Psalm 78:34-72
“But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath; for He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again.” (Psalm 78:38–39, NKJV)
Recently I received a letter from someone who takes offense that I and other pastors portray God as being loving. In his opinion, God is a monster. (Yes, he really said that!) I wonder when people make such slanderous accusations against God if they have ever read through the entire Bible. When I see how patient He is with unbelieving, rebellious and evil people (me included) I am amazed that He didn’t wipe out the entire planet ages ago.
On the radio I have been teaching through the book of Hosea. I am blown away at how longsuffering the LORD was with the northern kingdom of Israel when they continuously violated His covenant and worshiped pagan gods. Yet God suffered through nine of their evil dynasties before He finally delivered them up to the Assyrians. But even after Israel had been His unfaithful wife, He promised to take her back.
As Asaph told parables about God’s dealings with rebellious Israel, he observed that the LORD was full of compassion, forgiving their iniquity, and turning His anger away from them. And why did He do this? Because He remembered that they were only flesh, a fleeting breath that is here and gone. Moreover, all of this patience and loving kindness was under the Old Covenant before the age of grace. Now under the New Covenant God is reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:19). We have been justified by faith in Jesus Christ and are saved from wrath through His blood (Romans 5:9). This should cause us to draw near to Him in full assurance of faith, knowing that we are the objects of His profound and stretched out love.
Asaph took time to recount God’s works and compassions to them as a people. Take time today to reflect on God’s blessings to you (life, health, family, food, shelter, clothes, mercy, forgiveness etc.). Then while you are going about your day, carry on a conversation with God giving Him thanks for these things. You will find your heart warming in love for your Lord!