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- Herausgeber: Victor Ehighaleh
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
Understanding God's Mercy takes you on a journey to discover why God show mercy upon individuals and nations. The book is a product of revelation knowledge that has been proved scripturally.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020
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Victor Ehighaleh
UNDERSTANDING GOD'S MERCY
How to attract and get the mercy of God
Table of contents
Preface
Introduction
PART ONE: THE BEGINNING
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
PART TWO: JESUS' MINISTRY
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
PART THREE: THE APOSTLES' MINISTRY
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Other Books by Victor Ehighaleh
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S MERCY: How to attract and get the mercy of God
Copyright © 2019 by Victor Ehighaleh. All rights reserved.
All scripture quotations are taken from the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.
Esthom Graphic Prints.
The Almighty God.
Preface
Introduction
PART ONE: THE BEGINNING
CHAPTER 1 Abraham and Lot
CHAPTER 2 Joseph
CHAPTER 3 Moses
CHAPTER 4 Joshua
CHAPTER 5 Ruth
CHAPTER 6 Jacob
CHAPTER 7 Hannah
CHAPTER 8 David
CHAPTER 9 Job
PART TWO: JESUS’ MINISTRY
CHAPTER 10 Jesus’ Heart
CHAPTER 11 Faith and Prayer Request
CHAPTER 12 Worship
CHAPTER 13 Testimonies and Evangelism
CHAPTER 14 Commitment, Dedication and Love
PART THREE: THE APOSTLES’ MINISTRY
CHAPTER 15 The Appointed Time
CHAPTER 16 The Gospel
CHAPTER 17 Heaven’s Interest
CHAPTER 18 God’s Glory
Preface
Thank you so very much for picking up this book. I hope and believe that you will have a wonderful understanding of the reasons behind the mercy of God. You are about to go through a very positive change experience.
This book has demystified the mystery behind God’s mercy – it clearly elucidates the reasons and purpose behind some mercy inducing actions of God. It identifies the common factor between the dispensation of mercy in the Old Testament era - that is, the beginning, and in the New Testament era signified by Jesus’ ministry and the Apostles’ ministry.
The questions at the end of each chapter are thought provoking and apt. They give a total picture of the body of the chapter they represent. The questions will keep you glued to the ground on your toes while ensuring that you assimilate every bit of knowledge buried in the body of the book.
Anyone who reads this book will have a clear understanding of the reasons behind God’s mercy and its purpose and will also be able to adapt same in order to attract and get the mercy of God.
VICTOR EHIGHALEH
July 2019
Introduction
Beloved, do you know that there is always a purpose for the mercy of God upon our lives? Do you also know that mercy is the core of God’s Nature and that God’s Nature is the fullness of mercy? Do you know that we are made in the image and likeness of God? The implication is that we have a rich measure of mercy deposited in us by God. Do you also know that you cannot separate mercy from God? Generally, the measure of God’s mercy upon your life is a reflection of his purpose for you. This is the main reason why no one can query God on how he chooses to dispense mercy. The Bible clearly states in Romans 9:15-16 “ For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.” The mercy of God that is made available to us is a product of grace. No one qualifies for it because we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” This is the reason why the concept of God’s mercy is a mystery that can only be explained by revelation. Fortunately, this book is a product of divine revelation that has been found to be true scripturally. The mystery of God’s mercy is now exposed and defined.
Naturally, we might wonder why God was merciful on King David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. His ways are clearly not our ways. In the course of going through this book, you will find the reasons behind God’s action. Psalm 18:50 clearly portrays the action of God – “ Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.”
