TEXT: ESTHER 4:14
''For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knowest whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?''
It is carefully observed that any act of mercy from God, is primarily for the glory of His name and the prosperity of His chosen people on earth. Acts of mercy from God, it must be noted, consist not only in such that brings ease or comforts alone, but inclusive of those that cross our freedom and joys: for there is mercy in every bruise from God's hand. Sometimes He chastises us in order to share His holiness with us; Saul would find a throne and crown, by the loss of his asses and the sorrows attendant thereto; and Joseph would lose his coat of sundry colors to bring the entire world to her kneels before him. When mercy or blessing of any kinds leave His hand, it comes to man with two basic reasons: the glory of His name, and the prosperity of His elect, the church militant. Upon these two premises does He always work. Who ever He favors, He does that for these two purposes. With mercy, comes responsibilities. So, to improve and honor mercy, consist in discovering the purpose for which it was given and making same actual. Blind or ill-informed saints, see God's mercy, but fail to see the assignments that come therewith. An instructed Christian, at the coming of any mercy or blessing, inquires for the purpose of such kindness from God. He knows that no act of God is pointless and idle, but all of His moves, are for a reason. Friends, do you know the attendant assignment for your present state of comfort and ease? Mercy is deemed wasted when the purpose for it is not achieved. Mercy is abused if the reason thereof is not known. Afflictions, allowed or commanded by God, are mercy in disguise: those who know this, see no sting in any affliction that entails them.