The Triumph of Compassion
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them….” Psalm 78:36,37 ESV
When I read these verses I think of Paul’s words to Timothy, “…if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV)
This psalm is entitled, “Tell the Next Generation.” We read these words, “He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God..” (Psalm 78:5-7 ESV)
The Lord always had future generations in mind when He spoke to His people. The Law of God and the importance of loving God was not just a point in time matter for one generation. The Lord’s desire was for future generations to know Him and receive His blessing.
When the psalmist recounts the failures of past generations, it is not to shame, but as much to warn. It is not to highlight their weakness, but to demonstrate the Lord’s strength and faithfulness.
These verses above as much as any reveal that salvation is not by works or merit, but by the mercy and grace of God. Even when God’s people failed miserably, the Lord provided a way to forgiveness, He atoned for their sin.
Paul wrote to the Romans and said, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
It is not the Lord’s desire to “condemn anyone to hell.” The Lord has demonstrated His restraint, steadfast love, long-suffering with the guilty, all in order to bring us to a point of experiencing life in Him. The Lord has provided a “great” salvation, no wonder we are faced with the question, “…how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3 NIV)
The lessons from generations past instruct us still. The Lord does provide a way “out” but it must be seized. We must be those who commit to a heart that is steadfast and live according to the New Covenant that has so gracious been provided by Christ’s death on the cross.
Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You have out of compassion, have provided an atonement for our sin, so we are not destroyed. Help us to understand all that You have done and do for us, that we may honor You with our lives.