EXPRESS IMAGE GLORY MINISTRY
THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 6, No. 9 – Sunday, 25th April, 2021
(Lk.23:39-43, Dan.12:13)
HOW THE GREAT MESSI MET THE MERCY OF GOD
The deep mysteries surrounding the mercy of God, irrespective of the knowledge we possess, remains one subject outside the full comprehension of humanity. Let us just say that the mercy of God is God’s compassion towards man over a given situation. Or shall we put it more crudely that the mercy of God is the tears of God over a situation in which man finds himself to be extremely powerless. This was the situation of Lionel Messi’s father in Barcelona Spain at the time his son was about twelve years of age.
Young Lionel Messi was uncommonly talented with football, however, he had a hormonal problem which greatly affected his growth. Messi’s health was quite strange and presented very strange attention. This was partly because the ailment was very costly to treat. Thus his talented skills for football failed to earn him a place in any football club as no one was ready to pay for his medical treatment.
After four months of painful delay in Barcelona Spain, Lionel Messi’s father decided to return to Argentina with his son since Barcelona FC was not turning a listening ear to him over appending their signature to sign young Lionel. Then, the mercy of God spoke on Lionel’s behalf one faithful day.
Barcelona FC suddenly decided to sign the young star. It did not appear to be a serious deal as the contract was signed on a piece of tissue paper. And so the treatment of young Lionel Messi began. Thirteen years on, and the great star player of the Spanish giant, who now plays for another French giant, PSG, has won six Ballon Dor trophies which is more than any other player in football, and has won for Barcelona FC more than fifty trophies.
How so spectacularly and miraculously so, how that the mercy of God can change a life, a destiny and an entire generation. Today, Lionel Messi is the richest living football player on the planet.
There are however uncommon lessons about how to obtain the mercy of God. Some have argued that the mercy of God is a free gift of God. Thus it is the sole prerogative of the Almighty. Others do opine that the mercy of God can equally be earned. This school of thought assert further that for anyone to earn the mercy of God, such a person must himself be merciful (see Matt.5:7).
Evident spiritual fact will hit fast that one of the robbers who was crucified with the Lord Jesus earned paradise by simply being penitent and humble. And couldn’t the same be said concerning the great prophet Daniel? He earned his eternal bliss by righteous living(Dan.6:20-22).
In his turn and in his time, Lionel Messi met the mercy of God simply because of God’s kindness and the share perseverance of his father. So then, I would conclude that the spiritual currency for obtaining mercy is the possession of one spiritual virtue or the other, and of course, God Himself.
The case of king Hezekiah was a concluded case in the book of Isaiah chapter 38:1-6. But he earned the mercy of God on the platform of dutiful service and fervent prayers from the heart.
Get this unchallengeable understanding dearly beloved: if Joseph had had carnal knowledge of his master’s wife, he could never have obtained the favour of God to become the Prime Minister and the Minister for Financial Affairs in the land where he was a complete stranger.
In every sense possible, I agree that the mercy of God otherwise known as the favour of God is a free gift of God and it is the prerogative of the Almighty. But I equally agree that certain spiritual deeds can earn one divine favour. Have you forgotten that it is a man’s service onto God that recommends him onto greatness and coming into favour with divinity and humanity?
I agree also that it is all about God for no one can render any acceptable service except God helps him.
In the final analysis, are you experiencing delay in any area of life? Learn from king Hezekiah. What should you learn? The act and the art of reminding Him about our good deeds in humility.
IN THE END, THE HOLY SCRIPTURE NOTES: ‘PUT ME IN REMEMBRANCE, LET US PLEAD TOGETHER’ (IS.43:26). HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN NEHEMIAH’S PLEA IN NEHEMIAH CHAPTER 5 VERSE 19 ALSO?
Question and Answer Section
Question: The great questions again! When was the last time that you preached to any soul? Do you serve God with joyful heart or with reluctance? How much hurt is in your soul against that fellow? Won’t rather forgive them and forget their mischief so that you can rightly serve your loving Father? When was the last time you smiled genuinely and truly from your heart about yourself bearing in mind the bright days to come? when was the last time you heard a force praying within your belly without your consciousness? When was the last time you gave something to support God’s work apart from your tithes and offerings? When was the last time you supported any man to fulfill a divine or a personal agenda? When was the last time you put smile on the face of someone?
Answer: Hmmm!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Counseling, Prayers and Appointments: Please contact. Alternatively, meet us every Sunday at the address below:
Suite 26, 2nd Floor, Nikky Africana Plaza, 70C Allen Avenue, Opposite UBA/MTN Office, Ikeja, Lagos. Or: every Tuesday at Chapel of Christ The Light Alausa, Ikeja from 12 noon for lunch-break fellowship and reenergizing motivation for progress of every kind.
Further information: Be informed that this Ministry has only one Facebook page and no other. Any other Facebook page is counterfeit. Any Concerns or questions about this Facebook page should be directed to: contactus@expressimageglory.com
The General Superintendent Minister of this Ministry therefore pleads and urges you to desist from all such fake and ungodly Facebook pages. Our website is: www.expressimageglory.com
ALTAR CALL:
Backslidden – living in sin – needing fresh recommitment (say):
Christ Jesus, You are the Anointed One of the Most High. I come to you today as I am. In your mercy, help me out of my situation. Heal my soul, my spirit, my body, my life and my destiny. I acknowledge you as the only true lover of my soul. Please, deliver me on every side and save me through and through. I promise from the depth of my soul to be yours from henceforth, in Jesus name. Help me now O God. Be my Lord, my Saviour and my all in all from this day. Thank you Lord (read Ps.54 in closing and pray more).
Recommended Bible Scripture For New Converts And The Newly Restored: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN.
HYMN: Loving Saviour Hear My Cry
PRAY NOW:
1. O heavenly tap of the Almighty, be open and remain open over my head.
2. In the following areas of my life, Lord, I ask for the power of your mercy to intervene for me.
3. O my God and father, please remember me for so so services which I have rendered to you and your kingdom.
4. Every power diverting my favours and making a waste of my time and destiny, I sack and paralyse you now and forever.
5. Present your personal petitions.
