The Loving-kindness Of God # 2

 The Loving-Kindness Of God # 2

This loving-kindness of the Lord is never removed from His children. To our reason it may appear to be so, yet it never is. Since the believer is in Christ, nothing can separate him from from the love of God (Romans 8:39). God has solemnly engaged Himself by covenant, and our sins cannot make it void. God has sworn that if His children keep not His commandments He will "visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes." Yet He adds, "Nevertheless My loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor allow my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break." (Psalm 89:31-34). Observe the change of number from "their" and "them" to "him." The loving-kindness of God toward His people is centered in Christ. Because His exercise of loving-kindness is a covenant engagement it is repeatedly linked to His "truth" (Psalm 40:11; 138:2), showing tht it proceeds to us by promise. Therefore we should never despair.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10). No, that covenant has been ratified by the blood of its Mediator, by which blood the enmity (occasioned by sin) has been removed, and perfect reconciliation effected. God knows the thoughts which He entertains for those embraced in His covenant and who have been reconciled to Him; namely, "thoughts of peace and not of evil? (Jeremiah 29:11). Therefore we are assured, "The Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me." (Psalm 42:8). What a word that is! Not merely that the Lord will give or bestow, but command His loving-kindness. It is given by decree, bestowed by royal engagement, as He also commands "deliverances...the blessing, even life for evermore." (Psalm 44:4; 133:3), which announces that nothing can possibly hinder these bestowments. What ought OUR RESPONSE to be?

First, "Be therefore imitators of God as dear children; and walk in love" (Eph. 5:1-2). "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Col. 3:12). Thus it was with David: "Your loving-kindness is before my eyes; and I have walked in Your truth." (Psalm 26:3). He delighted to ponder it. It refreshed his soul to do so, and it molded his conduct. The more are occupied with God's goodness, the more careful we will be about our obedience. The constraints of God's love and grace are more powerful to the regenerate, than the terrors of His Law. "How precious is Your unfailing love, O God!" (Psalm 36:7).

Second, a sense of this divine perfection strengthens our faith, and promotes confidence in God.

Third, it should stimulate the spirit of worship. "Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You (Psalm 63:3).

Fourth, it should be our cordial when downcast. "Let Your merciful kindness be for my comfort." (Psalm 119:76). It was so with Christ in His anguish (Psalm 69:17).

Fifth, it should be our plea in prayer, "Quicken me, O Lord, according to Your loving-kindness." (Psalm 119:159). David applied to that divine attribute for new strength and increased vigor.

Sixth, we should appeal to it when we have fallen by the wayside. "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving-kindness." (Psalm 51:1). Deal with him according to the gentlest of Your attributes, make my case an exemplification of Your tenderness.

Seventh, it should be a petition in our evening devotions. "Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning." (Psalm 143:8). Arouse me with my soul in tune therewith, let my waking thoughts be of Your goodness.

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)