Severe Mercy

SEVERE MERCY

By: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck them with a very severe plague.” - Numbers‬ ‭11:33‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The children of Israel were in the desert and unhappy with their circumstances.  So, they prayed and asked God for something besides manna to eat.  He sent quail as meat.  Instead of gratefulness, while the meat was still between their teeth, they grumbled to God.  His goodness to provide was met with whining, grumbling and ungratefulness.  His response was a great plague.  

Looking at our current circumstances, I can’t help but wonder if this “plague” is an allowed discipline for the peoples of the earth for ungrateful, rebellious hearts and grumbling lips?  A godly parent does not discipline to harm, but rather out of love, to bring about a change of heart.  Our world is sick.  Perhaps what appears as punishment is actually severe mercy—an antidote to bring about a desperately needed change of heart.

We have evicted God from our schools, government, culture and conversation.  As a gentleman, He stepped back from where He was not welcome.  Perhaps He lifted his hands of blessing and protection in the process. 

He is the source of peace, hope, help and provision.  Everything good comes by way of His hand (James 1:17).  No wonder we are a mess without Him.  Beloved, will you pray with me? Let’s invite Him to return.

Father, forgive us! We see our need for You.  Without Your hand of blessing, our world is in turmoil, grief and pain.  Come back into our hearts and homes.  Return to the places we have denied You entrance.  Bring Your love, light and wisdom to expel the darkness.  In Your mercy, soften our calloused hearts; send a spirit of repentance.  May our weeping come not over our circumstances, but rather over the condition of our hearts.  Lord, bring back the prodigals.  Forgive the older brothers.  Pass over us by the Blood of Jesus, and in Your mercy, use this plague to usher in the final great harvest of souls.  Lord, our eyes search the heavens for your appearing.  Come, Lord Jesus!  In Jesus’ Name❤️

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