DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday 21 February 2023
TOPIC: Extended Grace
KEY VERSE
“And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.”
(2 Kings 3:14)
DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday 21 February 2023 MESSAGE
On many occasions, people have received favour or have had to enjoy certain privileges. This was not necessarily because they merited it, but because they were somewhat associated with people whose names and personality command respect. Some children have had doors of employment and other opportunities opened for them because of the goodwill of their parents and family ties.
Despite the iniquity of Jehoram, king of Israel, the Lord stood up for his sin-infested country against Moab. This was due to the intervention of Prophet Elisha who himself interceded on Israel’s behalf because of the presence of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. The Lord also provided the king of Israel and his livestock with water to drink, having gone without water for some time. Prophet Elisha made it clear that defeating Moab was a light thing before God.
The Lord put confusion in the camp of Moabites by making them see the water opposite them as blood of the kings who had come to fight them. He eventually gave Moab into the hands of Israel as He had promised through His prophet. Jehoram and the nation of Israel did not merit this act of mercy and the victory they got. They were only fortunate to have had God show them mercy because of Jehoshaphat, a righteous king. This is undeserved favour.
God does not deal with us as we always deserve. The favours we enjoy day by day are not really because we are strong or righteous enough. Sinners sometimes enjoy unmerited mercy from God by the reason of those they associate with.
It could be because of a praying mother or father, an interceding pastor or a concerned friend. When this happens, sinners should not take it for granted and continue in sin. Rather, it should elicit gratitude from them. And one way of expressing gratitude is by totally yielding to the Lord and obedience to His Words.
There is no guarantee that the favour and extended mercy you enjoy now will continue if you choose to remain in sin and disobedience. The sinner does not have a guaranteed future. Now is the set time to put things right and enjoy sonship rights and privileges that are interminable.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Forbearance and patience of God ought to evoke repentance in the sinner.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Luke 11-12
