The LORD - the LORD is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.
Exodus 23:6-7
Santa. What a guy, eh?
He’s always jolly, sports his big red suit and endearing beard. He’s kind and welcoming, inviting kids to come to him and share their desires for goodies. He’s generous, warm and caring, wanting all people to enjoy the Christmas spirit. And yet, he also keeps lists, and warns that those who are naughty may find themselves with only a lump of coal on Christmas morning.
Having spent time in God’s presence, Moses returned from Mount Sinai to find that the Israelites had gone off the rails. With the help of Moses’ brother, Aaron, they made and worshipped a golden calf, a deeply wicked move of impatience.
Had they forgotten that the Lord had led them out of slavery in Egypt?
Had they forgotten the plagues, the Passover, the Red Sea?
The reality is that this is a crystal-clear view of the human heart left to its own devices.
God would have been well within his rights to obliterate these people right there and then. In fact, he initially told Moses that he would no longer go with his people to the Promised Land, because of their stubbornness.
However, Moses spoke with the Lord, face to face, and showed real dependence on the Lord in pleading for the blessing of his presence, and a humility to learn in his plea to be taught.
After reassuring Moses that he would indeed go with his people, God gave Moses a glimpse of his glory, passing in front of him, and revealing a beautiful description of his character.
…the LORD is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
Exodus 34:6
This mighty God who had displayed his power over both mankind and nature as he rescued his people, was now showing his character as a good, kind, patient, loving, relational God.
But he will not leave the guilty unpunished…
Exodus 3:7
Santa, with his kindness, and his lists, are a pale reflection of the reality of the God of the universe. Being good and loving does not mean being willing to overlook evil.
The Lord is both truly and wonderfully good and generous but is also truly and wonderfully just.
This mighty God is patient and kind but will punish sin.
The Israelites would bear the consequences of their sinful rebellion and would be constantly reminded to turn away from sin and back to faithfulness. Eventually, they would indeed face the ultimate judgement of being removed from God’s presence.
In Jesus, we see the full revelation of God’s character, both his goodness and his justice. The only way we can know the loving, relational God is through Jesus’ punishment bearing sacrifice. At the cross, we see the fulness of God’s goodness and God’s justice, as his right wrath on evil is satisfied, and his loving kindness invites sinners to believe and live.
When we meet God in his word and as we find salvation in Jesus, we will come to know the depths of his character.
His justice ought to serve as a warning to us, calling us to turn from sin, pride and selfishness.
His goodness ought to serve as a comfort, calling us to lean on him for forgiveness, assurance and hope.
As we come to the Lord today, let’s seek to know more of his incredible, complex character, and let’s pray we’d be moved to trust him earnestly, and plead that he might be with us all our days.
Rejoice!
Written by Pete Bell
A thought to remember: Emmanuel is both good and just.
A bit more to read: Exodus 32-34:9
A question to ask: What of God’s goodness and/or justice speaks to you today?
A song to sing: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus