Don’t Mess with Mercy

“The Ephraimites, armed with the bow,
    turned back on the day of battle.
They did not keep God’s covenant,
    but refused to walk according to his law.
They forgot his works
    and the wonders that he had shown them.
In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders
    in the land of Egypt…
He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
    and made the waters stand like a heap.
In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
    and all the night with a fiery light.
He split rocks in the wilderness
    and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
He made streams come out of the rock
    and caused waters to flow down like rivers.

Yet they sinned still more against him,
    rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
They tested God in their heart
    by demanding the food they craved.
They spoke against God, saying,
    ‘Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
He struck the rock so that water gushed out
    and streams overflowed.
Can he also give bread
    or provide meat for his people?’

Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of wrath;
    a fire was kindled against Jacob;
    his anger rose against Israel,
because they did not believe in God
    and did not trust his saving power.
Yet he commanded the skies above
    and opened the doors of heaven,
and he rained down on them manna to eat
    and gave them the grain of heaven.
Man ate of the bread of the angels;
    he sent them food in abundance.
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
    and by his power he led out the south wind;
he rained meat on them like dust,
    winged birds like the sand of the seas;
he let them fall in the midst of their camp,
    all around their dwellings.
And they ate and were well filled,
    for he gave them what they craved.
But before they had satisfied their craving,
    while the food was still in their mouths,
the anger of God rose against them,
    and he killed the strongest of them
    and laid low the young men of Israel.

In spite of all this, they still sinned;
    despite his wonders, they did not believe.” Psalm 78:9-32

Songs written for generations to come traced the hand and heart of God as they revealed the sin-stained folly of man. His mercies and faithfulness are highlighted against the poor choices of people, magnifying His glorious character against their fallen one. Such kindness, such deliverance, such victories are easily put aside for personal pride.

God does and does for His own, always looking on them in love, always working for their good. His wonders are beyond measure or count, His promises never fail, His supply is sufficient. Yet man, willful and fickle in selfish preferences, cocky with self confidence and determination, turns his back.

While every good gift from the Creator is available, we rebel in thought and deed. God’s mercy spans our sin, but it will not be continually mocked. Those who do not believe in Him, forget His works, and do not trust His saving power will reap what they sow. (Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10-11; Galatians 6:7; James 1:17)

Where are we dangerously messing with God’s mercy? How have we allowed a shallow understanding of His grace to give license to sin? Where need we repent? (Romans 6:1-2)

Merciful Lord, keep my face, heart, and song toward You always.