Do you also know that Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit despite God’s warning against it? However, through the mercy of God, they were clothed because he wanted them to be the progenitor of the human race. (Genesis 3:21). “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” Unfortunately, despite God’s mercy upon mankind, man has refused to appreciate God’s benevolence by committing all kinds of sin. It got to a point that God was so provoked and he decided to destroy mankind. Fortunately for us, God found a man who was righteous and indeed worthy to continue the human race (Genesis 6:7-8). “And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” It is therefore not surprising that Noah found favor in the sight of God. Psalm 103:17 aptly deduce the reason – “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;” Righteousness and faithfulness are cardinal ingredients or precursors of God’s mercy. On the other hand; deceit easily results in condemnation and the judgement of God. The case of Ananias and Sapphira is a good case study (Acts 5:1-10). “BUT a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then she fell down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.” Lies and deceit are enemies of the mercy of God. Righteousness and true worship on the other hand are great inducers of God’s mercy. King Hezekiah was sick unto death but as a result of his righteousness, God’s mercy saved him from death (2Kings 20:1-6). This clearly shows that God is a God and Father of mercy (2 Corinthians 1:3). “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.” The prayer of King Hezekiah and his good works and walk with God saved him from death. The lesson here is that if we are righteous, we can do as King Hezekiah who boldly approached the throne of grace to obtain mercy (Hebrews 4:16). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Beloved, if not for the mercy of God, none of us would escape from being consumed by the wrath of God as a result of our sins. Hebrews 12:29 aptly tells us about this characteristic of God. “For our God is a consuming fire.” Therefore, the wise must as a matter of necessity avoid the temptation to fall into the hands of the living God because it is an extremely fearful thing to do (Hebrews 10:31). Some of us will rightly ask about the place of mercy in God’s plan for us. Sure! He definitely has a plan for us but you must know that the mercy of God is not free! I repeat – not free! For God to show you mercy - you must identify with at least one of these three facts below:
(1) You have walked with God
(2) God wants to use you for a purpose
(3) Your forebears served God diligently.
Please come along with me as we jointly explore the scripture to find the basis for the mercy of God upon our lives. Get ready to know qualities that will attract the mercy of God upon your life. This book is divided into three parts:
(1) The Beginning
(2) Jesus’ Ministry
(3) The Apostles’ Ministry
The three parts are further divided into chapters that critically examine the reasons behind the deployment of the mercy of God. You will also find appropriate questions at the end of each chapter. The answers are embedded in the body of the chapter. The aim is to ensure that you truly understand the reasons behind God’s mercy.
PART ONE: THE BEGINNING
CHAPTER ONE
Abraham and Lot
The mercy of God upon the life of Abraham and on Lot by extension is very peculiar. The Almighty God found awesome qualities in the life of Abraham. Such qualities include:
Obedience
Righteousness
Humility
Faith
Hospitality
Patience
These qualities among others endeared Abraham to God. Before God asked Abraham to leave his kindred, he knew that Abraham was distinct and indeed outstanding among his people. His righteousness is pivotal to his being called upon by God to a land that he would show him. God informed Abraham that he would become the father of many nations. Virtually everyone today lays claim to the blessings of Abraham without having the corresponding character traits or qualities that were associated with him. From the foregoing, it is clear that the mercy of God upon the life of Abraham has a price attached. In essence, it is not free. Abraham went through the trials of faith and passed. How many of us today will honor the invitation to leave our land and people to an unknown land? Abraham walked with God and God decided to show him mercy by asking him to leave the city of Ur to a promised land as a reward for his good work. Abraham’s obedience and righteousness elicited the blessings of God to the extent that he became wealthy. Despite his riches, he was yet humble before man and God. At a point in his life, God tried his faith. He was asked to sacrifice Isaac his son. He obeyed God without a question. At another period of his life he showcased a rare quality of being hospitable. His love for men was beyond measure. A readily available example is his hospitality towards the three strange men who passed through his house (Genesis 18:1-10) “AND THE Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they dideat. And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold in the tent. And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.”
This text showcases the excellent qualities and characteristics of Abraham which include the following:
Diligence
Effective time management
Reverence
Worship
Hospitality
Humility
Commitment
Industry
Knowledge
Goodness
Piety
Companionship
Fellowship
These qualities prompted the release of God’s mercy upon an otherwise childless Abraham. The Almighty God soon remembered his covenant with Abraham and one of the men decreed that Sarah would deliver a son at this time next season. This action clearly shows that the mercy of God has a price attached to it. It is not easily obtained. Everyone today is a beneficiary of Abraham’s conduct.
Beloved, God’s mercy is certainly not free. The earlier we realize this fact, the better it will be for us. We must also note that holiness or righteousness, and obedience among others did not automatically grant God’s mercy to Abraham. He had to go the extra mile before God remembered him in the fullness of time. Are you doing enough to attract the mercy of God to yourself? Many people go about with polluted hearts and yet expect the mercy of God to locate them. Some people are lazy and yet expect to bask in the fullness of God’s mercy. Some are bitterness and wickedness personified and yet expects to drink from the cup of God’s mercy. My dear, ask Abraham. He had to identify and do the needful before heaven opened the window of mercy unto him. Sometimes, God’s mercy requires a prompt before granting access. Are you doing the needful?
Lot lived with Abraham and through association, cultivated the nature of hospitality. He brought this nature to bear before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. We must remember that Abraham mentored him. The mercy of God saved Lot and his household from Sodom and Gomorrah shortly before it was destroyed. You may ask why God rescued the household of Lot - He paid the requisite price by his show of hospitality to the two angels that were sent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. He reverenced, worshipped, persuaded and entertained them (Genesis 19:1-3).
