In Psalm 107 (today's reading for those who do all 4 columns) the very last verse declares, "Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord." I love that...if you want to be wise, consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
As you read through this chapter you are given example after example of the Lord's steadfast or covenant love. Each situation depicts humans in their neediness, often caused by sinful human choices. With each situation, when the human cries out to the Lord, He hears and delivers them from their distress. How amazing is the steadfast love of the Lord!
Perhaps it is hard to relate to the nameless, faceless examples in Psalm 107, but when you look at the account in 1 Kings 21 this takes a more personal dimension. In verse 25 the author has just stated, "There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited, He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel." This was the man that just conspiried with his wife to steal property from Naboth. This was the man that was just sulking because he couldn't have his way. With this as the context, one might expect the Lord to take Ahab out, and that was the intent of the Lord. But when Ahab repented, when he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on this flesh and fasted, the Lord in His steadfast love extended His mercy to Ahab. Instead of bringing instant judgment on Ahab, the Lord responded to Ahab's contrition and delayed the coming judgment. How great is the steadfast love of the Lord!
That steadfast love was extended to the three Hebrew men in Daniel 3. They were confronted with a choice: to bow before the image Nebuchadnezzar had set up, or face death. In faithfulness they chose to entrust themselves to their God who was full of steadfast love. They were not disappointed, because the Lord came through for them, delivering them from the furnace of fire, and displaying the glories of His matchless person.
Our Lord's steadfast love not only ministers to us in our sin and affliction in this life, but will go with us until the end. As 1 Thessalonians 4 notes, God's steadfast love will provide our ultimate deliverance. At Jesus' return both those who are "asleep" and those who are alive "in Christ" will be gathered to their Lord and be permanently delivered from this fallen world. The covenant keeping God, who loves us with an unfailing love, will return for His children, and receive them into glory where there will no longer be trials or pain, or suffering or sin. How amazing is our Lord's steadfast love!
Brothers and sisters, be wise today! Consider the Lord's steadfast love. He is a God who promises and will not deviate from His promises. He is a God who loves with a love that is unquenchable. Ponder this anew and let it encourage your heart and enbolden your living for Him!
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