Last month, we focused on God’s eternal covenant with humanity. Though I gave you a pretty big bite to chew on, there is so much more that could have been explored. I’ll leave that for those of you who thrive on the spiritual discipline of study!
Writing the article sparked my curiosity. What is behind the eternal nature of God’s covenant relationship with people? What is the back story? What has kept God from breaking covenant with His people who century after century make, and then break the sacred relationship?
I believe the answer lies in the character, the nature of God Himself. One Hebrew word, hesed (HEH-sed), is the foundation upon which God builds and then keeps covenant. Hesed is a difficult word to adequately translate. And perhaps at the same time is the most theologically important word in grasping the character and nature of God.
Michael Card, in his book Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness contains a list of 112 facets of the single word, hesed. Each is an expansion of the basic translation, “lovingkindness.” Here are the most common English translations of hesed from seven popular English Bibles, compiled by Card.
· King James Version mercy or mercies,
· New International Version love,
· English Standard Version steadfast love,
· New Living Translation unfailing love,
· The Message love
· American Standard Version loving-kindness
· Holman Christian Standard Bible faithful love (p. 164, 5).
Each version also employs several other words to express hesed, but in more limited occurrences.
Lois Tverberg, in her book, Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus, describes hesed in three ways. “Hesed is “a steadfast, rock-sold faithfulness that endures to eternity.” Hesed is a love so enduring that it persists beyond any sin or betrayal to mend brokenness and graciously extend forgiveness.” Hesed is “to love as God loves” (49).
Dr. John Oswalt gives a longer, encompassing description in his book, The Bible Among the Myths.
The word hesed. . . [is] the descriptor par excellence of God in the Old Testament. The word speaks of a completely undeserved kindness and generosity done by a person who is in a position of power. This was the Israelites’ experience of God. He revealed himself to them when they were not looking for him, and he kept his covenant with them long after their persistent breaking of it had destroyed any
reason for his continued keeping of it. . . . Unlike humans, this deity was not fickle, undependable, self-serving, and grasping. Instead he was faithful, true, upright and generous—always (71).
Michael Card, in describing Moses’ encounter with God in Exodus 33 and 34 gives a profound, experiential definition. “When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything” (27). Our God is awesome!
The underpinning of God’s covenant relationship with humankind is hesed: unwavering, determined, unfailing, abundant, lavish, unquenchable, passionate and long-suffering lovingkindness. You may be adding your own descriptors as you read!
The limiting factor is individual response to either reject or accept His unfailing love. Rejection is easy. Ignore God and do nothing to build relationship. Accepting His unfailing love involves building a lifetime relationship with God through discipleship and loving obedience.
It’s February, the month of sentimental, mushy, hilarious, sincere, trite expressions of human love. Admit it, as a society, we’ve really watered down the concept of “love” over time. Not God! He remains faithful to His character and promises. His hesed is rock solid over time and transcends culture. God’s character and nature remain the same yesterday, today, and forever (Malachi 3: 16 and Hebrews 13: 8).
How strong is your personal relationship with God today? Are you continuing to grow in grace? Are you sliding backwards into old thoughts, habits, and actions? God is extending His hesed to each of us. How will you respond to God through your life today?
SELAH: Pause for a while and think about these things.
SUGGESTED SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES TO BUILD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Study
Read and reflect on Michael Card’s book, Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Loving kindness.
Journal
Keep a journal or use the margins of your favorite Bible to note the nuances of hesed. Reading the extended context of the verse will certainly add to the richness of your reflection.
Breath Prayer
As you slowly breathe in, pray, “You are the God who loves me”
As you exhale, pray, “And I stretch out my soul to you.”
Repeat as often as you wish.
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REFERENCES
Card, Michael. Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness. (Downers
Grove, IL: IVP, 2018).
Oswalt, John. The Bible Among the Myths. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009).
Tverberg, Lois. Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).
Major Cherri Hobbins
