2 Timothy 1:18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus… I. AN IMPORTANT SEASON. "That day." The day is that which is elsewhere called "the last day," because then the end of this world's history, as a place of trial at least, will be come; it is called also "the great day," because then scenes unparalleled before in grandeur will be unfolded, and affairs that have never been surpassed in magnitude will be transacted — such scenes and affairs as will throw into the shade the most splendid spectacles and momentous transactions of time. II. AN IMPORTANT BLESSING. For a man to find mercy even now, amid the trials and changes and imperfections of this present life, is to be truly blessed. It is to have guaranteed to him all that is included in eternal life — that gift of God — that munificent donation of infinite mercy. Nor will the largess be diminished, or the security invalidated, on the day of judgment. 1. There are many considerations besides which go to illustrate the high importance and exceeding desirableness of mercy on that day; and one of these is, that it will then be felt to be peculiarly needful. 2. Another consideration, tending to enhance the value of the blessing, is that it will not be shared in by all. This is obviously implied in the apostle's intercessory petition. If the mariner who is saved from the wreck, when all his shipmates are lost, estimates his preservation more highly than he who has returned to the desired haven with them all in safety, must it not seem a glorious benefit to appear as "vessels of mercy prepared unto glory," when many fellow-sinners are found to be "vessels of wrath fitted to destruction"? 3. Another consideration still, which may well exalt the blessing in our eyes, is that if mercy be not found then, it will never be found. 4. And yet another circumstance which magnifies the value of the blessing is, that the condition of those by whom mercy shall not then be found will be pre-eminently wretched. Not to find mercy on that day is to be undone, altogether and eternally undone.Lessons: 1. If mercy is to be found at last, it must be sought now. 2. Again, if mercy is to be found at all, it must be sought through the mediation of Christ. 3. And, in fine, if mercy is to be found of the Lord, it must be sought in His service. (D. Davidson.) Parallel Verses KJV: The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. |
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