Characteristic of Mercy
Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to each other, since you have put off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in
Courage: Gracious God confidence
Contentment: God has provided everything I need for my joy in him
Meekness: Strength under control
Trust: Knowing who’s got you
Focus: Intent on God’s best for you
2 Kings 6:11-12 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
2 Kings 6:13-15 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
2 Kings 6:16-17 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
God is alive, God is active, God is here is to save
God open our eyes to what you are doing
Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
2 Kings 6:18-19 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.
2 Kings 6:20-21 After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?”
2 Kings 6:22-23 “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.
The Power of Mercy
Elisha and Mercy
Mercy: Having the power and the right to do harm but choosing not to
Veggie Tales definition: Mercy is giving someone a second chance, even if they don’t deserve it
Romans 12:20 If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
Psalm 85:10 Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!
Mercy – being relationally generous