“AND THERE came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose, up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.”
At the appointed time, shortly before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the angels remembered Lot’s benevolence, reverence and hospitality and were therefore obligated to pay back through mercy. Genesis 19:15-16 alluded to this fact.
“And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.”
In today’s world, people are not ready to pay the price but daily clamor for God’s mercy. My dear - pay the price. God’s mercy is not free! God is business inclined. He will only invest his mercy on a profitable soul. Who is a profitable soul? – A profitable soul is a soul that can yield fruits for God when showered with God’s mercy. You must be ready to be a blessing unto others. The mercy of God is therefore a wholesome gift that is bestowed on people who are ready to pass the benefit to others. God will not invest such on a fellow who is self centered and lazy. God’s mercy is a remarkable fruit yielding favor.
God’s mercy on the life of Abraham was futuristic. Abraham did not live beyond the generation of Isaac his son but fortunately for us today, we are products of God’s mercy on Abraham’s life. Going forward, we must recall that God’s mercy is an absolutely fruit yielding favor that is released upon people who are diligent and ready to be used by God to be a blessing unto others.
PROVE YOU ARE ON TOP OF CHAPTER ONE BY PROVIDING THE CORRECT ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:
(1) Enumerate the five qualities that attracted the mercy of God upon Abraham and Lot
(2) What did Abraham do when he ran to meet the three men who passed through the front of his house
(3) Mention a major character showcased by Abraham as he went about to source for and provide food for his guests
(4) Enumerate thirteen unique qualities that enabled Abraham to win God’s mercy
(5) Mention three qualities exhibited by Lot that enabled the two angels to rescue his household shortly before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
(6) Define profitable soul
(7) Do you believe that everyone is qualified for the mercy of God
(8) Why did God cloth Adam and Eve after they ate the forbidden fruit
(9) Why did God forgive and deliver King David after he committed adultery with Bathsheba
(10) Mention a major quality in the life of King Hezekiah that attracted the mercy of God upon his life
CHAPTER TWO
Joseph
The Almighty God preordained Joseph for a unique role in the life of Israel. He is a man whose character is outstanding and without blemish. He aptly demonstrated great capacity and wisdom and also the ability to withstand injustice without being unnecessarily bitter about it – a forgiving spirit. These, among others, are the major reasons why the mercy of God dwelled so richly with him. The Almighty God perfected his work in Joseph’s life by ensuring that his father (Israel) loved him very deeply. He loved him more than all his children because he was the son of his old age (Genesis 37:3a). God’s mercy was made manifest in the life of Joseph when he was sent by his father to his brothers in the field. He unfortunately got lost in the bush while trying to locate his brothers but God sent a certain man to locate and render assistance to him (Genesis 37:15-17). “And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, Where they feed their flocks. And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.”
When Joseph’s brothers sighted him from afar, they immediately conspired among themselves to kill him but the mercy of God influenced Reuben – the eldest brother to deliver Joseph by suggesting that they cast him into a pit. The mercy of God upon the life of Joseph also ensured that he was cast into a dry pit otherwise he would have drowned if they had thrown him into a well. The mercy of God also ensured that almost simultaneously, the Ishmeelites who were coming from Gilead with their camels on their way to Egypt approached them. On sighting the Ishmeelites, the mercy of God upon the life of Joseph prompted Judah to suggest that they sell Joseph to the Ishmeelites (Genesis 37:26-27). “And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.” God’s mercy prevailed again when Joseph’s brothers lifted him out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmeelites. Going forward, the mercy of God went ahead of Joseph and ensured that the Ishmeelites (Midianites) sold Joseph to Potiphar, a captain of Pharaoh’s guard (Genesis 37:36). God’s mercy upon Joseph also ensured that he prospered in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:2-3). Potiphar was very pleased with Joseph because he noticed that he began to prosper beyond limit since Joseph joined his household. He appreciated Joseph so tremendously by making him the overseer of his house (Genesis 39:4). “And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.”
Unfortunately for Joseph, in a short while, the devil raised his ugly head through Potiphar’s wife who wanted him to lie with her. Joseph’s refusal divinely led to his imprisonment and ultimate journey to his destiny fulfillment (Genesis 39:10-20). While in prison, God’s mercy ensured that Joseph was appointed as head of the prisoners by the prison keeper (Genesis 39:21-22). “But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.” We must reiterate that the unique role allotted to Joseph in the life of the Israelites necessitated the huge volume of God’s mercy upon his life. In fact, everywhere he goes, God’s mercy and favor always abide with him.
