Thursday - A Deep Love
WEEK FOUR - LOVE
By Jon Forehand • Leadership Team Chairman
A Deep Love
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Psalm 103:11–14, ESV
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
As we close our journey through Advent, we may find ourselves caught in a flurry of activity. Our rush can make it easy to forget the profound love at the heart of our faith.
Yet, Psalm 103 calls us to pause and remember.
This passage offers a breathtaking picture of God’s steadfast love, a love that is eternal and all-encompassing. The Psalmist uses images that stretch our minds: a love that is deep and wide. The distance between east and west is a powerful metaphor for forgiveness. Just as these two points can never meet, our sins are removed completely from us when we come to Jesus in repentance. His steadfast love is not reserved for the perfect but is showered upon us imperfect, fragile people.
On this Christmas Day, as we reflect on the humility of Christ’s birth, let us meditate on this immeasurable love. Jesus came to earth to bridge the gap between our dusty humanity and God’s perfect divinity. The Christ child in the manger is the ultimate expression of this compassion—the Father’s steadfast love made tangible.
With this truth in our hearts, how can we help but exalt the Lord?
We are so grateful to share in the work of our local, national and global mission partners. Their participation in these Advent devotionals reminds us that our worship in this season moves beyond carols and candles. God’s steadfast love calls us to seek our neighbor, offering compassion and forgiveness just as He does.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your steadfast and compassionate love. Forgive us for the times we forget your grace in the busyness of this life. Help us remember that we are dust, held tenderly in your hands. As we celebrate the Advent of your Son, Jesus, fill our hearts with your love so that we may exalt you and show that same compassion to those around us. Amen.
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From our family to yours...Merry Christmas!