PODCAST
God’s Redemptive Love
May 4th, 2022
Jonah 3:1-10
The Old Testament word for loving-kindness is hesed. Hesed love is a Hebrew term that has two pillars. Pillar one: God’s hesed love includes justice, mercy, and compassion. In this extreme story, God shows loving-kindness for all Gentile men and women living in Nineveh.
The Bible teaches that God is a seeking, missionary God. Before the Gentile citizens of Nineveh turned to God, they proudly worshiped idols. But out of love God provided an opportunity for two million people to repent.
Pillar two: Hesed love includes the wrath of God. God’s wrath was displayed in a stormy sea to get the attention and cooperated with God’s plan for the runaway prophet Jonah. The wrath of God also threatened the destruction of a large city. The Ninevites cried out to God, repented, and believed.
In modern times, we can see God’s hesed love displayed in countries, families, and individuals. His purpose is always redemptive, not punitive.
Author: Mike Stipp