Through divine arrangement, the king’s butler and his baker were sent to prison so as to accomplish the ultimate purpose of God for Joseph (Genesis 40:1-3). Also, through divine arrangement at the appointed time, God ensured that Pharaoh had a dream that could not be interpreted by anyone but Joseph (Genesis 41:1-8). As expected, Joseph was called upon from the prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. He successfully gave the right interpretation and was rewarded by Pharaoh. He therefore moved from prison to the palace and was appointed as prime minister of Egypt. This is undoubtedly a product of God’s mercy upon his life. We must note that throughout his incarceration, he was never embittered neither did he curse his brothers who sold him into slavery and Portiphar’s wife who falsely accused him of wanting to sleep with her. He also did not harbor any ill-feelings against God for his travails. These qualities are indeed very exemplary. We can therefore generally say that Joseph’s conduct earned him a special place in God’s heart. Unfortunately, many people today desire the mercy of God but will seldom do the needful by paying the requisite price in order for God to bless them with his mercy. We must learn from the experience of Joseph. He suffered unjustly but maintained his composure and belief in the supremacy of God. Oftentimes, God looks at our heart and frequently x-rays it in order to know whether to be merciful or not. God’s mercy is therefore available to those who are ready to be used by God as a channel of blessing to others. We must remember that after Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt, he saved a lot of people and the nation of Egypt from famine including his father and brothers. We can therefore aptly conclude that the mercy of God upon the life of Joseph was solely to ensure that many people are delivered from famine. Joseph was chosen specially for this purpose but had to undergo series of unpleasant experiences in order for him to fulfill his purpose on earth. Through Joseph’s life, the business–likeness of God in showering his mercy upon Joseph was made manifest.
Many people today want the mercy of God to envelope them but are seldom ready to do the needful by paying the requisite price. Such people are therefore not well equipped to receive the mercy of God. We must note that the mercy of God has a corresponding purpose that is firmly attached to it. My dear, the greater the purpose, the greater the suffering you must pass through in order to obtain God’s mercy. Virtually everyone basking in God’s mercy today has already passed through one or multiple challenges in the course of their daily walk with God. They are also expected to continually do so in order for them to receive the fullness of God’s mercy.
Therefore, anyone who aspires to save any nation or nations from impending gloom is unlikely to succeed without passing through the “Joseph challenge.” May I remind you again that the mercy of God is not free – it always has a corresponding price attached to it. The one who is the custodian of mercy (God) determines whoever he desires to receive it.
Do you desire God’s mercy?
Are you ready to pay the requisite price without complaining?
Do you know that there is a purpose attached to God’s mercy?
If your answer to these questions is yes, then you are surely on the way to receiving God’s mercy. All that is needed is for you to consider and ruminate over the life of Joseph and his travails as a case study and be willing to pass the test.
PROVE YOU ARE ON TOP OF CHAPTER TWO BY PROVIDING THE CORRECT ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:
(1) Why did the mercy of God favor Joseph
(2) How did God perfect his work concerning Joseph’s life
(3) At what time did the mercy of God start manifesting in the life of Joseph
(4) Who helped Joseph when he got lost in the bush
(5) Where did Joseph find his brothers after he got lost and was helped
(6) What did Joseph’s brothers do immediately they sighted him from afar
(7) Who gave the suggestion that Joseph should be sold to the Ishmeelites
(8) Who appointed Joseph as head of the prisoners
(9) Whose arrangement sent the king’s Butler and Baker to prison
(10) Mention the qualities in the life of Joseph that helped him to become the prime minister of Egypt
CHAPTER THREE
Moses
Moses is mercy personified. He was born at a very dangerous period in the life of the Hebrews. They were gravely and unjustly persecuted by Pharaoh who so decreed that any son born by Hebrew women should be killed. However, through the mercy of God, Moses escaped death. His mother hid him for three months without being discovered by the authorities (Exodus 2:2). After three months when Moses mother could no longer hide him, God’s mercy was made manifest in a very spectacular way. Moses was laid by the river brink and through divine providence Pharaoh’s daughter came to the river to take her bath and was so promptly attracted by the material that enclose Moses and she instructed her maidens to fetch it. God’s mercy was further made manifest upon the life of little Moses to the extent that Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion on him. The one who was supposed to be killed suddenly became a blessed royal treasure. The mercy of God upon Moses moved exponentially when Moses’ mother was contracted by Pharaoh’s daughter to nurse little Moses for a fee (Exodus 2:5-9). When Moses grew, God’s mercy upon him ensured that he was brought up in the palace as a prince.
