Good Morning Friends,
God told Moses what He was like when He met with him on Sinai. “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. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.’” (Exodus 34:6-7)
God’s great characteristics are: compassion, grace, patience, love, faithfulness, forgiveness, and justice.
With compassion, He comes to rescue those in need. Compassion caused Him to hear the cries of Israel in Egypt. Compassion moved Him to bring Moses to deliver them and work miracles to gain their release.
God’s grace causes Him to give what we do not deserve. He doesn’t hand out blessings according to our goodness. He goes above and beyond what we deserve.
God’s patience is easily seen in His response to Israel. Time and again they failed Him; turned away to worship other gods; pursued their own path, rather than walking in His. God did not destroy them. He was patient and worked to bring them back to Him.
In love, God moved to do what Israel needed. He didn’t consider His own needs or what it would cost Him to meet Israel’s needs. He was concerned about making the decisions that were best for them. He was committed to their well-being.
The Israelites could count on God. He was always with them. When they turned away from Him, He did not turn away from them. He didn’t take breaks or vacations. He didn’t sleep or hang out a “Do Not Disturb” sign. He was always there, always available. He was absolutely faithful.
Israel sinned, came to repentance, and found God’s forgiveness waiting for them. Over and over again that same cycle was repeated. God’s forgiveness never ran out. The well of His forgiveness is deeper than the depth of their greatest sins!
He longs to forgive and be in right relationship with all people – but justice must be done. The penalty for sin must be paid – and He paid it Himself for those who willingly come to Him.
All of God’s characteristics, shown so clearly in His relationship with Israel, are still there and they still determine God’s actions toward the world – toward you and me.
His, by Grace, Steve
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