Bible Verse of The Day – 6-22-22

Psalm 103:17-18 (NKJV) 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

Many people like to quote the first several words of verse 17, above; “the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting”.

Sadly, they also often leave out the next few words, which are the qualifiers of that first sentence. This completely changes the meaning of what was written.

God’s word needs to be read in context if we are to get the truth, not just warm fuzzy feelings from words that make us feel good.

With that said, let’s look at this more closely.

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.

So, on whom is His mercy from everlasting to everlasting (unending)?

On those who fear Him.

That’s pretty straight forward. But you see, some people don’t like to include it because it literally decreases the number of people upon whom His mercy is unending, making it less of a warm and fuzzy, feel-good verse.

Jesus said that the truth will set us free.

John 8:32 (NKJV) 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

But half-truths will only create a false sense of security, resulting in people remaining slaves to their sin.

Verse 18 further qualifies those first several words, listing other requirements for His mercy to be forever upon us; keep His covenant, and remember (practice or walk out) His commandments.

Let’s be careful to study and utilize God’s word in its proper context, being cautious not to “cherry pick’ phrases that sound good, but don’t represent the entirety of what was intended to be said.

The fruits of proper use of God’s word will surely outweigh and outlast the fruits of improper use.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780