The Desire For Mercy

If you have never read through the story of King David in 1 and 2 Samuel, may I encourage you to do so before you continue to read?

David’s story is a masterclass in the character attribute of mercy.

Here’s a quick recap: Prior to his ascension as King, the current King of Israel at the time—King Saul—in a jealous fit of rage, attempted on multiple occasions, for years, to assassinate David. David had done nothing but prove time after time, his loyalty the throne of Saul. But Saul knows that David is up next, and his insecurity takes over, causing him to do whatever it takes to literally take David out and stop the threat to his throne. 

Now, understand that David is a world-class warrior. There’s evidence all throughout Scripture of the skill and talent he possessed. So, it’s not like David didn’t know how to protect or defend himself. And yet, for approximately 7 years, David finds himself on the run from King Saul.  

At one point, Saul finds himself in a compromised place with David and his men in perfect position to attack and kill him. Now, after years of being on the run from someone trying to kill you, one would assume the natural response would be to take advantage of the opportunity and to end the conflict. The men with him can’t believe it and they urge David to take Saul’s life.

But David will do no such thing because David only knows mercy.

Look at this: 1 Samuel 24, beginning in verse 4:

Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

David comes out of the cave after him and says this, skipping down to verse 11:

11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.

So we see that even in his ascension, even in what could have been seen as a, “justified” response, even with EVERYTHING—the throne, power, and influence—in front of him for the taking, David exercises mercy. 

This is important because as we continue through the narrative arc of David’s life, eventually, because of ONE choice, everything comes crashing down around him.

  . . .

In that time, God would use prophets as messengers to share whatever the Lord wanted to say. In this instance, God uses the prophet Nathan to expose David for the fraud and sinner that he is.

Essentially, Nathan walks David through his own story of bad choices (desiring another man’s wife, sleeping with and impregnating her, then discretely killing the woman’s husband to cover up his wrongdoing) but he changes the characters and the setting.

And David—upon hearing this story—responds in a fit of rage, crying out for nothing else than JUSTICE—the only thing the wretched man deserves…death and repayment with interest.

To which Nathan responds, “David, YOU ARE THAT MAN!”

 And here is David’s response—Psalm 51—a famous Psalm many of you reading have probably heard or know.

The tagline underneath says, “When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.” 

After committing the worst mistake of his life, after compounding that mistake with more sin and evil than ever thought possible, and after being exposed to the weight and severity of this sin, here are David’s first words in response to the whole affair.

Psalm 51, verse 1:

 HAVE MERCY (repeat) on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

See, in the highest, most righteous season of David’s life, his desire was mercy.

And in the lowest, most humble season of David’s life, his desire was mercy.

Similarly, in the highest, most righteous seasons of our lives, God’s mercy is extended to us, undeservedly. And in the lowest, most humble seasons of our lives, God’s mercy is graciously given to us.

We are all undeserving recipients of mercy. What a gift and grace that is.

Be encouraged.