Loving-Kindness
I have found that many people, in their devotional time, have avoided reading the Old Testament, because they have thought that there they would only encounter a severe and rigid image of God. It is true that Jesus, in the New Testament, portrays the love of the Father for all mankind, but this is in keeping with the revelation of God in the O.T. Remember, God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
There is a Hebrew word that is used 246 times, in the Old Testament, to describe God, and that is: chesed. This word means “Loving-kindness” Chesed is related to the Biblical idea of covenant and also to the idea of grace, in that it is never deserved, but rather extended to man freely from God. It is more than a sentiment, for it is expressed in specific acts.
Sometimes it is translated as mercy, as in Psalms 23:6, “… goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life…” For the shepherd, David, chesed was like a sheep dog that follows the sheep to keep them out of danger and on the right path. …”. But it is better understood as steadfast love or loving-kindness. God’s love is always close by and never fails.
This word is also used to describe the love David had toward Jonathan. After Jonathan’s death, David desired to show loving-kindness toward any remaining member of his family. He found Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, and brought him into his house and treated him with honor. Chesed is loyal love and dependable kindness. It is affection that has committed itself.
Sometimes this word is translated as steadfast love. Isaiah writes that, “the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but the “steadfast love” of the Lord shall not depart from you.” ((Is. 54:10). Adding to this understanding of God’s love, Paul writes: “I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8.38-39). We can trust in the love God has for us. He never fails.
“Loving-kindness” frequently occurs with the word “morning.” In the book of Lamentations, chesed is “new every morning.” In the Psalms, we are encouraged to begin our day by declaring the loving-kindness of God. In 59:16, David says: “I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning…” What a great way to start each day. Let us join with the saints of old and present in praising God for His faithful, unfailing and steadfast love toward His beloved.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Psalms 59:16; 90:14; 92:2; 143:8; Lam. 3:22-23; II Samuel 9:1-4,7; Is. 55:3; 54:8