Exodus
34:6-7 (NIV)
The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious
God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to
thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.
Nehemiah
9:17, 26, 28 (NIV) {excerpts}
But you are a forgiving God, gracious and
compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. … But they were disobedient
and rebelled against you; they put your law behind their backs. … And when they
cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you
delivered them time after time.
The Exodus passage is remarkable for it is
actually the LORD explaining to Moses his own compassionate characteristics.
The timing is also remarkable for it comes as Moses was receiving the
commandments for the second time—Moses had already destroyed the first set of
tablets.
The
Nehemiah passage is remarkable for it comes following the rebuilding of the
wall around Jerusalem. To be specific, the work on the wall was finished, Ezra
had just read from the Book of Law from Moses, and the Levites had just
reiterated a detailed list of the many rebellious sins of the people since
their days with Pharaoh to the finishing of the wall.
Ironically, this is not a message of doom and
gloom. This is a message of great hope for us today! For truly, we fall short
of the glory of God time after time. Yet in his mercy and compassion, our plea
for forgiveness dispels God’s wrath. He lovingly accepts us back into his arms
of mercy. Our job is to stay there.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
By your own words you tell us of your
compassion and mercy. Forgive us where we fail you, as we often do. Guide us
back into your loving embrace and give us the strength to remain there.
In
Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Respectfully written and submitted by
Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of
Christ’s return!
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