In August of 2019, I began a word study on "hesed" (or "chesed"). There are 247 instances of this word in the KJV Old Testament. Hesed is often translated "mercy" or "lovingkindness." It is the covenant loyal love God has for His children.
I've so enjoyed being on this journey of discovering hesed. Hesed pops up everywhere, in so many of my favorite loved passages of scripture, such as being promised fresh mercies every morning (Lam. 3:22-23) or in the 23rd Psalm.
But I've found surprises as well. The first recorded message of hesed is found in Genesis involving an unlikely character - Lot! I've always thought Lot could have done a little better than he did. But hey! The apostle Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, called Lot righteous. (Read it for yourself, here.) God extended mercy to him, the least I can do is be more charitable in my thoughts.
Here is today's scripture, number 216 in my long list of God's faithful actions:
“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David."Isaiah 55:3 NLT
The KJV calls it the "sure mercies of David." As in, you can count on all the love He promised David to show up in your life as well.
It's interesting ... there is no hesed in the New Testament.
Why?
Because Jesus came! And Jesus is even better than hesed. He mediated a better covenant based on better promises.
Thanks be to God!
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This week's word prompt issued by the Five Minute Friday community is "mercy."
(In interest of full disclosure, it took me longer than 5 minutes to link up my scriptures to this post and make a graphic.)
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I'm also linking this post to Grace&Truth and
wow... that was unexpected. I normally am meh about word studies... but this I liked. It worked so well for where I am in life right now too. :) THANKS!!!! Another God moment!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Spot 20 this week.
I am so pleased Jesus came as I think i would of been an epic fail in old testament times. Fmf #2
ReplyDeleteSo gracteful for the mercies of God. Coming from Grace and truth.
ReplyDeleteOh, by God, I do need mercy,
ReplyDeleteoh, by God, I do need grace;
please, my Lord, give me the courtesy
of the showing of Your face!
Cancer of the stupid bloody pancreas
is, oh, Lord, the hardest trial,
cold and cruel, and oh, so vicious;
please, my God, will you just smile
and tell me that You will be here
to help me through these worst of days?
Please, oh, God, please make it clear
that your ears have heard my praise
and that Your holy healing breath
will help support me in my death?
Thanks be to God for Jesus!
ReplyDeleteBecause Jesus came!! Love this and love that I learned something new here today. Beautiful way of using your words to educate and uplift... thank you.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post of your word study.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from #26
Now that is interesting! I did not know that, but it makes perfect sense!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this insightful post!
Thanking God for Jesus and the Lord's sure mercies
ReplyDelete