We must recall that the mercy of God is not free. The tremendous mercy showered on Moses is as a result of his destiny – God destined him to deliver the children of Israel. This gave birth to the need for him to have a royal (palace) experience that would be required of him to do the needful at his hour of destiny fulfillment. His purpose is to deliver the Children of Israel from the hands of the Egyptians who had been oppressing and tormenting them for so long. The series of mercy endowed situations that Moses passed through was as a result of God’s interest in ensuring that his people were saved from the hands of their masters. God’s mercy upon Moses is therefore purpose driven. If God must have mercy on anyone, that person must realize that God’s mercy is not free but has a unique purpose attached to it. Therefore, the notion that God’s mercy is freely dispensed is certainly not true. It is usually elicited by something very fundamental to God’s will.
We must also remember that Moses came from the house of Levi and the Levites were dedicated to the service of God. The purpose of God for Moses was so crucial to God’s heart that we can hardly find any rival to the quantity and quality of God’s mercy that was bestowed on him. This is as a result of the enormity of the task at hand to deliver the Israelites from bondage in the land of captivity. The Almighty God so safeguarded Moses to the extent that whenever someone spoke ill of Moses, the wrath of God was almost instantly visited upon the offending fellow regardless of the fellow’s relationship with Moses. A good example is obtained in Numbers chapter 12. Miriam and Aaron complained about the fact that Moses married an Ethiopian woman and that Moses was not more qualified than others to hear from God. The wrath of God was promptly visited on them to the extent that Miriam became leprous and Aaron had to bury his pride and apologize to Moses and also called Moses his lord before the impending judgment on him was averted after the intercession of Moses (Numbers 12:1-15) “AND MIRIAM and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it. (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: And Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.”
We should also note that when Moses cried unto God to heal Miriam, the mercy of the Lord upon the life of Moses was brought to bear and the Lord harkened unto the voice of Moses and ensured that Miriam was delivered from leprosy in seven days. The grace of God often spoke for Moses to the extent that whenever Moses interceded on behalf of the people, the mercy of God was always made available to him and his request was given to him by God. Another example is obtained in Numbers 11:1-2. The Israelites complained and God was so displeased with them and the fire of the Lord burnt among them and consumed them until Moses interceded for them. “AND WHEN the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.”
The climax of the mercy of God upon the life of Moses happened when the Lord asked him to speak to the rock for water to come forth and satisfy the yearnings of the ever complaining Israelites but due to anger, Moses striked the rock with his rod twice instead of speaking to it as directed by God. As a result of this action, God was displeased with Moses and he decreed that Moses will not enter the promised land, but through the mercy of God, he was allowed to view the promised land before he died and God buried him in the valley (Numbers 20:7-12). “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shall give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them. Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.”
The Lord brought it to pass in the life of Aaron on mount Hor when Moses was commanded by God to strip Aaron of his garment and put them upon Eleazar his son (Numbers 20:25-28). Aaron died after he was striped as God commanded and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. Going forward, at the appointed time for Moses to die, he went up from the plains of Moab unto mount Nebo to the top of Pisgah and God showed him the Promised Land. Moses thereafter, died in the land of Moab according to the word of the Lord and the Lord himself buried him in the valley (Deuteronomy 34:1-6).
The after climax of the mercy of God upon the life of Moses is that he ended up in heaven despite the two errors committed by him. Satan, the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10) laid claim for the body of Moses as a result of these errors but Michael the archangel rebuked him (Jude 1:9). “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” The first error that Moses committed occurred when he killed an Egyptian and buried him (Exodus 2:11-12). “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.” The second error occurred at Meribah when God asked Moses to speak to the rock so that water could come forth for the Israelites and their animals to drink but he decided to strike the rock twice instead of speaking to it as commanded by God (Deuteronomy 32:51-52). “Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah – Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel. Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel.” God’s uncommon mercy was visited upon the life of Moses and despite the errors he ended up in heaven by the grace of God.
