Read Psalm 103:6-14.
We have a loving Father who has met EVERY past, present and future need (by giving us His Life.) This is illustrated through the Exodus account —vs. 6-7. God’s righteous judgments/deeds done for the oppressed: His people were enslaved —vs. 8. The LORD is compassionate and gracious. He heard His peoples’ cries, answered and promised to stay with them (Exodus 2:23-25…remembered His covenant with the Fathers. Exodus13:21-22…pillar of fire and pillar of cloud—His presence) -Slow to anger. God sent 10 plagues on Egypt during the time of Moses. He gave Pharaoh multiple warnings and chances over time to release His people. Similarly, through the course of time, He has given His people many second chances to turn back to Him. —vs. 9. God will not always strive with us…some Egyptians went with Israel. God allowed this -nor will He keep His anger forever. Those Egyptians were allowed to live among God’s people. —vs. 10. not dealt with us according to our sins…freedom from slavery. We, like Israel were so helpless. All mankind has been held captive—deceived and deluded—by sin. -not rewarded us according to our iniquities…Exodus 12:35-36. Israel plundered the Egyptians—God’s reward for their faith and surrender to Him. —vs. 11. As high as the heavens, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. -Think of the end of our universe. That is unfathomable and unsearchable! That’s how great God’s love is. —vs. 12. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions. East and west are opposite directions. God’s people turned around, leaving behind their old life. Israel crossed the Red Sea going East. When the waters came back down when they were done crossing, there was no turning back! They left their life of slavery—completely forgotten (or should have been). HE HAS GIVEN US A NEW HEART—NEW LIFE BY POWER OF the HOLY SPIRIT. —vs. 13. Fathers compassion on those who fear Him. To learn, to grow and have a relationship with God is His desire. There will be discipline for the rebellious (like Moses scattering gold dust from the idol over the water—>Exodus 32). God led Israel out of Egypt miraculously. He then provided for them in the wilderness for 40 years miraculously. Exodus 16:8-21—God gave them manna and quail, and they were to gather just enough for each day. There was a daily faithfulness on their part. God was trying to teach them about how to have a relationship with Him. —vs. 14. He has compassion as He is mindful that we are “dust.” In other words, apart from Him, we are just a collection of matter/dirt—no meaning. In the beginning, God breathed life in Adam. God is still breathing life into those who see their need of Him. (Jesus himself—Col. 1:13-17). INVENTORY: How do I stack up against God’s character illustrated in the psalm? How much do I need Him? If I am honest with myself, I have to see that I am in utter need of Him. This is what it means to “fear Him.” Apart from Him, I have no real life being a slave to sin. By His love and compassion, He has made it possible for me to turn from that life and turn to Him. As a loving Father, He promises to take care of my every need now and forever.
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Faith of the Younger Brother: Remembering, Resting in, and Receiving Christ's Righteousness6/9/2021 Faith: Remembering, Resting in, and Receiving God’s Righteousness
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This is the blog of Tyler Shepard, the Senior Pastor for Shoaff Park Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, IN.
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