First, let us introduce these two important angels by giving you the spiritual encounter that led to their assignment to Prayer Mountain. The encounter is important because it may be the only time in my interchange with God Almighty that He refused a direct request. So, let us look at the revelation that took place in June of 2006:
SPIRITUAL ENCOUNTERS
June 23, 2006: Friday
When we arrived at the gazebo, I had a long conversation with the Lord about counsel. I believe this was prompted by the hours that we had spent ministering to that wounded pastor from out of town. I did not write down our conversation word for word; however, I did jot down the gist of the first part of the conversation:
I had asked for the Spirit of Counsel. The Lord said that He had already been released into my life. Then I asked if this aspect of the Holy Spirit’s ministry could be released on this ridge.
To my surprise, He said, “No.” The Lord said that this would be too dangerous. He said: “With such a gift freely given, people who lack godly wisdom would be anointed to counsel any manner of fleshly guidance.”
“For what may I ask, my Lord?” I inquired.
“Ask for a spirit of mercy and a spirit of compassion.
Immediately, I asked for these. “I ask that these be released to add to Your presence and glory. In Your Word, mercy and compassion were proclaimed by You to be the outworking of Your goodness. Let all Your goodness, not only pass before those who come here; but allow Your goodness to settle down and reside in this chosen place.”
“Mercy and compassion will dwell within My glory here. My goodness will be experienced by all who come (to this mount). ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!’”
The Lord quoted this from Psalm 34:8 – “O taste and see that the LORD is good…” will be the answer given to the questions about this place – for all will taste and see.
LET’S LOOK AT THESE TWO ANGELS
Why are the angels “Mercy” and “Compassion” such special representatives of the Father?
Because He Himself said that within these two virtues are distilled the way he deals “justly” with mankind.
“For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION” (Romans 9:15).
“I (the Lord) will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion” (Exodus 33:19).
At first glance, “mercy” and “compassion” do not seem to be a validation of God’s justice. That is because the English words do not equal the total meaning of the Greek.
A. In Romans 9:15, the Greek word eleco comes from the prime root elecos which is usually translated “mercy.” The word means to have an active compassion or graciousness. This active compassion denotes an attitude that arises out of a mutual relationship such as between parents and children or brothers and sisters.
Because of the relationship, each can expect faithfulness and trust between the parties. Therefore, God’s own statement implies active compassion towards those with whom He has a relationship – those He “knew” and knows: family.
There is a legal implication within the word “mercy.” Although those cannot claim God’s promised mercy, they can certainly expect it.
B. To have compassion is oikteiro in Greek from the word oiktos meaning “pity.”
The Greek word means: “to show distress at witnessing the misfortunes of others.” It includes a sense of unhappiness for the ills of others – to “pity” them. The term arises from “inward parts” of the animal sacrifices, those that were considered the nobler parts: the heart, the liver, the lungs, and the kidneys. Later the “inner parts” were expressed by “womb” or “bowels” as the seat of feelings.
However, within the word “compassion” there is not the relationship that evokes an active response, such as in the word “mercy.” There is the possibility of a response, but not the active expectation on the part of the recipients of compassion.
“Mercy” is for those who – according to choice – entered into a relationship with the Father by choosing to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. “Compassion” is for those who did not so choose.
Therefore, our Father has assigned these two extremely important angels, “Mercy” and “Compassion” to assist both those who are saved and (therefore part of His family) and those who have not as yet become family members or even are hostile toward the Living God.
But through the presence of these angels, He pledges to meet with those in both categories.
The angels bring with them a special endowment that our Heavenly Father makes available to those who make their way to Prayer Mountain.
