A Moment With Pastor Fred

Hesed.  

That’s a Hebrew word I’ve mentioned before in my preaching – one I just love. You come across it numerous times in your OT.  It is one of the most beautiful Hebrew words in your Bible. Hesed is God’s covenantal love, his kindness and mercy.  And it’s overflowing. Various translations treat it differently: ESV steadfast love; KJV and NASB lovingkindness; NIV, unfailing love. 

Recently in my devotions I read Ps 36:7, “How precious is your steadfast love [hesed], O God!   The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

OT guru Dale Ralph Davis writes about hesed, “It is love, but love with an ‘umph.’ I have sometimes called it love with super glue on it.  It’s Yahweh’s love that simply won’t let go … It is precious for it is a sheltering love … [we take] refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.” O dear child of God – take refuge in God’s love. Simple words, yes, but they are not trite or flippant. They are powerful and true.

Charles Spurgeon visiting an English farm asked the farmer about his weathervane. On the barn it read God is Love. Spurgeon asked the man, “Are you saying God’s love is as fickle as the weather?”  The wise farmer answered, “Oh no, I’m saying God’s love is constant regardless of which way the wind might blow.”

Whatever trouble or darkness we might be facing we find security and protection in the unfailing love of God.