct the Galatians in their understanding of grace in their lives, that in the midst of a salvation based in grace, there are dangers if we depart from the way of the Lord.

Justice is a factor in our lives. Bad decisions bring about bad results, and yet I cannot emphasize enough that the Lord has treated my kindly, mercifully, even in the disciplinary teaching He has exercised on my soul.

Scripture

My second thought was the continual barrage of verses that seemed to scream in my head teaching of the ever present mercy of the Lord towards His people

Lamentations 3:22 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

Does Jeremiah really mean forever? Continually experiencing the mercy of the Lord? I tend to find in my heart that this truth is meant for each believer.

Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.

Even when under the disciplinary hand of the Lord, as He is teaching hard lessons, Habakkuk spoke of the Lord’s mercy. This particular verse is very precious to me as I enter difficult times, for I know the Lord is acting as a Father to me, not as a vindictive judge looking to punish.

Yes, but all of that is Old Testament truth Carl, and we are New Testament Christians. I knew the argument and a couple more verse came to mind before he could bring it up.

1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ok Carl, good point, but those verses are provided for preachers specifically, and we know they need mercy given the people they have to deal with!

Yet the truth stands that mercy is a very present and active gift of the Lord’s acts towards those who approach Him, to those who look to Him for guidance strength and wisdom. For every believer, my ol’ friend has access to the ever present quality of the mercy of the Lord in times of need.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

No matter what our discussions center around, we always leave each others presence with a heart of thankfulness for each other – well – at least in my heart towards him. You know, even in the middle of this discussion, I found myself wondering how I may exercise mercy towards my ol’ friend, for as I considered the mercy of God, I sensed the Lord was looking for an opportunity to show His mighty mercy to each of us!

Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

---

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion. If you know someone this blog may bless (or challenge), send them a link, so they may join us in our discussion

Come join us at Considering the Bible