Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Exodus 1:1-2:22; Psalm 31:1-24; Matthew 27:45-66

And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. 2 Kings 6:22

Elisha counselled for mercy towards the Syrians. Such compassion flowed out of humane assumptions regarding the treatment of prisoners of war—a rare sentiment in ancient warfare! Christ received no mercy from human hands, yet He extends mercy to sinners who receive Him. He commands that the recipients of His mercy, show mercy to others (Luke 6:36). —Keith Keyser

Mercy and truth unite,
O ‘tis a wondrous sight— All sights above!
Jesus the curse sustains! Guilt’s bitter cup He drains!
Nothing for us remains, nothing but love. —Thomas Kelly