The Mercy of God
by Marsha Iddings
2 Samuel 19:18-23 And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan; And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed? And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.
When Absalom staged a coup to take over the throne, David was fleeing and the man Shemei went along cursing David and throwing dust at him. David's advisers suggested that they should go take the man's head off, but David said to leave him alone because the Lord had bidden him to do it and perhaps later the Lord would requite him good for his affliction. (2 Samuel 16:10-12.)
When David returns after Absalom's death, Shemei meets David and confesses that he had sinned against him and
tells David to do with him whatever seems good. Abishai recommends that he be put to death, but David is merciful and spares his life. It seems
that he forgives the man.
This is instructive to me. When someone wrongs me and comes and confesses what they have done, asking for forgiveness or mercy, it is my duty to
extend forgiveness and mercy to them.
I see in this story, an example of what God has done for me through Jesus Christ. Because I am a sinner, and God is holy, I deserve eternal death
in Hell. But through God's mercy in Jesus Christ, He has granted me eternal life as I fall on His mercy and forgiveness. Satan, the accuser of
the brethren, would like to have me condemned to death, but God mercifully says, "You shall not die." And He swears by His own Son who
took that punishment for sin for me. Anyone who realizes they are a sinner condemned to Hell and falls on the mercy of God for salvation will have
eternal life in heaven. What a merciful God we have!
Please visit the BSHS House's Family Room to share
your comments on today's Rose From Brier:
p211.ezboard.com/bbeyonds...homeschool
**********************************************
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL SOMETHING TO SHARE?
We pray that each word shared will touch, heal,
encourage, or just draw a laugh or a sigh. But
realize also that it's those little victories of pain
to peace, or struggle to laughter, those little
personal touches that lift. We're asking that you
will each search your heart and see if you have any
Rose From Brier to share with us. We're not looking
for perfect grammar or eloquence of words, but of the
heart. Even one or two lines will be great! Send all
submissions to
bshs_leadership@yahoo.com
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one
another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5: 11
**********************************************
Find past issues of our Rose from Brier and other
devotionals and encouragements in our RFB archives at:
groups.yahoo.com/group/be...omeschool/
Click on 'files' found on the left-hand column.
**********************************************
A few notes...
Editing: Moderators have authority to edit spelling,
links, e-mail addresses, etc. as appropriate. All
major changes (ie. questions regarding content) will
be forwarded to you for approval.
*Since we are a branch of Rest Ministries, the
following applies to any Beyond Surviving homeschool
web sites, message boards, or publications.
Copyright: No contract is necessary. It is presumed
that by submitting your work you have given Rest
Ministries the right to publish your devotional on our
website, in our monthly support newsletter, And He
Will Give You Rest, or any other publication that we
distribute.
You will maintain the copyright to your work, meaning
that if you have your work published someday, we will
not have any rights or privileges to it.
Compensation: You will be given credit for your work,
but there is no monetary compensation. We hope that
knowing you are changing lives is a great reward.
