We have heard that the kings of Israel are merciful.

 

Tuesday, October 10, 2023


Psalms 92; 93

1 Kings 20:26-43

Matthew 11:12-24


Observance: Paulinus, bishop of York, missionary (d. 644)


We have heard that the kings of Israel are merciful.


We might be forgiven for assuming that the kings of old considered their authority as being inherent through divine decree; it does not help that the name for the old doctrine is “the divine right of kings”. This divine right did not come as a matter of course; rather, the divine right came from the example set by the God of the Bible, in that one man should give his life in service to many, and so a nation of people could govern themselves under this principle.


Once we separate the idea of what a king is from the example given to us by the King of kings, the Lord Jesus, then we are left with a very barren and, quite frankly, pathetic idea of what a king is. If a king rules over a kingdom with power and glory, then without the power and the glory of God, that king is very miserable indeed.


For the ancient kings of Israel, to be known as merciful was a point of pride. There is no greater display of power than to have it and not use it. Cult leaders, tin-pot dictators, and community group cockerels are neurotic enough about their personal power to use it. But for a king of Israel, the earthly caretaker of the people of the God of the universe, to be known for his mercy was a point of pride.


When King Jesus strode His earthly dominion in the flesh, He was looking for those who would look for mercy, for His mercy endures forever, and for Him to show mercy is to increase His glory. He pronounces woes on several cities for their lack of repentance: note that He does not relish the prospect of bringing judgement, but laments the lost opportunity to show mercy.


Neither you nor I are Ben-Hadad. God has commanded neither of us to be slain on the field of battle. God actually desires that we repent of our sins, and live. Give glory to God – go to Him for mercy – His mercy endures forever, your sins will be forgiven, we will be healed.

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