THE HEAVENLY BOUNTY HUNTERS: The Exploits of Goodness and Mercy, by Julius Sims, Ed.D.

“The Heavenly Bounty Hunters: The Exploits of Goodness and Mercy”, by Julius Sims, Ed.D.

“Goodness and mercy (or grace) will pursue me (i.e., follow, chase after, pursue you) throughout the days of your life;” (Psalms 23:6)

Throughout the ages, GOODNESS AND MERCY has been the assigned, relentless, and caring-driven agents that have displayed acts of love among and for people. With God’s purpose in mind and a Kingdom initiative as an objective, both Goodness and Mercy have strategically affected the destinies of many. Insightfully recognized and scribed by David, the spiritually celebrated author of Psalms 23, these heavenly ambassadors {i.e., Goodness & Mercy} have fulfilled countless assignments regarding a target population: God’s sheep. It was this spiritually gifted man David, who was able to summarize God’s (The Great Shepherd) intent: commission the relentless pursuits of Goodness and Mercy & motivate God’s people to remain in the house of the Lord or help God’s people maintain a focus regarding the things of the Lord.

Can we still expect Goodness and Mercy in the earth today? Has American’s heart towards God and people’s toxic thinking towards the church become so resistant to the point that Goodness and Mercy are idle without assignments from God? Thank God that His eternal mission has not become heart-less! Media presents us with countless present-day atrocities worldwide, racial animosities, and others wanting to redefine God into their own image. Hold up! The exploits of Goodness and Mercy are just as important today than ever before. Moreover, God is aware. Therefore, questions within us all may emerge. What will Goodness and Mercy look like today? What will identify them when they arrive upon the scene of one’s journey through life? What race are they? What biblical persuasions are they? What will they sound like? Is my welfare God’s concern? Before this short narrative reaches its conclusion, I will put some of these inquiries to rest.

The continuous exploits of both Goodness and Mercy will again enlighten our hearts, while leaving us at times speechless with a refreshed soul. Goodness and Mercy have a reputation of stimulating and expanding the dimensions of one’s faith. Goodness and Mercy can help one recapture their faith and point it upward again. Goodness and Mercy can help remove blinders from our eyes and minimize our ignorance so that we can see HIM clearer (Ex. 33:19). Goodness and the assistance of Mercy will keep us from falling further into ruin and self-destruction (Ps. 25:7). Goodness and his colleague Mercy will help “us out”, and help “us up” (Ps. 109:21).

No matter what situation or situations may be wrecking our confidence, spoiling our productive plans, disturbing our righteous walk before the Lord―let us not forget that help is coming! Keep the lights of expectations on in your heart! Goodness and Mercy will find us, even if we do not see them coming. No exhausting wilderness journey or no daunting adventure ahead will keep these Spirit-driven ambassadors from showing up for us. Goodness and Mercy’s designated objectives are the results of what God knows about us and what He wants to do to us. These heavenly Bounty Hunters and their need to perform their mission for the Great Shepherd should be inspirational to our souls. Knowing that they are coming should be medicine for our heartaches, and an answer to some of our struggles and challenges.

The Bible archives featuring the exploits of Goodness and Mercy are throughout the countless narratives (Isa. 63:7). Hallelujah, they are not finished yet! Therefore, what does Goodness and Mercy look like? What will identify them when they arrive upon the scene of one’s journey through life? What color are they? What will they sound like? Here is a news flash my beloved, WE ARE THE REPRESENTATIVES OF GOODNESS AND MERCY IN THE EARTH TODAY! We are to show goodness and mercy to others. God wants to write (using the Holy Spirit) the definition of goodness and the aspects of mercy on OUR hearts. Others should discover the expressions of Goodness and Mercy in OUR behaviors (Jos. 9:25; Matt. 5:7). Goodness and Mercy are what sinners should feel in OUR intentions. We, as Christians, are the ones God (the Great Shepherd) is commissioning everyday to do His work in the earth. Because the heavenly Father’s work is through a human vessel as His instrument, WE are the ones who must capture the purposes of both Goodness and Mercy and reflect THEM in our world (Matt. 5:13, 14).

In the biblical narrative recorded in Genesis 19, how emotionally draining and yet appreciative Lot and his family must have been when they experienced the saving efforts from two divinely appointed agents: whom Lot took into his home as guests. Interestingly, Lot had two houseguests who apparently could have looked like men, but acted like angles with delegated power that was distinct while having a love that was saving. Ultimately, theses agents carried out a mission that Lot eventually appreciated. These commissioned men of God had possessed a bounty hunters disposition of seeking, finding, advising, protecting, and rescuing. Lot, his wife, and his daughters may not have fully realized or known that these ‘human angels’ carried a heavenly assignment, filled with purpose. (Teachable moment) Just in case we may (occasionally) become overwhelmed with unexpected trouble that is harassing our emotions and trying to upend our ministry & faith― additionally, we may struggle providing a solution because there is too much noise going on in our heads. Hold on! Mercy and Goodness is coming! In addition, they may not look like what you expected! The Great Shepherd has declared that goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your living! They will express God’s purpose & they help us know ours. Amen

Julius Sims, Ed.D. serves as senior pastor of the Word of Life Christian Church, located in north St. Louis city, for over 24 years. He serves as a community leader, life coach, educator, advisor, and spiritual father to other pastors. His wife Cathy serves also in church leadership and possesses a powerful worship ministry in the expression of dance. They are a ministry son and daughter of Dr. Mark Hanby and spiritually connected with the Father’s Heart diverse family of believers.