On Mercies Errand

Michael E. Wood

January 11, 2013

“Art thou at peace with God? O then show no discontent at any affliction that God visiteth then withal! If he hath visited thee first with His mercy, thou hast reason to bid Him kindly welcome when He comes to visit thee with His rod. Thou hast sugar by thee now to sweeten thy bitter cup. When the prophet Samuel came to Bethlehem, it is said, ‘The elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably!’ 1^st Sam.16:4-5 Thus when God comes with some heavy affliction to us, it may make us tremble till we know what it comes for, whether peaceably or no. Now, if thou beest at peace with God the fear is over, it cannot but come peaceably; thou mayst conclude it comes on mercy’s ground.” William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour.

Whereas the vast majority of our prayers are directed through the Son, by the Spirit to the Father, there are occasions in which we may find ourselves communing with praise directly with the second or third person of the God-head. As a part of our purpose as members of the body of Christ is to suffer for His sake, we ‘fill up His afflictions’ as the apostle Paul has stated and rejoice in the knowledge that our labor is not in vain in the Lord Jesus Christ! To Him be the glory both now and forevermore. Amen!

On mercies errand affliction comes

To draw more sweetness from the tree

Acquainting us with suffering, 

Thou didst endure that we might flee

Into Thy arms of faithfulness

As shown by Thy unfailing love

Which bears us up amidst our weakness

With Your grace sent from above.

For as You teach us by Your Spirit,

Who intercedes for us within,

With groans which only You decipher,

Producing fruit, You glory in,

As more our transformation likens us

Unto Your image there

In light which none on earth can fathom

And with God the Father share.