PROVE YOU ARE ON TOP OF CHAPTER THREE BY PROVIDING THE CORRECT ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:
(1) Discuss why Moses was described as mercy personified
(2) Why do you think God showed mercy on Moses
(3) Discuss the reason behind this statement: “God’s mercy upon the life of Moses is purpose driven”
(4) Why do God deal with those who speak ill of Moses; Give two examples
(5) Why did Aaron call Moses my lord
(6) Discuss the sin of Aaron and Miriam
(7) Who became leprous
(8) Why did Aaron and Miriam speak ill against Moses
(9) Mention and discuss the two errors committed by Moses
(10)Why did Satan lay claim to the body of Moses
CHAPTER FOUR
Joshua
After the death of Moses, the mantle of leadership was bestowed upon Joshua by the grace and mercy of God. The Almighty God decided to reward Joshua’s excellent service and obedience to Moses. We must note that Joshua was not the only lieutenant of Moses but God’s mercy found him out for a divine role and purpose in the journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land. This was preceded by God’s refusal to approve the entry of Moses into the Promised Land. Moses pleaded with the Lord to appoint a leader for the children of Israel in his stead and the Lord instructed him to lay his hand on Joshua the son of Nun (Numbers 27:15-23). “And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shall put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.” Through God’s mercy, Joshua’s labor of love and obedience was aptly rewarded and he became the leader of God’s people. We must note the quality in the life of Joshua that made him to stand out among his peers – He had the spirit of God upon his life. This clearly signifies that God’s mercy upon him was based on the fact that God’s spirit resides in him. Going forward, the huge work that is set out before him needed someone with the capacity of Joshua to accomplish. We can therefore confidently say that Joshua received God’s mercy and favor on merit and not because he was occupying a vantage position in the ministry of Moses. The Lord knew that whoever must take over the mantle of leadership from Moses, must have His spirit richly dwelling in him. The spirit of God upon the life of Joshua aptly enabled him to seamlessly operate using the wisdom of God.
Immediately after Moses laid his hand upon Joshua as commanded by God thereby transferring the anointing for leadership on him the mercy of God upon the life of Joshua was brought to the fore by God’s decision to further equip him through Moses with the requisite leadership skills that will further enhance his ability to deliver on set goals. If God will send anyone on a mission, He always ensures that the fellow is fully equipped for the task ahead by His mercy. He knows the end from the beginning and is therefore not capable of making any mistake.
At the fullness of time, Moses had no other choice but to decrease to zero in order for Joshua to increase by assuming the mantle of leadership. The mercy of God yet found a large space in the life of the Israelites through effective transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua as obtained in Deuteronomy 31:1-3. “AND MOSES went and spake these words unto all Israel. And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day, I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan. The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.”
The commissioning of Joshua by Moses took place in the full glare of the children of Israel so as to safeguard against unnecessary bickering, disloyalty and murmuring that had characterized their existence for so long. The commissioning was aptly captured in Deuteronomy 31:7-9. “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of good courage: for thou must go with these people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.”
The mercy of God upon the life of Joshua ensured that despite the commissioning of Joshua by Moses before all Israel, God also decided to personally commission Joshua and also give him a charge as alluded to in Deuteronomy 31:14-15. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation. And the LORD appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle.” Going forward, the Lord gave Joshua a charge as obtained in Deuteronomy 31:23. “And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.”
After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to Joshua and gave him all the necessary instructions pertaining to his first task (Joshua 1:1-2). “NOW AFTER the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.”
Joshua’s first test of leadership occurred when he sent out two spies to Jericho. The mercy of God upon his life ensured that a harlot (Rahab) was conscripted by God to do the unimaginable. She betrayed her people and got herself and her entire family saved in the process through the mercy of God. This victory further strengthened the resolve of Joshua and the Israelites to move forward (Joshua 2:1). “AND JOSHUA the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.” The mercy of God went ahead of Joshua and the spies to soften the heart of Rahab and also to grant her quick access to divine truth. Rahab demonstrated this fact in Joshua 2:9. “And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.” This statement clearly shows that God has determined to save Rahab because Rahab’s statement is a product of divine revelation and could only have been obtained through the mercy of God. Going forward, Rahab decided to actualize the intent of God by asking the spies to reward her show of kindness to them. This fact is obtained in Joshua 2:12-14. “Now therefore I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shown you kindness, that ye will also show kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.” The word “kindness” as mentioned in the above passage represents mercy. Ordinarily, no one would have expected God to show mercy on a prostitute who is involved in a trade that continually defiles the temple of the Lord. However, God has a purpose for this case. The Lord proved that His mercy is not free and that a price and purpose is often attached to his mercy. Rahab the prostitute had to pay a price by telling a lie that the spies had left her abode when the servants of the king came to inquire from her about the location of the spies who had lodged with her. Although the spies were comfortably hidden on the roof of her house she deceived the servants of the king by telling them that the spies had left her home (Joshua 2:6). “But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.” If the king’s servant had not been fooled by Rahab’s lie, Rahab would have been declared an enemy of the state and brought to justice by the king. We can therefore adduce that Rahab sacrificed herself for the interest of Israel. Her action attracted God’s mercy regardless of the fact that she was a prostitute. My dear, if you want God’s mercy, get ready to pay the price – it is certainly not free!
