“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.”

Psalm 103:13

 

OUR GOD IS GLORIOUS in His grace, His mercy, His steadfast love, and as Psalm 103:13 makes clear, the LORD’s compassion is also something at which we marvel. Even more so, it is something in which we may take shelter.

The comparison is made with the compassion of an earthly father for his children. And as one who is now not only a father but a grandfather–and has just returned from a trip to visit with our grandchildren–the comparison for me is a rich one. As we visited, it would only take a small squawk from our 11-month-old granddaughter, and we would all come running. Likewise, I recall the same when our (now adult) children were young. Even now, as they are well into their 30’s, that compassion does not change.

And yet… it is infinitely more so when we consider the LORD’s “compassion to those who fear Him”. His compassion is eternal, as He covenantally binds Himself to those who fear Him. But notice, this compassion comes not to those who strive to do good deeds that they may earn His love; instead, it comes to those who “fear Him”. Those who recognize their sinfulness before His holy perfection. Those who then, by faith and repentance, turn to Christ, seeking His glorious love, mercy, grace… and compassion.

 

Pastor Craig publishes  "A Word from God's Word" weekly in the "Kootenay News Advertiser".

About the Author

Pastor Craig has served as Senior Pastor of Cranbrook Fellowship Baptist Church since 2018. His passion is for preaching and teaching God's Word, as it is through the proclamation of the gospel that God does His work in people's lives.