Mercy

Do you know the story of the Gibeonites found in Joshua 9? They were the Canaanites dressed as if they had come on a long journey from a great distance to make peace with the people of God. In actuality, they had come from just over the hill. They were known as mighty warriors throughout the land, but they were scared to death of God and His people and knew that Israel had come to destroy them all. They were, like their master, Satan, wily and subtle. They deceived God's people with lies--verbally and visually. The reason they were successful was that God's people acted in their own wisdom instead of consulting God for directions. They failed to "try the spirits" and were thus caught in the ruse. To rely on our own wisdom is perilous and arrogant. The wisdom of our flesh, no matter how brilliant we may think ourselves to be, is totally inadequate to discern God's leading. We must rely unreservedly on God's leading through the Word and prayer.
Significantly, even though Israel had given their word based on a deception, God demanded that they keep it. There would be no going back on a promise made because that would reflect on the character of the God they claimed to serve. God would not be made out to be a liar because His people refused to keep their word. A "yes" was a "yes."
And there is a positive in the Gibeonites deception. They feared God. They had heard of His power and did not doubt for a second that the Lord could destroy all the inhabitants of Canaan. Whoever their gods were, they were convinced that they were no match for the God of Israel. Their only hope was to place themselves at the mercy of God's righteousness. And what recipients of God's mercy they were! They were put to work as servants in the tabernacle. That way they would be guaranteed the chance to come to an understanding of the ultimate act of God's mercy--the necessary sacrifice that would one day come to forgive sin once for all. And if you read the history of Israel, that's exactly what happened. These men and their descendents became faithful servants of God. Even after the exile, when Nehemiah returns to Israel, descendents of these people return as well--still faithful to the Lord and the promise they had made to Him and His people. They were more faithful than many of God's chosen people--Israel.
And God showed mercy to His people as well. He turned their failure into a victory. In keeping their word to the Gibeonites, they won a great battle over several of their enemies.
Isn't it comforting to know that our God can through His mercy turn our mistakes into events that will glorify His name, despite us? Isn't it delightful to know that our God of mercy will take any who fear Him and seek Him out, and that He will reveal to them His love and grace, His power and righteousness? His tender mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness!