August 28, 2024
Mercy -- Part 3
2 Chronicles 28:12-13
08/28/2024
12 Certain chiefs also of the men of Ephraim, Azariah
the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of
Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and
Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against those
who were coming from the war
13 and said to them, ``You shall not bring the
captives in here, for you propose to bring upon us
guilt against the LORD in addition to our present
sins and guilt. For our guilt is already great,
and there is fierce wrath against Israel.'' (ESV)
Around 740 years before the birth of Jesus, the northern
kingdom of Israel attacked and plundered the southern kingdom of
Judah. The army returned with two hundred thousand captives with
the intent of making them slaves. Not only did the prophet Oded
speak against this, but several leaders of the kingdom of Israel
called for mercy.
Certain chiefs also of the men of Ephraim... stood up
against those who were coming from the war and said to
them, ``You shall not bring the captives in here, for
you propose to bring upon us guilt against the LORD in
addition to our present sins and guilt. For our guilt
is already great, and there is fierce wrath against
Israel.''
In the excitement of the moment, we often lose sight that we
are sinners who properly deserve God's wrath and punishment.
Should the army of Israel have plundered their relatives in
Judah? Should they have carried away so many people with the
intent to enslave them? Fortunately, the chiefs and rulers
repented of this action and refused to allow this great sin.
When we are in a position to impose our own will, do we take
the time to truly repent, to show mercy, to help rather than
harm? We, who have received the mercy of the almighty Father as
He sent His Son to bear the guilt of our sin, are called upon by
God to reflect His love.
May our Lord grant us the strength to be merciful to all
people. Amen.