Mercy Outweighs Judgment Again - May 9th, 2022

S.O.A.P. - SCRIPTURE, OBSERVATION, APPLICATION, PRAYER

II Samuel 17:14 - So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom.

Observation - Wow! How did it come to this? David’s sin with Bathsheba brought the pronouncement of judgment through Nathan the prophet that the sword would never depart from David’s house. And yet, God’s mercy outweighs His own judgment once again. God’s shield of protection has no limits and He can plant a “Hushai” in my enemies camp to fulfil His purpose.

Application - Never do anything that would bring the sword of strife and division to your own family. Your private sin can have far reaching ramifications. Your life is NOT your own. It is possible to be a great king, even a man after God’s own heart and be a horrible father. Don’t just win the heart of God, win the heart of your family. Be the bridge they can cross to meet with your God for themselves. Also, know when to stand and know when to run. God didn’t warn David so he could be prepared to fight. God warned him so he wouldn’t get penned by the Jordan and those everything.

Prayer - Oh my Father, keep me from such a fate. Let your mercy outweigh your judgment. Keep me from the plots of evil people. Grant me favour even with my enemies. Let me be the bridge for my family to come to you. Give me the good sense to know when you are telling me to stand and fight and when to run.