The so labeled “Word Wide Economic Crisis”, the upcoming USA Presidential and Federal Elections, Terrorism… It all seems to point to a season of despair and uncertainty. What has brought us to this point? Irresponsibility? The government? Or was it greed, selfishness, corruption, ignorance and even stupidity? It’s a time of uncertainty, as the “experts” say, and even despair. It is a great opportunity for the church to care and stand with confidence.
Exodus 34:6-7 (NASU) reads:
“Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness and truth; who keeps loving-kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.’ “
This came just after Moses asked God to show him all his glory. It is God’s accurate opinion of Himself, the Truth of Who He is, and becomes the lens through which we view the world and all circumstances. God is saying seven things about Himself, He is:
1. Compassionate
2. Gracious
3. Longsuffering (slow to anger, patient)
4. Merciful (Loving-kindness)
5. Good (NKJV)
6. Truth
7. Forgiving
Other translations also use the words love and faithfulness. Is God’s opinion of Himself to be reasonably accurate? God has nothing to hide. This is where confidence and comfort are found. As you look at your personal history, ask yourself this question, “Do I affirm the character of God in my life or do I have questions? Do I misrepresent His character?”
How do you respond when life gets hard or uncertain? Do you give into emotions or do you let this statement of God be the guiding arrow in your life? Do you view these despairing circumstances through this lens – the accurate description of God’s nature and character – or view God through the lens of your circumstances?
Many people have questions about the last part of Exodus 34:7 where it says God “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." It could sound like God carries an unfair grudge. However, this word “visiting” is the Hebrew word “paqad” and carries the meaning “to visit or oversee with friendly or hostile intent.” In fact the world “guilty” is a word added by the translators for better reading and is not even in the original text. Letting context guide the interpretation, then we can see that in the context of God describing Himself as compassionate, good, merciful, etc that this could indicate something else than a vindictive God (which goes against His character). Fathers who misrepresent God will bear the consequences of transgression, but God will visit those children to watch over them with love, compassion, and kindness. Remember, God desires that none be lost (Ezekiel 18:32) and all come to the knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:9)! In fact, Ezekiel 18 clears up any misunderstanding of who bears the judgment of sin – and it is the sinner and not the children.
Proverbs 18:10 says “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe.” His name is personal. We can call on the name of the Lord and find security in Him. King David used this lens of God (Exodus 34:6, 7) by running into the name of the Lord (Psalm 103:8) and rehearsing his understanding of God (Psalm 3) in times of trouble. He viewed his dire circumstances through the lens of who God is and says He is.
I encourage you to do the same. God’s testimony of Himself in Exodus 34:6, 7 completes the description of the strong tower into which we can run during these days of uncertainty. One of the current DTS students gave this testimony about the revelation he got from God during this same teaching in his training school, “These qualities are the best news I have ever heard. It is exactly what I was looking for to hear in my life!”
In the last couple of years, as I have leaned into God to learn more about His nature and character, I have made the decision to see Him first, and then my circumstances. I do not let circumstances dictate how I feel or respond. Is this always easy? Heavens no! I still am tempted to react and let my emotions lead me and this often leads to despair and frustration. But as I choose to use this truth of God to be my lens, I find peace and confidence and safety in the name of the One whom I serve. It’s brought amazing freedom in my life, no matter how dire the circumstances are. He is the One in whom I have confidence.
Ask yourself, “Am I going to be loyal to God’s character in these days?” or “Am I going to misrepresent Him?”
As believers, being a Christian also means thinking Christianly. We can view and think about the economic crisis, terrorism, and even politics Christianly. We can apply this way of thinking to every sphere of society (Education, Family, Communication, Religion, Government, Economics, and The Arts) and view each through the lens of who God is. We can look at the question of who to vote for through this lens. We must begin with the correct view of who God is. He has told us this and, in Christ Jesus, He has shown us.
He is the Lord, the Lord your God, gracious, loving, faithful, slow to anger, merciful, and ever forgiving. He is the strong tower into which the righteous run and are safe.
Beloved, have confidence during these days in Him.
-Joshua
