That We Love Mercy (Lesson 2) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

2. That We Love Mercy

E. Remarks.

1. This is lesson 2, in the sermon-series entitled: "What doth God Require?" Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah, and both ministered in the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The name Micah means, "Who is like Jehovah?" The theme of Micah is: “To hear.” A recurring theme unto God's people: “The first of all commandments is to: Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord...There are no other commandments greater than these,” Mark 12:29-31. Isaiah prophesied in the king's court; while, Micah humbly spoke unto the ordinary people. Micah, like Amos prophesied strongly against immorality, social injustices, and the oppression of the poor, by the rich and powerful. These seem to be similar sins that now plague our Nation, along with the Coronavirus, COVID-19. Micah was answering the question of the people: “Wherewith shall I come before the LORD?” Micah responded: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good (righteous), and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:6-8. These are qualities of faith and obedience that God delights in His people. We will notice what God requires; and how, this Nation has: “fallen short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.

2. In this lesson, we will consider that God requires that: “we love mercy” and show compassion and goodwill unto all men. We are witnessing a time of sickness and death in America; none have seen, since the "flu pandemic of early 1900." What are missing during this pandemic are: love, mercy, and compassion for those that are sick and dying. This Nation has suffered the loss of over 120,000 people to the coronavirus; yet, not one religious leader has offered a prayer for this Nation. Instead of working together, we have an Administration thwarting the health and welfare of this Nation. The President is golfing, while the Nation is burying its dead in mass graves. There is no national policy, plan, or response to this terrible pandemic. Where is the mercy and compassion for the American people? Why don't our religious leaders speak out against what seems to be a terrible injustice to portions of America's population? Micah yet cries: “Who is a God like unto thee?” There is none so just as the King of Kings, and none so merciful, who pardons, “the remnant of His heritage.” And His: “hand is stretch out still to pardon and forgive Judah, and America of all her iniquities,” Isaiah 9:17. For if this Nation: "Should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though he is not far from every one of us,” Acts 17:27; Isaiah 55:6-11. With this brief introduction, let’s consider the lesson 2, in this sermon-series: “that we love mercy.”

BODY OF LESSON

II THAT WE LOVE MERCY

A. Micah wrote: “Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy,” Micah 7:18. Jehovah is a God of mercy.

Micah states the second thing God requires is that we be lovers of mercy and kindness. Observe--

1. The word “mercy” in Heb., is checed or kheh'·sed, which means kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; or (subjectively) beauty:—favor, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful, mercy, or to show pity.

2. God is merciful to all. David wrote:

a. First, “But I am like a green olive tree in God's house: I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever,” Psalms 52:8.

b. Further, “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation,” Psalms 13:5; Psalms 85:7.

c. Next, “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy,” Psalms 33:18; Psalms 147:11.

d. Additionally, “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works,” Psalms 145:8-9; Psalms 33:4.

e. Finally, “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations,” Psalms 100:5.

3. Jesus, our merciful High Priest. Paul wrote:

a. First, “Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people: for in that he hath suffered being tempted, he can succor them that are tempted,” Hebrews 2:17-18.

b. Further, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:1-2.