Mercy and Justice

God told the Israelites to establish six cities of refuge when they entered the Promised Land. There, those who unintentionally committed a murder could flee for protection (Numbers 35:6-15).

But after the conquest, it became easy to forget this directive. The land was precious, and they had fought for every inch. They certainly could think of many other things
to do with that land. But God would not let them forget.

As the conquest neared its completion, God directed that it was time to designate these cities of refuge. But even in these cities, justice was done as the elders decided
if refugees could stay or had to leave to face the consequences of their actions.

These cities demonstrated God’s concern for mercy. The Bible tells us, “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent – both are detestable to the Lord” (Proverbs
17:15 NLT). We see these principles clearly in the teachings of Jesus, who said we are blessed if we are merciful and pure in heart (Matthew 5:7-8).

We see this mercy in action when scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. They wanted to stone her, but He told them that the one without
sin should be “the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:1-11).

Ask God to give you a commitment to justice. Seek to keep your promises and obey Him. Be a person of mercy and compassion to demonstrate His love.