Steadfast – 1a: firmly fixed in place: IMMOVABLE b: not subject to change – Merriam-Webster Online
Looking at the dictionary definition of a word helps with the depth of understanding. Here the word “steadfast” is given more depth than just my mental note of something strong. As noted above, “firmly fixed”, “immovable”, and “not subject” really indicate more than strength. It tells of the permanence of what is being described.
“9You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” – Deuteronomy 5:9-10 (ESV)
Moses is giving more depth here to the ten commandments given by God in Exodus. He is giving us all of what is meant and in these two verses, telling the ugly truth of the cost of serving other than God and the beautiful truth of when His commandments are kept.
I read this morning and study, I see the promise of the coming of Christ as He says “showing steadfast love to thousands”. There is a footnote to the word “thousands” here in my bible that indicates “or to the thousandth generation”. So the number is not a somehow finite one, but one that goes on for ever. Knowing what we know now, I can see the promise of Christ’s coming as I see the love that God has for me so many generations after this time.
This is the “steadfast” love noted in verse 10. God’s love is permanent. It is “firmly fixed”, it is “immovable”, it is “not subject to change”. It is for all generations. God’s love is for all that follow Him and “keep” his commandments. The best part is that with the promise of Jesus, we are assured of the opportunity to “keep” those commandments through the forgiveness that comes with our full repentance of the sins against God.
What is your understanding of the God’s Love? Are you aware that it is for all generations? What if we accepted God’s love as “firmly fixed”, “immovable”, and “not subject to change”?
Trevor's Thoughts 