Going forward, at the appointed time Joshua ensured that the mercy of God was made manifest in the life of Rahab and her household as promised by the spies (Joshua 6:22-25), “But Joshua said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot’s house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her. And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel. And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD. And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father’s household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.”
God’s mercy upon the life of Joshua tremendously helped him to win many battles. However, the expectation of God was not met by him. The Almighty God expected more victories to have been achieved. Joshua 13:1 alludes to this fact – “NOW JOSHUA was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.” However, despite God’s dissatisfaction, His mercy ensured that Joshua finished well (Joshua 24:27-31). “And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which we spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God. So Joshua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance. And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath – serah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.” The mercy of God, coupled with the grace to bask in His fullness, enabled Joshua to achieve as much as he could for God.
PROVE YOU ARE ON TOP OF CHAPTER FOUR BY PROVIDING THE CORRECT ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:
(1) How old was Moses when he died
(2) Did Moses go over the Jordan
(3) Joshua was commissioned by Moses in the presence of who
(4) Mention the first statement of Moses when he commissioned Joshua
(5) Did Moses die immediately after he commissioned Joshua
(6) Where did the Lord give Joshua a charge
(7) Mention the statement of the Lord when he charged Joshua
(8) What did the Lord tell Joshua immediately after the death of Moses
(9) Mention Joshua’s first test of leadership
(10)What did Rahab do that attracted the mercy of God upon herself and her household
CHAPTER FIVE
Ruth
Ruth had to practically sacrifice her life for the sake of the well-being of Naomi her already devastated mother in-law in order for the amazing mercy of God to have a permanent abode with her. God’s mercy upon her life is a symbol of purity, loyalty, obedience and righteousness. She did not earn God’s mercy easily but had to go through the unimaginable that permanently catapulted her into a place of divine recognition and prominence. She also set herself apart from Orpah her sister in - law who abandoned Naomi, her mother-in-law at a critical time of need.
The story of Ruth is a manifestation of the fact that God watches over us and is interested in our daily walk and dealings with him. Oftentimes, it may appear that the Lord is not present by us but the truth is that he is always present and ready to prove his presence in our weakness.
The urge to stay alive during famine led Elimelech who was married to Naomi to leave their abode in Bethlehem-Judah to the city of Moab (Ruth 1:1-2). Elimelech and Naomi had two sons - Mahlon and Chilion. Mahlon being the first son, married Ruth a moabitess and Chilion the younger son married Orpah. Unfortunately, Elimelech died and Naomi was left with her two sons (Ruth 1:3). After ten years of sojourning in Moab, her two sons died and apart from being a widow she also became childless. She was left with her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Chilion (Ruth 1:4-5). When Naomi heard that famine had come to an end in Bethlehem - Judah, she decided to return to her country (Ruth 1:6-7). “Then she arose with her daughters in - law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in-law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.” As they returned to the land of Judah, Naomi persuaded her daughters in - law to return to their mother’s house and prayed that the Lord will deal kindly with them because they were kind to her late husband and two sons. She also prayed that they would find suitable husbands to replace her two sons. However, as expected, Mahlon and Chilion insisted on returning with Naomi to Bethlehem-Judah. At this point, the Almighty God wanted to separate the wheat from the chaff. So God used Naomi to persuade her daughters-in-law a second time to return to their mother’s house. The younger wife – Chilion, at this point showcased her real self. Her love for Naomi was not as deep and enduring as she earlier proclaimed. She thereafter wept and kissed Naomi before returning to her mother’s house. Naomi was then left with Ruth – The true hero (Ruth 1:8-14). Despite the turn of events, the Almighty God still wanted to be sure that Ruth was not trying to make a mistake but serious about her decision to cleave unto Naomi. So the Lord used Naomi again to ask Ruth the third time to return to her mother’s house but Ruth maintained her resolve to remain with Naomi and she further enforced her love for Naomi by professing that she will follow her wherever she goes and lodge with her wherever she lodge and that her people will be her people and her God will be her God (Ruth 1:16). At this point, the real journey to her destiny fulfillment commenced. In today’s world, it would be highly preposterous and indeed unimaginable for a very young widow to consciously and truly sacrifice her life and time for her mother - in - law by refusing to return to her people but to care for her aged mother-in-law who invariably has nothing more to offer. Ruth amazingly resigned her faith to care for Naomi, her mother-in-law, all the days of her life (Ruth 1:17). This quality endeared Ruth to the Almighty God. The Lord aptly rewarded Ruth by opening an endless window of mercy upon her to the extent that Jesus Christ came from her lineage. She certainly did not obtain the mercy of God on a platter of Gold. Ruth had to pass through extremely narrow roads to overcome challenges that were set before her on the road to destiny fulfillment. This also confirms the fact that the mercy of God is not free. There is always a reason and purpose for it. Oftentimes, a price in form of sacrifice is also attached to it.
