"We are not consumed."
"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not." Laminations 3:22
"What is man that Thou art mindful of him?" The psalmist once asked his Lord. People throughout history have caused God so much grief, and yet, He continues to show enduring mercy, and we are not consumed. The compassion of God fails not, the verse says above, and it is of the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, as we should be because of our own sin and unrighteousness. Our iniquity was laid on Christ, the Lamb of sacrifice on the Calvary cross, He bore our grief and took our sorrow upon Himself, and by His stripes we are healed. What greater mercy and compassion was shown than on that day?
We see the Lord with His people, even in the midst of trouble, He is there and will never forsake. We see the three young ones in the fiery furnace, but they would not burn, neither were they consumed and not even the smell of smoke was on their hair. It is a picture of us Christians in trials and troubles, because it is as a trying fire, to purify the vessel of clay that our Potter may be pleased. The love of God holds this earth up, even though it should be cast away with all the shame with it, but the compassion of the Lord fails not, His mercy endures and we are not consumed. Think on this, and consider what great things God has done, for it is good for the mind and healing to the soul, calming the heart. Rejoice and be glad in Him, for He is God with never failing compassion and it is of His tender mercies that we are not consumed. It is not His will that any should perish, but that all should be saved. Call Him with a trusting heart and a faithful soul, in truth call His name, and He will answer you and be with you in trouble. When you pass through the fire, you see His loving hand by thee, and when you pass through deep waters, you see His love and saving power, even in the darkest hour. It is of the mercy and compassion of the Lord that I write this note, and that your eyes are reading or if your ears are hearing it. He is showing you that He loves you, and my reader understand that it is the Lord who makes you stand with the strength you think you carry on your own. But it is of the Lord's mercies and compassion. It is not in us or of man, but of God.
In the heavenly Home, there are many mansions above, prepared and persevered for the chosen. It is of the Lord's mercies and compassion that we enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name.
A devotion of the Lord's compassion.
March 6, 2002