“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).
Isn’t that the truth?!
Kenneth Copeland said, “When somebody hurts us, our natural human reaction is to strike back… to ask God to clobber them. But that’s not God’s way.” And he’s so right. The Bible is very clear on God’s way of doing things:
- For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive. And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you (Psalm 86:5).
- But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children (Psalm 103:17).
- Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
- Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy (Micah 7:18).
Have I told you I’m a card player? I love playing cards–any kind. Just teach me, and I’m in. Years ago, my mom taught me how to play Spades. Without going into all the rules, you just need to know that any card with a Spade is wild, meaning it trumps all other cards. For example, a 2 of Spades is of greater value than an Ace or King of Hearts.
This reminds me of a scripture in the Book of James. The Bible says, “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. MERCY TRIUMPHS over judgment” (James 2:13). One day as I was praying, this scripture came to mind–except in my spirit I said, “Mercy trumps judgment–just like in Spades.” I could easily envision what the Holy Spirit was showing me. Just like in my card game when a little-bitty 2 of Spades trumps something much bigger, so are the ways of God — a little mercy always trumps great judgment!
Copeland went on to tell a story of how some family members had gotten robbed and he prayed and asked God why He let that happen. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that the person we want to get back at may very well have a praying grandmother, or someone standing in the gap for them. So instead of being unmerciful and vindictive, we can unite ourselves in prayer with the person’s grandmother (or whoever it is) and go against the devil on this person’s behalf.
Copeland said, “That’s real intercession and it throws the forces of darkness into total confusion. They have absolutely no defense against it.”
I can’t tell you how many times I thought I had a great hand of cards, yet was beaten because someone else had more Spades! In the same way, the devil may think he’s got people, things, and situations lined up just as he wants it, but when a child of God throws mercy on it, the devil loses!
So the next time you want to clobber someone or pass judgment on them, remember that righteousness is also an action. Just as God showed you great mercy, He expects you to do the same. And trust me, He’ll help you. The Lord gives mercy to those who show mercy.
