| The Grapevine Number 88 September 25, 2004 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 God’s Goodness, Mercy & Grace by Jack Northart A bad reputation is hard to get rid of. It does not matter if the bad reputation stems from anything factual or not; once it is attached to someone or something, it sticks like glue. Take the Ford Edsel, for instance. It wasn’t really a bad car, but the critics that came out first talking about its bad looks, caused it to lose popularity before it ever got to the market. To this day, the term “Edsel” conjures up visions of a loser, and no one wants to be associated with a loser. One of the worst examples of a bad reputation that has ever existed, is the reputation that our God and Heavenly Father has of being this mean, nasty, vengeful God. The reason that this is the worst example of a bad reputation is because it is simply not true. Our God is a good God, and His goodness, love and grace are His hallmark. But that rarely gets noticed in our day and time. People live in fear and anxiety of doing something wrong and that God will be there to strike them down with His mighty hand. Does God have the ability to do this? In reading records in the Old Testament and in the Book of Revelation, we see God’s vengeance being carried out toward the unbelievers of that time. But when it comes to His children in the Grace Administration in which we live, vengeance is never mentioned toward us in any of the seven Church Epistles. To the contrary, God's goodness and grace is to be ever abounding in our lives. It is God’s goodness that brings a man to repentance. Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? It is God’s will that we be blessed with His goodness, mercy and grace. Ephesians 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. These verses in Ephesians express God’s heart’s desire for us, rather than His wrath and vengeance. He says that He wants us to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man. A person isn’t going to derive this strength if he thinks that God is out to “get him.” A person will not be rooted and grounded in love if he thinks God is against him and is just waiting for him to mess up so that His wrath will be put upon him. Our God is a good God. His goodness is found throughout the Scriptures. Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. The word “follow” in this verse is the word “pursue”. God’s goodness and mercy will pursue us all the days our lives. It is not just trailing behind us as we go through life, but rather is chasing us down until it catches us. He is benevolent in spite of ingratitude. His mercy is His lovingkindness. God likes people to know about His goodness. His goodness and mercy are constant. Exodus 18:9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. God cared for Israel in the wilderness. He took care of their every need and answered their prayers, in spite of some ingratitude on their part. Psalm 21:1-3 The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. For thou preventest [goes before] him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head. God answers prayer and pours out blessings. It’s His desire to bless, to help, to support and to show His goodness toward His people. In Psalm 107, the goodness of God is mentioned many times. The entire context of Psalm 107 is about the goodness of our God. Each verse that talks about God’s goodness is prefaced with certain acts which He has and will perform for His people. As you read Psalm 107 in its entirety, you get the idea that God wants us to know about His goodness once again. Psalm 107:8,15,21,31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Then comes the last verse of Psalm 107 which summarizes the entire point being made. Psalm 107:43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. This verse qualifies those who recognize all of the good things that God does and will do as “Whoso is wise.” Wisdom comes from reading, studying and applying God’s Word to begin with. If you are wise, you will observe these things spoken about in Psalm 107. Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. It took a great deal of walking in idolatry before God got angry with people in the Old Testament. Many times, prior to His people falling into captivity, God would warn them over and over again that they needed to turn back and walk with Him again. His compassion was ever abounding and He would do whatever He could to keep them out of trouble. Lamentations 3:22-26 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. God is good to them that wait, hope or trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. God is faithful to show forth His goodness. He is a stronghold in the day of trouble and we are blessed as we trust in Him. He is looking for ways to show us His goodness, mercy and grace. He’s not out to “get us.” He’s not seeking an occasion to make our lives miserable so that we are “more humble.” God is willing and able to pour out blessing after blessing upon our lives. It is now up to us to see them, appreciate them, and be thankful for them. Psalm 106:1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Return to main page |