"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GOODNESS, AND HIS MERCY"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GOODNESS, AND HIS MERCY"

2nd Chronicles 5:13 For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud,

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

This verse, is part of a narrative of the moment when when the temple built by Solomon had been completed, and was about to be dedicated. Let's just break it down, and enjoy the truth and blessing found in it. 

1. God's people were united in their praise of God.
2nd Chronicles 5:13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying:

The people had worked hard and with joy to accomplish this wonderful task, and now at it's completion they were rejoicing together. They were God's people, and were united simply by their being Israelites, but, additionally, they were united in their worship of God. 

We today are also God's people, and while we are not building God's temple, we are actually the temple of God. Our bodies are His temple, and He dwells within each one of us. But, we are united by having been placed into Christ, and are united by virtue of sharing in His grace, His love, and His mercy. And, we can, and ought to express our unity when we gather together and sing the wonderful praises of our God, as so many have done down through the centuries. One day, we will join those in heaven, who are at this very moment praising God, along with the angelic beings, and what a day that will be. 

2. God's people declared, "For He is good"
2nd Chronicles 5:13b..... For He is good, 

Here is a declaration about the truth of who the Lord is. He is good. It's a simple phrase, but, it's profound in it's meaning and in it's truth. He has been good, He is good, and He will continue forever and ever to be good. 

What does it mean? It means, good, best, fair, fine, pleasant, agreeable, good and right in the ethical sense.
We only see God's darkly now through a glass as it were. But, one day, we will see Him face to face, and understand His goodness completely. But for now, which of us would not say He is good? He has been so good to the entire world, in providing a savior for all men, and any person who wants to can receive Christ, and receive the goodness of God into their lives. Here are two verses that I trust will be an encouragement to you about the goodness of the Lord.

Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

Psalm 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

3. God's people declared "For His mercy endures forever"
2nd Chronicles 5:13c For He is good, For His mercy endures forever

Not only is the Lord good, and that will never change, because He is unchanging in who He is. But, His mercy will endure, or continue forever. And forever, and ever, and ever. 

Right now, this very day, His mercy is a reality. His mercy has continued right up until this day. 

God's mercy, speaks of His compassion. That's essentially what mercy means, it's compassion.
It also means, His kindness, lovingkindness, goodness, favor, pity, and faithfulness. 

The people of God who were there dedicating the temple knew this about God, and that's why they were singing out about His mercy. You and I also know His mercy. And, we like they did, can sing it out from our hearts, honoring the Lord for His mercy. 

Psalm 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,

Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Some questions:

1. If asked, how would you describe the way God has been good to you?

2. Can you think of any other way's that God has been good to you?

3. How about His mercy, how has God been merciful to you?

4. Would You pray about how you might show and or tell others about God's goodness and His mercy?

A prayer:

Father, Thank You for who You are. Before were saved, we did not know these wonderful truths about You. in fact, we probably lived with a very distorted view of who You were. But, now that You have saved us, we are learning a little day by day about You. And, what a joy it is to grow in the grace and the knowledge of God. Thank You for Your goodness, and for Your mercy Lord. May we walk in those things, and may our lives be a living demonstration of who You are. May people see You in and through us. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia