The word endure has two meanings; lasting forever, as in diamonds are forever; or suffering patiently, as in waiting out a trial or struggle.
As some of my readers know, I've mentioned studying the word "hesed" this year which means covenant loyal love. I've reached the part of my studies now where I'm in the thick of Psalm 136.
This Psalm has everyone of its 26 verses repeat the line, "His mercy endureth forever," or as more modern translations say, "His faithful love endures forever." Either way this miraculous piece of scripture tells us because He loves us, He gave us creation, deliverance and redemption, even feeding us and giving an inheritance to His children forever. Forever!
His hesed endures - it lasts forever.
But I'm thinking this enduring also embodies the second definition of endurance as well - the suffering patiently. Because we are stubborn children. We test the limits. We are willful sheep and go our own way, rather than submit to being led by our Shepherd. If we would just come, He would always take us back!
It's crazy when you think about it. Everything we could possibly need would be provided if we just made the choice to be His.
We are the only creation with the power to choose.
I choose the Shepherd. What about you?
~~~
I'm also sharing this at Grace&Truth
and, Inspire Me Monday
Photo courtesy of Getty Stock Photos via Picmonkey.com
Our pastor was just talking about the word hesed is his sermon a few weeks ago! I love gaining a deeper knowledge and understanding of the context and language of the scriptures. It makes it come alive anew for me.
ReplyDeleteThe Shepherd chose me and I am forever grateful to follow Him as my Savior and Lord.
ReplyDeleteHi Jerralea, I love that you are making a point of studying Hessed! We got into it only a bit in our women's bible study of Ruth. Nice incorporation of the word into your post. I love word studies.
ReplyDeleteI love this, yes God's mercy, and loving kindness endure forever - forever thankful!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful words of encouragement. Yes! I choose Jesus
ReplyDeleteI think often we forget that covenant has responsibilities on both sides - we always expect God to hold to His side of the covenant but neglect the responsibilities on our side! I am glad He doesn't give up, tear up the covenant but pursues us, waits for us, forgives us! Thank you for this sweet reminder of His love for us! He is such a faithful father!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this good word. I love the word endure. It is a powerful word that reassures me of the love of God. He pulls me through my suffreing and is with me every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteAmen. I'm so grateful that His love endures forever! 🤗 Stopping by from #tuneinthursday
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ReplyDeleteThank you for these beautiful words. These words reassure and comfort me in the love of God. Amen
Beautifully written Jerralea! God's love is so powerful. Amen!
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