Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Our study of the ‘three critical words in the dictionary of salvation’ continues this Lord’s Day as we consider the word “mercy.” Our text is, of course, 2 John 1:3 where the beloved Disciple of Jesus declares that in God our Father and in His Son Jesus we have an overflowing abundance of “grace, mercy, and peace.”
In order to understand this wonderful term “mercy” we have to do much more than consult the dictionary. We have to look carefully at how this word is used by the Biblical authors in the various contexts in which it appears. Like the word “grace” that we studied last week, “mercy” was another one of those terms that was essentially redefined by believers, and injected with deep significance in the light of God’s plan to redeem fallen sinners. And like “grace,” the “mercy” that we know and experience in our blessed Savior will prove to be more amazing than we could ever imagine.
Here’s a little hint that will help you prepare your heart and mind for our sermon. Take a look at Leviticus 16:1-19. There you will find reference to a piece of sacred furniture called the “mercy seat” that was located in the tabernacle, in the “Holy Place” (16: 2, 16). See what you can find out about this special solid gold cover for the ark of the covenant, and how it might help us as we seek to understand what God’s “mercy” really is.
Have a most blessed weekend, and I can’t wait to see you on Sunday morning!
I love you all so much,
Mike
Connecting With the Catechism
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 70. Which is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Ex. 20:14; Deut. 5:18
Q. 71. What is required in the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment requireth the preservation of our own and our neighbour’s chastity, in heart, speech, and behavior.
I Cor. 7:2-3, 5; I Thess. 4:3-5
Q. 72. What is forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.
Matt. 5:28; Eph. 5:3-4