One of the most frequent prayers found in the book of Psalms is some form of “Lord, have mercy on me.” The Hebrew word used here carries the idea of “Lord, show me your loving kindness and devotion.”
But in Jeremiah 2:2 we find the word used in a very different way. Through Jeremiah God says to the people, “I remember the kindness [devotion] of your youth, your love as a bride” (KJV). By the time of this writing Israel was showing God little of this, but God could remember when Israel showed kindness to him and was devoted to him with the loving kindness of a bride.
We would probably agree that God does not need our mercy or our grace, but who among us, including God, does not appreciate a demonstration of kindness? In this passage God speaks to Judah and tells them he can remember those encouraging days when they showed him such loving kindness. As hard as it may be for us to fathom, God can be encouraged and he is by the loving kindness we show to him.
Most of our prayers are like those in Psalms and involve our beseeching God for his kindness and mercy, and given our need for him that is as it should be. But as we mature in our relationship with him, there should be just as much a desire to encourage him and show back to him what he has shown to us.
What would you do this week if you changed your mind and asked how you might show loving kindness to God? I wouldn’t be surprised if it touched his heart.
Jeremiah 2:2
"Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem:
" 'I remember the devotion [loving kindness] of your youth,
how as a bride you loved me
and followed me through the desert,
through a land not sown.
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"
Matthew 25:37-40
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Very powerful! What a wonderful thought to begin the morning. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletethank you Tom for all you do -this was an amazing way to start my day....thanks also for writing the Scripture in full since I sometimes read this when I'm not near a Bible.
ReplyDeleteMarcia
It is easy to view God as something other than a being with feelings and emotions. These characteristics shouldn't be surprising, however, as we are made in his image. He created emotions and feelings- something he wouldn't have done had he not had them himself. If we believe this to be true, then we need to approach our relationship with him not unlike we approach our relationships with those we love. If affection and care are only flowing from one end, then it is not functional or sustainable, and ultimately will not last. Of course He will always be the stronger and more capable one in the relationship, but this does not mean he wants to be the ONLY one trying. It is so important that we strive to do "beautiful things" for God (Mt. 26:10) if we ever want to experience the intimate relationship with him that he intended.
ReplyDeleteGarrett
Atlanta, GA
This quick lesson helped me make a deeper connection between matt. 25:37-40 & matt. 28:18-20. There is a greater purpose behind "making disciples" out of obedience to God's commands or helping to save the souls of other people. God wants us to SHOW HIM loving kindness by saving souls of other people. I'm sure that if we do this, we'll also make sure they are clothed, fed, visited, etc. So, I want to not only meet the needs of others to help them become saved, but to show loving kindness to them as though I was doing it for God. Love for God is to obey His commands (1 Jn 5:3), yet this seems to be a practical way of doing that. thanx ;D
ReplyDeleteAmen and amen Tom. And I love everyone's comments too. Truly Love (God) is Patient. Love is Kind. May we all obey Him (God/Jesus)more and more and be patient and Kind, to God, to others and to ourselves. I pray that we will all bear much fruit and fruit that will last. Lets be like Jesus!
ReplyDelete