The LORD is Merciful and Gracious

Exodus 34:5-7 is a great consolation for sinners under grace rather than law.

"The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. [6] The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, [7] keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation."

REMEMBER

First of all, this is a great reminder that God has made Himself known. As it says, "The LORD descended in the cloud," and, "proclaimed the name of the LORD." What is this? It is God communicating the glorious truth about Himself. 

Since God has made Himself known, therefore, we can know God and enjoy fellowship with Him for time and eternity. Praise the Lord! He has not left us to our own devices or to our own fate in this fallen world.

REJOICE

Furthermore, let us rejoice that God is merciful, restraining judgment and helping weak sinners.

Rejoice that God is gracious, showering undeserving sinners with blessings and gifts.

Rejoice that God is slow to anger, exercising patience and compassionate care.

Rejoice that God abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping all His promises and never forsaking His people.

Rejoice that God forgives iniquity and transgression and sin, sending Jesus to die for our sins, rise to new life, and give us the Holy Spirit.

TAKE HEED

And also, take heed that God is just and righteous, not clearing the guilty but bringing them to judgment (which is why we MUST come to Christ for forgiveness).

Take heed that, were we under the Law of Moses and not under the covenant of grace in Christ's blood, God would be right to bring historical judgment upon any generation for our collective sins (which He did in Israel under the Law). 

But, beloved, we are not under the Law, but under grace (Romans 6:15).And there is no historical destruction and exile for those under grace, for those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Romans 8:1).

THE TAKEAWAY

This week, remember that God has made Himself known and enabled us to know Him, take heed of His holiness and justice, but most of all, rejoice in Christ, God's only Son, and the great salvation you have in Him. 

Find true consolation in this: You are not under law, but under grace as one united to the risen LORD.

by: Matt Fortunato