FRIDAY 18 November, 2016
Let Mercy Fall on Us
And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” - 2 Samuel 24:14
The choice of God’s punishment needed to be made and the distress of the situation weighed heavy on the heart of David. He had well considered the three options given to him: the seven years of famine, the three months of fleeing before his enemies or the three days of plague in the land. David intimately knew the mercy of God; it is the character of the Lord. David had asked God to show him mercy when he had willfully sinned with Bathsheba:
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin (Psalm 51:1-2).
David would rather fall into the hands of God who was ready to show mercy on a repentant sinner than fall into the hands of men. His enemies would certainly not show mercy to David. They would be happy to kill him and, just as they had done to Saul and Jonathan in 2 Samuel 21:12–– hang him from their walls to gloat in victory.
Therefore, three days to endure a plague was far better than seven full years of famine. David thought the plague would be the most merciful punishment and committed himself and the people into God’s merciful hands. Whatever our situations, as God’s people we should praise God for his mercy: Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You (Psalm 33:22). Need mercy?Come to the Lord and ask.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
~Hebrews 4:16~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
