What does "the tender mercy of our God" mean for believers today? Setting the Verse in Context Luke 1:78: “because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.” Zechariah’s prophecy celebrates God’s plan to send Jesus, the “rising sun,” to a dark and needy world. At the center of that plan stands the “tender mercy” of God. The Meaning of “Tender Mercy” • “Tender” (Greek splanchna) pictures deep, visceral compassion—love that starts in God’s very heart. • “Mercy” (eleos) speaks of God’s commitment to relieve misery and withhold deserved judgment. Together, the phrase reveals God’s heartfelt determination to act for our good. What Tender Mercy Meant Then • Mercy sent the Messiah: “the Sunrise” broke into history (Malachi 4:2). • Jesus demonstrated mercy to the sick, outcast, and sinner (Luke 4:18). • Mercy climaxed at the cross: “But God, being rich in mercy…made us alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5). • Mercy defeated death so the Dawn could “shine on those who sit in darkness” (Luke 1:79). What Tender Mercy Means for Believers Today • Assurance of God’s Heart – “The LORD is compassionate and gracious” (Psalm 103:8). – His mercies “are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Unshakeable Security – Salvation rests on mercy, not merit (Titus 3:4-5). • Daily Confidence – “Approach the throne of grace…to receive mercy” (Hebrews 4:16). • Motivation for Ministry – “Have mercy on those who doubt” (Jude 22). • Hope for the Future – We have a “living hope…according to His great mercy” (1 Peter 1:3). Living in Light of His Tender Mercy • Begin each day aware you stand under mercy, not condemnation. • Look for God’s compassionate heart as you read Scripture. • Extend the same patience and kindness you’ve received. • Let the Lord’s Supper remind you that mercy is tangible and personal. • In trials, cling to Romans 8:32: the God who gave His Son will not fail you now. The “tender mercy of our God” is a present, active reality—saving, sustaining, and shaping believers until the final sunrise of Christ’s return. |
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