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Mercy Triumphs
Jon Burgess“Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shimei should die, for he cursed the Lord’s anointed king!” “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah!” David exclaimed. “Why have you become my adversary today? This is not a day for execution, for today I am once again the king of Israel!” Then, turning to Shimei, David vowed, “Your life will be spared.””
2 Samuel 19:21-23
To be honest, I was kind of siding with Abishai on this one. I wanted to see Shimei get his just desserts. I mean come on. It wasn't bad enough that King David was being chased out of Jerusalem by his son Absalom, but that Shimei had to rub salt in the wound. I mean the guy was pelting David and his men with rocks and cursing them as they fled the city. He was self righteous in his judgment of David and felt that this was what he deserved. Now as David returned triumphant to his rightful throne Shimei realized he had it all wrong. What did David do when he saw this man who had stoned him and cursed him? He treated Shimei with mercy and extended life. Shimei repented and he received the opposite of what he deserved.
King David was a foreshadow of the Son of David. We cursed His name, we blamed Him for our faults and bad choices, we threw rocks at the King. When Jesus arose on the third day He didn't give us what we deserved He gave us what He earned for us on the Cross- mercy. It reminds me to do the same to those who have been throwing rocks out me. It's not easy to show mercy to those who kick us when we're down. We want revenge on those who refused to believe that God's hand was on us even while we were going through trials. Yet, like King David and The Son of David God has called me to extend mercy to those who have wounded me in the past. James says it this way: "There will be no mercy of those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you." (James 2:13).
I'm so thankful this morning that Your mercy triumphs over judgment in my life. Even though I can still feel the bruises from the rocks and the pain go the words I will not hold against them what You did not hold against me. I will extend mercy and put them in Your hands dear Lord. I have been on the wrong side of situations many times when I was convinced I was so right. Thank You for not giving me what I deserve and instead giving me what I could neve earn. I will extend mercy for I am one who needs to receive mercy from You!
