As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone; and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.1
According to David there is a precedent to the LORD your God’s compassion—the fear of the LORD and obedience to his commandments.
Who is this LORD that we should fear and obey him? Didn’t he shape the mountains and the valleys to the place appointed for them? He set boundaries they may not pass and again cover the earth.2 He made the moon to mark the season; the sun knows its time for setting. He makes darkness, and it is night, when all the beast of the forest creep about.3 O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.4 When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.5
Consider what this magnificent LORD our God has done for man, stiff-neck that we are.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life . . .6 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.7 Even before creation, the Word, who was with God and is God, existed without having to be created nor be born. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.8
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood on the cross.9
For God so desired to reconcile us to himself;10 no one could qualify to be with God on his own effort.11 Thus, he sent his Son, who knew no sin, to redeem man for himself.12 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.13 O LORD my God, you alone are worthy to be praised!
Notes:
1. Psalm 103:13-19
2. Psalm 104:8-9
3. Psalm 104:19-20
4. Psalm 104:24
5. Psalm 104:30
6. John 1:1-4
7. Genesis 1:1
8. John 1:14
9. Colossians 1:15-20
10. 2 Corinthians 5:19
11. Ephesians 2:8-9
12. 2 Corinthians 5:21
13. John 3:16
