What is Lovingkindness?

Here's something to meditate on. I found it in "Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words," of all places. I believe that, whenever I meditate on God's lovingkindness, turning it over and over in my mind and letting it sink into my innermost being, I am being changed into His likeness.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind [be metamorphosed by the renovation of your understanding], so that you may discern what is the good [beneficial], acceptable [well-pleasing] and perfect [complete] will of God. – Romans 12:2

Here is the Vine's quote. It's lengthy, but worth the meditation:

Loving-kindness [Hebrew hesed] – “loving-kindness; steadfast love; grace; mercy; faithfulness; goodness; devotion.” The term is one of the most important in the vocabulary of Old Testament theology and ethics.

In general, one may identify three basic meanings of the word, which always interact: “strength” [Greek dunamis], “steadfastness” [from everlasting to everlasting], and “love” [Greek agape]. Any understanding of the word that fails to suggest all three inevitably loses some of its richness. [It appears to include God’s omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence.]

The word refers primarily to mutual and reciprocal rights and obligations between the parties of a relationship (especially Yahweh and Israel). But hesed is not only a matter of obligation; it is also of generosity. It is not only a matter of loyalty, but also of mercy. The weaker party seeks the protection and blessing of the patron and protector, but he may not lay absolute claim to it. The stronger party remains committed to his promise, but retains his freedom, especially with regard to the manner in which he will implement those promises. Hesed implies personal involvement and commitment in a relationship beyond the rule of law.

“Devotion” is sometimes the single English word best capable of capturing the nuance of the original. Hebrew writers often underscored the element of steadfastness (or strength) by pairing hesed with emet (“truth; reliability”) and emunah (“faithfulness; certainty”).

The concrete content of the word is especially evident when it is used in the plural. God’s “mercies,” “kindnesses,” or “faithfulnesses” are His specific, concrete acts of redemption in fulfilment of His promise. An example appears in Isaiah 55:3: “. . . And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” [Clearly referring to Jesus!]

Hesed is God’s most central characteristic. God’s loving-kindness is offered to his people, who need redemption from sin, troubles, and enemies [the flesh, the world, the devil]. A recurrent refrain describing God’s nature is “abounding/plenteous in hesed” (Exo. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 103.8; Jon. 4:2). The entire history of Yahweh’s covenantal relationship with Israel can be summarized in terms of hesed. It is the one permanent element in the flux of covenantal history. (Woohoo!  Isn't God good?)

The association of hesed with ‘covenant” keeps it from being misunderstood as mere providence or love for all creatures; it applies primarily to God’s particular love for His chosen and covenanted people. “Covenant” also stresses the reciprocity of the relationship; but since God’s hesed is ultimately beyond the covenant, it will not ultimately be abandoned, even when the human partner is unfaithful and must be disciplined (Isa. 54:8, 10). Since its final triumph and implementation is eschatological [referring to the final destiny of all humankind], hesed can imply the goal and end of all salvation-history (Ps. 8:7, 10; 130:7; Mic. 7:20).

All of the Above

Day 134
One writer tells you that, in order to get somewhere with Me -- to get a breakthrough -- you've got to take risks, step out in faith. Someone else says to praise your way out of your doldrums and through your difficulty. Another author admonishes you to get into My presence for bigger blocks of time on a daily basis. One teacher says you must realize who you are in Chist, live as if you are seated in the heavenlies with Him right now -- live from heaven toward earth. Someone else tells you to discipline yourself, study and memorize my word, and cement more holy habits into your daily walk. Another preacher encourages you to spend greater amounts of time in quiet listening prayer, allow my Spirit to hover over you and minister to you. Others stress the great importance of praying in the Spirit, building yourself up on your most holy faith.

So what am I saying to you? Yes to all of the above! Deliberately come after Me with everything you've got. There is no end, there is no limit to Me. Run headlong, keep your shoulder to the grindstone, jump off the great cliff of certainty into my ocean of surprising grace. Keep your hand to the plow, laugh and sing and dance hilariously with Me in the heavens; sit on my lap, your head on my chest, and let Me sing you to sleep. Never stop pressing in to know Me more.

But even there, if you seek God, your God, you'll be able to find him if you're serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul. -- Deuteronomy 4:29 [The Message]

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. -- 1 Chronicles 28:9 [NLT]

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -- Jeremiah 29:13 [NIV]

Are you Motivated?

Day 133
What are your core values? What is the motivation for your actions? Is it about being comfortable in this world and being accepted and loved by people? Why do you do the things you do?

If you are compelled to do and say things in order to make a way for yourself in this world, that is what you will have: the temporary, decaying teasures of this world. Nothing of this world will last. It is fading away before your eyes -- you can't deny it. Every material thing will be used up.

The Last Clematis Blossom

Then what should you be spending your time and energy on? Watch for Me. I am pure love. My everlasting love transcends time, heals all wounds, brings joy to the oppressed, feeds the hungry, mends the broken, and makes all things new. Watch for Me. See where I am moving, and move with Me. You will be my partner in these things.

Is that good motivation?

People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. -- Matthew 6:32-33 [The Message]

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace—a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—and to comfort all who mourn, to care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.

Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory. They'll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They'll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You'll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, but you'll have the title "Priests of God," honored as ministers of our God. You'll feast on the bounty of nations, you'll bask in their glory. "Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever. Because I, God, love fair dealing and hate thievery and crime, I'll pay your wages on time and in full, and establish my eternal covenant with you. Your descendants will become well-known all over. Your children in foreign countries Will be recognized at once as the people I have blessed."

I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara. For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, so the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations. -- Isaiah 61 [The Message]

Cold Weather -- Mum!