Your "Set Time" of Opportunity Has Come!
The Vines Expository Dictionary defines "mercy" in this way: "Mercy is the outward manifestation of compassion; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it."
God's mercy is not only for people who make mistakes. Mercy is for people who want to help and serve others. The biblical Hebrew and Greek words for "time" carry the idea of "opportunity" or a "set time." (As in Ephesians 5:16)
According to Vines, mercy works in two directions. 1) God comes to the aid of people in need. 2) God provides resources for people who show mercy and want to help others.
Through mercy what begins as trouble or difficulty becomes the "set time" for God and merciful people to bring help and new opportunities!
This is what Joseph experienced after being sold into slavery, or jailed after being falsely accused. (Gen. 39:20-23) Through God's mercy, his "set time" transformed his trouble and made him the Prime Minister of Egypt and put him in position to provide mercy, and provision, for his whole family when famine came.
This is what Jesus did for us when we were lost and in sin: Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
In the midst of your trouble, choices, or willingness to help others, God's mercy will provide a "set time" of favor and opportunity. Expect it!
0 comments :