Young Adults' Group

Abundant Mercies

by Pastor Mark
September 30, 2021

Responding well to the problems of life

As we face the difficulties of life, it is not easy to respond appropriately. The daily rise in the number of COVID-19 cases continues to be high and we are concerned whether it would spread to our loved ones or ourselves. Further restrictions have also been imposed. As a result, our plans have to be adjusted or shelved altogether. How do we respond to these challenges?

We could respond negatively by being worried or fearful. We could end up being frustrated, upset and complaining about our difficulties. Let us avoid such negative responses. Let us learn from the example of the Apostle Peter, who amidst suffering, sought to bless the Lord, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again.” (1 Peter 1:3) He was encouraging the pilgrims, who had been scattered, to praise the Lord (1 Peter 1:1). One thing that the Peter learnt to bless the Lord for was God’s abundant mercy. How did Peter come to have this understanding?

Blessing God for His abundant mercies

The Apostle Peter used the word “abundant” to describe “mercy” (1 Peter 1:3). It was the kind of mercy that came from God. It described what Peter had personally experienced in his life. He saw an abundance of mercy shown to him throughout his life.

1. Before salvation

Before Peter came to salvation, he had a few encounters with the Lord Jesus. His brother, Andrew, brought him to see the Lord (John 1:40–42). Peter also saw the Lord Jesus heal his mother-in-law (Luke 4:38–39). But there was no response of faith from Peter through these encounters. Peter did not respond even though the Lord Jesus was reaching out to him. Jesus showed mercy and kindness by patiently waiting for him to respond. He did not give up on Peter. Even though I had grown up in church and had knowledge of the Lord Jesus, it took a long time before I responded in faith too. God showed mercy to me again and again also.

2. At salvation (Luke 5:1–8)

Peter and his friends spent a whole night fishing and caught nothing. The Lord Jesus told Peter to launch their nets into the deep. He did a special miracle and filled their nets with fish till they were breaking. Humbly, Peter recognised Jesus as Lord and knelt before Him. He felt a deep sense of unworthiness before the holy presence of the Lord Jesus. At the same time, he saw his own sinfulness. The Lord expressed mercy in forgiving Peter of all the sins that he had committed. He showed grace and mercy by calling Peter to follow Him, and Peter did. I thank God for the His mercy and grace shown in forgiving me of my many sins. Let us bless the Lord for the abundant mercy given in our salvation.

3. After salvation

After salvation, Peter began to follow the Lord Jesus. But there also came personal failures in the life of Peter. One significant failure was his denial of the Lord Jesus. Despite Jesus’ warning of his denial, Peter ignored what He had said. Peter did deny the Lord three times and was devastated by it (Matt 26:69–75). The Lord was indeed merciful to Peter when He reached out to him and restored him (John 21). He called upon Peter to love His flock, which he must be committed to doing. In a multitude of mercy, the Lord loved and restored Peter. Even though I have experienced my share of failures in my life, the Lord was faithful and showed His great mercy towards me. No matter what kind of challenges we may be facing, let us respond well by blessing God for His abundant mercies.

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