DATE: Tuesday 28 April 2026
TOPIC: “FRUIT OF DIVINE ALIGNMENT: MERCY”
TEXT: Ruth 4:16-22; Ps. 103:17
MEMORY VERSE: “…. now at last Naomi has a son again!” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David” – Ruth 4:17.
The mercy of the Lord is one of His attributes and nature that He bestows on the broken hearted, down cast spirit, eyes that drop tears, souls that are troubled. Naomi not only lost her husband and in quick succession, her two sons – tears upon tears! However, like Hagar’s tears (Gen 21:15-18), Naomi and Ruth’s tears will never be ignored by a merciful God.
God’s mercy or unfailing love is eternal! It endures from generation to generation of those who are in proper alignment with Him (Ps. 103:17). Consider David (a grandson of Obed), in 1 Chronicles 17:1-2, and God’s promise in 1Chr. 17:13-14. God’s eternal mercy thus extended beyond the tragedies to eternal redemption and salvation through our Lord Jesus. God’s promises to David remained eternally true!
Recipients of God’s mercy, liken it to favour and unmerited grace. Hear Paul in Gal 1:13-16 & Eph. 2:3-5, that God’s mercy rises above our human frailties or even perfection (1 Tim 1:13; Rom 9:15).
In our low moments: either loss or sin, rather than giving in to despair and despondency, we should cry out to God for mercy. Naomi’s confusion and tears (Ruth 1:9-13) attracted heaven’s tender mercy, resulting in the blessings of her neighbours (Ruth 4:14-17), while clutching a baby boy again in joy.
PRAYER: Merciful God, I come to You in my lowly estate and I humbly ask that You fill the void and emptiness in my soul and turn them to joy in Jesus Name, Amen.