“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and sin…” Exodus 34:6-7a
The forgiveness of the Almighty God. Is there any more resounding mark of greatness, than the mighty giving mercy to the weak? Shakespeare so beautifully painted mercy’s portrait, when he noted: “’Tis mightiest in the mightiest… It is enthroned in the hearts of kings; it is an attribute to God Himself; and earthly power doth then show likest God’s when mercy seasons justice…”
His mercy has walked with us, every step of our life.
In every failure, with every stumble or shortcoming… we turn with childlike trust to look on His fatherly face. Will it be holy vengeance we find scowling down in condemnation? No, child of God. For every heart that truly seeks Him, we look on His countenance and find only mercy streaming down.
“Remember Your mercy, O Lord, and Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of Your goodness, O Lord! …All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth toward them who honor His covenant…” Psalm 25:6-7, 10
As we walk in His presence, close to His covenant, mercy is our constant companion. There is no condemnation or fear than need hold us, when our hand is safely clasped in His.
Joseph and Mary so well knew this. They were walking a path in life they could never have comprehended… yet they went on, step by step, leaning ever harder into the mercy of God. He would sustain them. He would empower and give wisdom. He would provide and bring them safely to the purposes for which they were meant. These two, most especially entrusted with carrying close to their hearts the Baby Jesus—they walked faithfully, secure in that trust. They knew a good Father God would be constantly at their side, that His mercy would follow all the days of their lives.
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We Were Led Forth by Mercy (excerpt)
By: Amy Rutherford
…and so this journey began with faith.
…We obediently just carried on; we knew Your hope would keep us strong.
When the stars gave no light and the path bore no sign, we were led forth by mercy.
When You called, we obeyed… no need to be afraid. We were led forth by mercy.
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If God has called you to a path, He will be there with you, walking faithfully alongside You… never forsaking the children He has called by His own name.
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” Psalm 23:3-4a, 6a
-Amy Rutherford, 2023-
If you’d like to listen to “We Were Led Forth by Mercy,” it’s track 8 on our album streaming here:
http://artists.landr.com/064837238814
