Sermon by Pastor Nathan Johnson, 4/6/25
In a world that often seems devoid of compassion, where justice can be harsh and forgiveness scarce,
there’s a profound truth that offers hope and solace: the boundless mercy of God. This divine attribute is
not just a theological concept, but a life-changing reality that has the power to transform hearts and
restore souls.
The very essence of God’s character is steeped in mercy. Unlike human inclinations that tend towards
judgment and retribution, God’s disposition is to forgive offenders and adversaries, to help and spare
those in sorrowful plights. This inclination towards mercy is not something God had to learn or develop –
it is innate to His nature. While we as humans must often struggle to show mercy, for God, it flows
naturally and effortlessly.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of God’s mercy is its impartiality. In a society where favoritism
and discrimination run rampant, God’s mercy extends to all, regardless of status, ethnicity, morality, or
history. This universal reach of divine compassion challenges our own biases and limited perspectives. It
reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness.
The Psalmist David, in Psalm 103, gives voice to this awe-inspiring attribute of God. He acknowledges
and appreciates the mercy of God, recognizing it as something that defies human logic and surpasses
human capacity. It’s a mercy that doesn’t just forgive once or twice, but endures forever. Unlike our own
finite patience and limited forgiveness, God’s mercy is infinite–unbounded, unending, and inexhaustible.
This infinite nature of God’s mercy is beautifully captured in the phrase “from everlasting to everlasting.” It speaks of a compassion that existed before time began and will continue long after time as we know it
ends. In the face of such enduring love, our own tendency to put limits on forgiveness – “I’ve had it up to
here!” – seems small and shortsighted.
But God’s mercy isn’t just about forgiveness. It’s rooted in a deep, intimate knowledge of who we are. The
Passion Translation of Psalm 103:14 says, “You know all about us, inside and out. You are mindful that
we are made of dust.” This insight into God’s mercy is profoundly comforting. In a world where we often
feel misunderstood or overlooked, God sees us completely. He knows every hair on our head, every
heartbeat, every blink of our eye. He understands us perfectly, needing no explanation or interpretation
from others.
This perfect knowledge doesn’t lead to rejection but to compassion. Because God knows us so intimately,
He extends mercy to us, recognizing our frailties and needs. It’s a beautiful paradox – the One who knows
us best loves us most.
The Hebrew language offers rich insights into the nature of God’s mercy through three key words. The
first, “hessa,” speaks of God helping us anyway, despite our broken promises and failures. It’s tied to His
tenacious commitment to the covenant He’s made with us. The second, “racham,” paints a picture of God
hugging us through our suffering. It’s linked to the protective, nurturing environment of a womb,
suggesting God’s tender care in our most vulnerable moments.
The third word, “chamal,” goes even deeper. It means to bear, to spare, and to become responsible for.
This aspect of God’s mercy finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and
resurrection, Jesus bore our burdens, spared our lives, and took responsibility for our sins.
The narrative of Jesus’ life and sacrifice is a powerful illustration of this merciful love in action. From His
humble birth in a manger to His profound teachings, from His miracles of healing and restoration to His
ultimate sacrifice on the cross, every aspect of Jesus’ earthly journey demonstrated the depths of God’s
mercy. Even in the face of betrayal and cruel injustice, Jesus exemplified forgiveness and compassion.
The resurrection stands as the ultimate triumph of mercy over judgment, of life over death. It offers hope
that God’s mercy is not just a reprieve, but an eternal reality that can transform our lives both now and
forever.
This boundless mercy of God extends an invitation to all. It’s not reserved for the perfect or the deserving
but freely offered to everyone who would receive it. The beauty of this divine mercy is that it meets us
exactly where we are – with all our issues, disorders, and doubts – and begins the work of transformation
from that point.
Reflecting on God’s mercy challenges us to extend the same grace to others. In a world that can be quick
to judge and slow to forgive, we’re called to be channels of this divine compassion. It invites us to look
beyond surface-level differences and see the inherent worth in every individual, just as God does.
Moreover, recognizing the depth of God’s mercy towards us should inspire gratitude and worship. When
we truly grasp how much we’ve been forgiven and how tenderly we’re loved, our response can only be
one of thankfulness and praise.
In conclusion, the mercy of God stands as a beacon of hope in an often merciless world. It’s a love that
helps, hugs, and holds back judgment. It’s a compassion that knows us completely yet accepts us
unconditionally. As we contemplate this boundless mercy, may we be inspired to receive it fully, extend it
generously, and live in the freedom and joy it provides. In doing so, we not only experience
transformation in our own lives but become agents of change in a world desperately in need of
compassion and grace.