Naomi was so touched by Ruth’s action that she had no other choice but to resign from the act of persuading her to return to her mother’s house when Ruth declared that only death could separate the two of them (Ruth 1:18-19). “When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?” The reception so touched her soul that she began to emote and count her losses and suggest that her name be changed from Naomi to Mara because the Lord has dealt very bitterly with her (Ruth 1:20-21). “And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?”
However, Naomi ultimately received the love and mercy of God because her conduct was exemplary. She also proved that she was a product of mercy because mercy was found in her when she single handedly plotted the marriage between Boaz, her late husband’s kinsman who eventually married Ruth (Ruth 2:1). “AND NAOMI had a kinsman of her husband’s a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.”
Ruth had another unique quality that made her so suitable for the mercy of God. She was highly industrious and diligent. This quality also attracted Boaz to Ruth (Ruth 2:2). “And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.” When Boaz returned to his enterprise, he noticed a very hardworking damsel and inquired of her from his servant, the head of the reapers. The servant testified that Ruth is highly diligent (Ruth 2:4-10). “And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house. Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? And when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger.” Ruth reverenced Boaz for his kindness and also humbled herself by declaring that she was not worthy of such kindness. As a result of this quality, the mercy of God located her. Do you desire God’s mercy? If yes, then you must tow the same path with Ruth and Naomi.
Ruth invariably behaved in such a manner that swept Boaz off his feet. He therefore decided to push further by inquiring more about her as alluded to in Ruth 2:11-12. “And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shown me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”
Boaz found an excellent spirit and heart in Ruth. Her taste for excellence and diligence endeared her to man and God. In the fullness of time, Boaz married Ruth and God gave them a son (Ruth 4:13-17). “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter - in – law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath borne him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.”
The story of Ruth that culminated in the mercy of God is indeed an eye opener. The design and purpose of God is not the same with man. The journey began with the incidence of famine in Bethlehem – Judah and Elimelech set out for Moab, the land of abundance at the time. He was not aware that he would never return to the place of his birth alive. Also, Naomi never envisaged that she would be bereaved of her husband and children in the land of “plenty.” However, God’s plan and purpose is usually deeper than our comprehension. The Almighty God in his infinite wisdom, decided to choose a Moabitess who has proved her worth and calling for the purpose of being a channel through which Jesus Christ was born. God deliberately placed myriads of problems before Naomi and Ruth so as to jointly set them apart and purify them for the task at hand. They proved their love and loyalty to God and were hugely rewarded through the mercy of God to be a channel through which Jesus Christ was born. Ruth gave birth to Obed and Obed gave birth to Jesse the father of David. Jesus Christ is of the household of David. Praise the lord!
PROVE YOU ARE ON TOP OF CHAPTER FIVE BY PROVIDING THE CORRECT ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW:
(1) God’s mercy upon the life of Ruth is a symbol of four things. List them
(2) Who abandoned Naomi at a critical time of need
(3) What prompted Naomi to return to Bethlehem-Judah
(4) Why did Naomi persuade her daughters-in-law to return to their mother’s house
(5) Naomi made two observations when she asked her daughters-in-law to return to their mother’s house. List them
(6) How did Ruth enforce her love for Naomi
(7) Why did God open an endless window of mercy upon the life of Ruth
(8) Why did Naomi suggest a change of name
(9) Mention the quality that attracted Boaz to Ruth
(10)Why did Ruth fall on her feet before Boaz
CHAPTER SIX
Jacob
The travails of Jacob (Israel) are undoubtedly a heartfelt labor. He is the only one who has ever wrestled with an angel and prevailed. The Almighty God characteristically knows the end from the beginning. He began to use the end of Jacob to shower his mercy upon him from the beginning. Jacob - a man who is good at supplanting is ideally not supposed to bask in the mercy of God but his end aptly qualifies him as an ideal candidate for the mercy of God. Sometimes, the mercy of God locates an individual because God knows that the fellow’s end will induce his mercy.
