John 1.14-17
Israel had sinned greatly against the LORD. It looked as it He was going to Personally withdraw from them. The people mourned. Moses interceded. God remained. After this Moses went back up on Mount Sinai and the in the midst of receiving the second set of tablets to replace the first set Moses broke, the LORD revealed Himself to Moses in a beautiful way.
He proclaimed His Name. In so doing He revealed to Moses His Merciful Character. In getting the law for Israel Moses saw God's Grace and Truth.
1. The LORD -v.6 The Self Existing One, I AM= Who was, Is and Will Be Forever
He self exists. You and I need air, water, food, clothing, shelter, companionship, sleep
The LORD exists separately. He is dependent on nothing. He does not have our needs.
Psalm 121.4 He Who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep
Hosea 11.9 For I am God, and not a man- the Holy One among you.
The LORD is seated on His Throne in Heaven, The LORD is my Shepherd, He is with us.
2. The LORD is the Compassionate and Gracious God. -v.6
Israel had committed a horrible sin. They broke the first two commandments. They ascribed to the golden calf the honor due the LORD- how foolish! How utterly stupid. Intelligent people, God's people thinking some man made object could do anything.
They rebelled and insulted the LORD deeply. God could have destroyed them- or just left them to their own schemes. But He did not. He is showing them mercy in His compassion and wonderful grace. He lengthens mercy to bring everyone in.
Psalm 103.13-14 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.
He is aware of your situation this morning as He looks down from heaven upon the earth and observes us. He knows our capabilities, our limitations, our weaknesses and our sins.
Compassion was something that moved Jesus while He was here on earth- it is not just a feeling.
In His Grace and in His Mercy...
3. The LORD is Slow To Anger
II Peter 3.15- Bear in mind that our LORD's patience means salvation
This is given in the context of His return and judgement.
4. The LORD is Abounding in Love and Faithfulness.
Psalm 108.4 For great is Your Love, higher than the heavens; You faithfulness reaches to the skies.
There is no shadow of turning with the LORD.
His Word stand firm in the heavens - Psalm 119.89
The stars and the movement of the planets are amazing. They tell of the faithfulness of God.
The earth's rotation around the sun
The moon's revolution around the earth
The earth's revolution around the sun -Precision we measure time by these things: minutes, days, months and years.
They tell of the faithfulness and love of God. For the faithful, the Faithful One is always on time and often shows up at the last minute- look at Abraham and Issac on Mount Moriah!
David wrote (Psalm 19.1-4)
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His Hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the earth.
5. Maintaining Love to Thousands- v.7
Karl Barth, the Swiss Theologian, spoke in Chicago years ago. He was asked by one of a hall full of seminary students, "Dr. Barth, what is the most profound theological thought you have ever had?" Barth answered, "The most profound theological thought I ever had was, 'Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so.'"
6. Forgiving Wickedness, Rebellion and Sin- v.7
lit. bear up, carry- The LORD's Prayer- teach us to pray, "Forgive us our trespasses, debts, sins..." Wonderful Grace
7. The LORD is the Righteous Judge- Sovereign LORD
There are consequences of sin. The LORD maintains justice. Those who refuse to repent bring trouble on generations to come- example unforgiveness- family feuds-have been transmitted down the line. Kids pick up on it and sometimes it is generations before it is resolved.
This all about God's Mercy- Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
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