Mercy 249

It’s in the Old Testament more than once. The Hebrew word is CHESED (that’s the transliteration, go ahead and spell it out) KESED, put a heavy emphasis on the K.  The writers of the Old Testament knew that when they wanted to use the BIG word.  It had to be all encompassing.  The KJV calls it “lovingkindness” the NIV refers to it as “unfailing love”.  It’s both.  As Jeremiah watched his beloved city be taken over by the Babylonian army, he recorded his laments.  The book of Lamentations is a short book.  It’s only ? chapters, but he uses this word four times. (Lam. 3:21–23, 31–33) Lamentations 3:21-23, however is a striking high note for such a serious lament.  It reminds me that in the darkest moments of a persons life, the mercy of God does not diminish.  Jeremiah says in verse 21, this I will call to mind, therefore I have hope (CSB) Here is the rest of it: “Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22–23 CSB17) What do you find is your need of help today?  Over 200 times in the Old Testament the writers drilled home this fact. His mercies never end.  His love never ceases! Praise God!