Intro
Where is one area or time you can see the hand of God’s Providence and/or mercy in your life?
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Khesed (Hebrew): Synonyms & Translations include mercy, loving-kindness, steadfast love, loyal love
1. Khesed: Loyal Love
Ruth’s behavior and act of loyalty to her mother-in-law is an act of khesed because of her character and expression of love. Moses appeals to God’s character of khesed
Numbers 14:19. “Please pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love (khesed)…”
God’s character of khesed endures forever…
Psalm 136 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
2. People’s Khesed
The prophet Hosea compares the khesed of Israel to the morning mist that is here one moment and gone the next.
Khesed is broader and deeper than only forgiving a wrong done to us or seeking mercy when we deserve a consequence for doing wrong..
3. Jesus and Khesed
Jesus concept of mercy is most-likely meant in the context of khesed Matthew 23:23,24 do not neglect the weightier matters of the law justice, mercy and faithfulness.
Matthew 9:10-13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice”
Matthew 18:21-35 “I forgave you… should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant…?
4. Khesed as followers of Jesus?
How does this concept of khesed and mercy impact my behavior around others, the decisions I make and how I live among those I may disagree with.
