Why is the promise of the steadfast love of the Lord more than just happy affection toward us?
When you hear the phrase “the steadfast love of the Lord,” do you start a running list of questions in your head? Like, what does that even mean? Sure, everyone wants to be loved. And steadfast — well, that sounds like it would last a while, so that seems promising, right? But the promise of the steadfast love of the Lord is so much more than that.
At least that’s what Christian leaders always say. But what does it mean? Let’s start with some definitions.
Steadfast: “firmly fixed in place: immovable.”
Love: “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties.”
God’s love for us is immovable. Wow. Isn’t that the dream? To have a love so strong that it’s literally immovable. That nothing we can do can ever make it go away. That’s the steadfast love of the Lord, and we see examples of this throughout the Bible. Here are some truths we can glean from examples in the Bible:
You don’t have to be an important person to have God’s love
Society says that you have to be important or an influencer to garner love. But God says it doesn’t matter who you are. Take the Israelites, for example. They were small potatoes compared to the larger nations that surrounded Israel. But that’s not how God’s steadfast love works.
“The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8 NIV).
When the Israelites were vulnerable and exposed in Egypt, the steadfast love of the Lord was there to save them. Because of the Lord’s great affection, the Israelites were saved. In fact, God selected them as His chosen people.
God’s love isn’t going anywhere
In many cases, love is fallible. It’s fickle, passing like a summer breeze. The love of the Lord, though — that’s permanent.There’s a great example of this type of love in Hosea.
Hosea married a promiscuous woman named Gomer. She repeatedly cheated on Hosea and left him. Time after time, she did this. At one point, Hosea bought Gomer out of slavery because of his love for her. Gomer tested Hosea’s love and devotion, but Hosea remained faithful and steadfast. Just like Jesus.
The steadfast love of the Lord brings peace
The Bible talks a lot about peace, and that’s because it’s part of the steadfast-love-of-the-Lord package. In fact, God gives the promise of peace: “‘Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love will not be removed from you and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,’ says your compassionate Lord” (Isaiah 54:10 HCSB).
We know that we will face hard times, but the Bible reminds us that God’s steadfast love comes with a promise of peace. John 16:33 (NIV) says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The love of the Lord is merciful
We are imperfect, sinful people. Thank goodness that God is merciful. There’s a difference between forgiveness — the act of overcoming wrongdoing — and mercy — the withholding of harsh treatment of punishment. Mercy is Christ sacrificially dying on a cross, so that we did not have to face that horrible punishment.
God’s love is more than just happy affection — that’s what we give to acquaintances. His steadfast love is unending and endless. It’s hard to wrap your head around just how vast God’s love is, but remember to “look at the birds of the air for; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26 NKJV).
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s purpose and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website.
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