Introduction

Welcome, beloved family and friends, to this sacred gathering where hearts are mended, spirits are lifted, and souls are nurtured by the enduring truths of our Creator. Today, we find ourselves standing on the precipice of profound wisdom, ready to immerse ourselves in the soothing waters of God's Word.

As we turn to the book of Judges, specifically verses 2:16-23, we are invited to contemplate the compassionate character of our God, His unwavering faithfulness as a covenant keeper, and His providence as the caretaker of all creation.

Compassionate Character of God

God is not distant or indifferent, but He is deeply involved in the lives of His people. He hears their cries, He sees their suffering, and in His great mercy, He raises up judges to deliver them from their oppressors. God is intimately concerned with the well-being of His people, moved by their distress, and takes action to alleviate their suffering.

Despite the repeated disobedience of His people, God continues to extend His mercy and grace. Even when they turn away from Him, even when they worship other gods, He does not abandon them. Instead, He patiently waits for them to return to Him, ready to forgive and restore. This is a God who is not quick to anger, but slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

We also see in this passage a God who is not arbitrary or capricious, but one who is consistent and reliable. He keeps His promises, even when His people fail to keep theirs. He remains faithful, even when His people are faithless. He is a God who can be trusted, a God whose word is sure and whose actions are always in line with His character.

Finally, we see in this passage a God who is actively working to bring about His purposes. He uses the nations that Israel failed to drive out as a means of testing His people, to see whether they will keep His ways and walk in them. He is a God who is not content to let His people remain in their sin, but who uses every circumstance to draw them back to Himself and to shape them into the people He wants them to be.

In all of these ways, we see the compassionate character of God. We see a God who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. We see a God who is faithful and trustworthy, a God who is active and involved. And we see a God who is patient and long-suffering, a God who is committed to the well-being of His people and who will stop at nothing to bring about their ultimate good.

Covenant Keeper: God's Faithfulness

How precious of a reminder is it that despite the Israelites' repeated disobedience and idolatry, God remains true to His covenant ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO