" I Desired Mercy,and not sacrifice" said God through the mouth of His prophet Hos(6:6)ie, rather than sacrifice,and insisted upon the knowledge of God more than upon burnt offerings.Mercy here is the same word which is rendered "goodness"(verse 4),chesed, piety,sanctity.It is put for all practical religion.It is the same which charity in the New testament,the reigning love of God and our neighbor; and is,accompanied with,and flowing from,the knowledge of God,as He has revealed himself in his word,a firm believe that he is,and is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him,a good affection to divine things,guided by a good judgement which can't produce a very good conversation ie that which God,why his covenant requires.
1.Covenant mercy
He here refers to the covenant which he made with his servant Moses.For it is God's grace and goodness that gives the law especially remedial law.The pardon of Israel's,sinning worshiping calf was now to pass the seals,and by this declaration would let them know that he pardoned"merely out of his own good pleasure"not for there merit sake, but from his own inclination to forgive.The proclaiming of it notes the universal extent of Gods mercy.He is not only good to Israel,but good to all.
(a) "He is merciful".this speaks is pity and tender compassion,like that of a father to his children.He is gracious,he is long suffering and he is abundant in goodness and truth.
2.Mercy is man's only hope.
What else can sinners trust but God's mercy? in the parable of the pharisee and publican the lord Jesus contrasts the emptiness of pharisees merit with the fullness of God's mercy as vouchsafed to the penitent publican(Luke 18:1-14).
Publican's prayer was short fear and shame hindered him from saying much."God be merciful to a sinner;.And bless be God that we have this prayer upon record as an answered prayer.
3.Pardoning mercy is connected with all other spiritual mercy's.
Unpardonable sin prevent mercy and pulls down judgments,but the pardon of sin prevent judgement and opens a wide door to all spiritual blessings.It is the effect of that mercy ie is from everlasting,and earnest of that mercy that shall be to everlasting.
"Oh,give thanks to the lord,for he is good:for his mercy endures for ever"(Ps 136:1)God is merciful to us.His mercy is eternal.There was never a time when God was not merciful.'Mercy' is a judicial term because a judge gives a guilty offender a lesser sentence than what is deserved. God gives a eternal life instead of eternal death.This mercy is limited and personal to those who do receive it (Rom 9:22).God's mercy is tender and intended to create mercy in us(luke1:78-79) God's mercy is showered up on whole creation by His blood.
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