For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them. Deuteronomy 4:31
“The word ‘compasssionate’ speaks of a deep emotional attachment, which, when all else is done, predisposes Yahweh to mercy. It occurs in contexts in which anger and punishment might be expected, but in which mercy has the final say. Though Israel may become ‘corrupt’ Yahweh will not ‘destroy’; thought Israel may ‘forget the covenant’, Yahweh will never do so. Moreover, the covenant is characterized as that which goes back to the patriarchal promise.”
Gordon McConville in Deuteronomy (AOTC; Downers Grove: IVP, 2002) 111.
As we explore the theme of compassion this year related to generosity, it comes into view as a “deep, emotional attachment” between Yahweh and the people Israel in the Old Testament. When they deserved anger and punishment, they got mercy instead. In McConville’s words, “mercy has the final say!”
Living this way toward others may be the most generous contribution we can make to society today. And it needs it!
It seems like everyone is about to snap or has already snapped. The stress started with COVID-19, it compounded with widespread unemployment and related financial difficulties, and then it escalated with human injustice that surfaced old, unhealed wounds linked to racial strife. These are really hard times.
Next time someone deserves anger and punishment, let mercy have the final say.