Mercy and Judgment

Background Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33
Lesson Scripture: Genesis 18:23-33; Psalm 101:1

Introduction

God is merciful, but He does not tolerate sin. Nevertheless, He is merciful to the poor who are sorry for their sin. That God does not enjoy destroying people is clear from the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. Neither should we; not with our actions—nor with our tongues.

Abraham had a beautiful vision of God’s loving heart, which moved him to plead for mercy for the righteous people of Sodom. In this, he was a figure of Christ, interceding on man’s behalf. Likewise, we need to exercise compassion and concern similar to Abraham’s thoughts and actions.

We serve a merciful God who is righteous and fair in judgment. He is ever mindful of the righteous in their earthly condition. We need both mercy and judgment. If sin is not judged, what will happen to the godly standard? A similar question is asked in Psalm 11:3: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Hopefully each Sunday school class will have some thoughts or inspirations concerning the foregoing questions. What do you think? Be ready to share your thoughts.

Key Verse

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezek. 33:11).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

God had told Abraham what he was planning to do with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. On first impression it might seem as if Abraham caused God to change his mind. Abraham was likely wondering just how merciful God would be in this case. In the end, it appears that Abraham was satisfied that God, because of his great kindness, would be fair and just.

Take note that Abraham drew near to God with his questions. He had a connection with God. Abraham’s apologetic manner, his “what-if” deliberating with God concerning the potential number of righteous persons in the cities, is a reflection of his respect and reverence towards God. In his request for God to be patient with him, he referred to himself as “but dust and ashes.” What a good lesson for us, even today, to be cautious in our opinions, requests, and conclusions of what we think God should or should not do.

By his questioning, we can understand that Abraham believed that there were very few righteous persons in the two cities. His thoughts may have been somewhat like Elijah when he thought he was the only faithful one left. However, it is evident that he carried a deep concern for the few faithful ones living in those wicked cities.

According to God’s response to Abraham’s countdown questioning, it appears God would have withheld judgment for a very small number of faithful ones. It seems God was not displeased with Abraham for his intercessory pleadings. In the end, God followed his plan for the best eternal outcome according to his judgment. Concerning a prophecy on judgment, Jesus said that if the days were not shortened the elect would not even be saved. Using this account as a precedent, it appears as if God modifies or confers judgment according to the preservation of the righteous more than any other factor.

To further this study, read the rest of Psalm 101. David apparently had a deep desire for himself and his people to follow God and his commands faithfully. That is a noble goal for all current-day Christians and their families.

In the key verse the prophet urges people to make a “life-preserving” turn. What is the lesson in this verse for our time?

Practical Truths for Today

Mercy: Mercy is a central theme in the Bible, already in the Old Testament and especially in the New Testament. Mercy characterizes God’s compassion and forgiveness toward the human race. When people surrender to the Lord and obey his voice, these responses activate God’s mercy and enable his plan of salvation.

The words mercy and merciful are mentioned 316 times in the KJV Bible. Many of these refer to God’s mercy, but many also pertain to humans being merciful to each other. Due to the depravity of the human race, the corrupt actions of men, and the proud nature of all people, mercy is absolutely necessary for the welfare of all.

Forgiving someone who has done us wrong is a wonderful and influential act of mercy. Mercy and forgiveness are very closely connected. Choosing to be merciful usually opens the way to be forgiving toward others.

Patience is also a very close relative to mercy. Being patient with others who have stumbled, or perhaps have deliberately done wrong, is a great act of mercy.

Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Having a merciful disposition and spirit is essential to possessing the ability to respond prudently in a heated confrontation, or in a way that diffuses anger and antagonism when confronted with a false accusation.

Judgment: Judgment is God’s way of addressing sin and evil among the people. God’s judgment against the rampant wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah is an example of his eventual intolerance of deliberate evil living.

The word judgment is mentioned 294 times in the KJV Bible. Its use covers the many aspects of God’s judgment, as well as human justice and judgment.

God’s judgment concerns each one of us and should cause us to seriously consider its application in our own lives. Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Therefore we need to be very careful about our judgment of other people.

Verses 1 through 6 from Romans 2, drive this point home and lay a heavy sentence on the practice of passing rigid judgment on other people who are doing things that we ourselves may well be guilty of. By doing this, we condemn ourselves and become inexcusably guilty before God. We are supposed to consider our own selves and let judgment be up to God. “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:1-6). Romans 14:10 also asks, “Why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”

We need to conscientiously show genuine mercy to our fellow men. James 2:13 says, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”

Mercy has triumphed victoriously over judgment. With the joy of salvation set before Him, even as Jesus was enduring such opposition at the hands of sinners against Him, He surrendered his earthly life as a redemption for our sins. What a wonderful and enduring benefit this is for all who will place their faith in Jesus and trust his promises.

Illustration of mercy: The greatest act of God’s mercy was when He sent Jesus to die for the sins of the human race, offering forgiveness and reconciliation.

The well-known story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24 serves as a vivid example of human mercy and forgiveness.

The account of David and Bathsheba is a vivid illustration of God’s mercy. God bestowed mercy and forgiveness to David despite his grave sin.

The Good Samaritan, in Luke 10:30-37, is a wonderful example of a human showing mercy to a fellow human being by tending to the wounds of a total stranger who was robbed, beaten, and left half-dead.

There are many illustrations and experiences of mercy being extended to fellow human beings in our day. Can you share one?

Illustration of judgment: The first illustration of God’s judgment took place in the garden of Eden when the first couple disobeyed God’s commandment. They had no choice but to submit to God’s requirement to leave the garden and face the consequences of their deeds. The consequences and judgment of that disobedience are still in effect today.

In Numbers 16 there is the astounding story of how God passed swift and unusual judgment against a group of people who were standing against Moses and God. Never before had the earth opened up and abruptly swallowed erroneous men and all that pertained to them.

Questions

1. It is said that most people tend to be less kind, more blunt, impatient, and even rude, in electronic messages than they are in face-to-face conversations. If that is so, why? Should it be different with sincere Christians?
2. How does today’s lesson story apply to Christians in current-day circumstances?
3. What did Jesus mean when He said, “I will have mercy, and not sacrifice”? (Matt. 9:13).
4. Why does it appear like sometimes God is very long-suffering and merciful, and other times He seems to pass quick judgment on sin and sinners?
5. Is it correct to say that in order to learn to be merciful toward other people, you have to start by being merciful to yourself?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).