The Lord's Mercies
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting God's mercy, warning against the consequences of mocking it in today's society.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of God's mercy as represented by the ark of the covenant in ancient Israel, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ. He warns against mocking God's mercy, highlighting that such actions lead to swift judgment, as demonstrated by the Philistines' fate when they captured the ark. Wilkerson reflects on America's current state, suggesting that the nation has been spared judgment due to God's enduring mercy, which he believes is a call for repentance. He encourages believers to remain hopeful despite the corruption and mockery of God's truth, affirming that God's mercies are everlasting and His control is absolute.
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In ancient Israel, the ark of the covenant represented the mercy of the Lord, a powerful truth that came to be embodied in Christ. We are to receive his mercy, trust in the saving blood of his mercy, and be saved eternally. So, you can ridicule the law, you can mock holiness, you can tear down everything that speaks of God. But when you mock or ridicule God's mercy, judgment comes--and swiftly. If you trample on his blood of mercy, you face his awful wrath.
That's exactly what happened to the Philistines when they stole the ark. Deadly destruction came down on them until they had to admit, "This isn't just chance or happenstance. God's hand is clearly against us." Consider what happened when the ark was taken into the heathen temple of Dagon, to mock and challenge Israel's God. In the middle of the night, the mercy seat on the ark became a rod of judgment. The next day, the idol Dagon was found fallen on its face before the ark, its head and hands cut off (see 1 Samuel 5:2-5).
Beloved, this is where America should be today. We should have been judged long ago. I say to all who mock and challenge the mercy of God: Go ahead, try all you want to bring Christ's church under the power of secularism or agnosticism. But if you mock the mercy of Christ, God will cast all your power and authority to the ground. Jeremiah says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22). Yet when men make a mockery of that great mercy which is Christ, judgment is sure.
It is only the mercy of the Lord that delays judgment. And right now America is benefiting from that mercy. Incredibly, our country is in a race with the rest of the world to remove God and Christ from society. Yet the Lord will not be mocked; his mercies endure forever, and he loves this nation. I believe that is why he's still pouring out blessings on us. His desire is that goodness will lead us to repentance (see Romans 2:4).
We are not to despair over the present condition in America. We grieve over the awful corruption, mockery and sin, but we have hope, knowing God is in full control. We know the mercies of God endure forever.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The significance of the ark of the covenant as a symbol of God's mercy
- The embodiment of mercy in Christ
- The consequences of mocking God's mercy
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II
- The judgment faced by the Philistines for stealing the ark
- The fall of Dagon as a testament to God's power
- The implications for those who challenge God's authority
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III
- America's current state in relation to God's mercy
- The dangers of secularism and agnosticism
- The call to repentance and recognition of God's blessings
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IV
- The enduring nature of God's mercies
- The hope amidst corruption and sin
- God's control over the situation
Key Quotes
“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” — David Wilkerson
“If you mock the mercy of Christ, God will cast all your power and authority to the ground.” — David Wilkerson
“His desire is that goodness will lead us to repentance.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on the significance of God's mercy in your life and community.
- Stand firm against secular influences that seek to undermine faith.
- Encourage others to recognize God's enduring compassion and call for repentance.