Vicar Writes: His “Chesed” Love
Oh give thanks to the Lord… for his steadfast love endures forever! 1Chronicles 16:4
The Hebrew word ‘chesed’, which is often translated as ‘steadfast’ is such a big and unique word that Bible scholars have difficulties agreeing on how to translate it. It is a word which needs to be understood in the various contexts which it is used.
But putting scholarly ideas aside, the fabric of life is such that we know how important enduring love or faithfulness is. Where such love is present, there is shalom peace in a family for generations. Where there is unfaithfulness, broken promises and shifting sands, by experience or observation, we also know the lasting and often unimaginable pain that these bring.
We recalled how the sudden movement of the Pacific tectonic plate under the North American plate caused a massive earthquake and a tsunami in Japan in March last year. It triggered a series of disasters which is still affecting the region today. Many parties have since been blamed: local authorities, safety officers for the nuclear plant, the government and so on. The thing is, in human relationships, when there is a unfaithfulness, the repercussions can be deep and lasting. The fallout is such that those who are close to the fault-line will end up sharing in the blame, often unfairly. And sometimes this can go on for generations.
Positively, the reverse of this is also true. When God is faithful – and He is - we reap the blessings. Let’s remind ourselves, we humans with a short- term memories, that God’s love for us is enduring. We may change through time and have difficulties remembering our vows, let alone keeping them, He doesn’t with His. Again and again, that is His timeless message to us throughout Scriptures.
This does not mean that He will not take away things that mean lot to us. We know that “He blessed and He taketh away.” Our life situations do change. We do change. But endlessly, He does not and likewise, His love for us. It just simply never ceases. It is hard to imagine this, but you can never make never more or less than what it means. It is that absolute.
His love never ceases. Never.
We celebrate another milestone in SJC’s journey this Sat. What is significant in this milestone is how it reminds us of this never ending line of His faithfulness. The “stone” is there, and it marks because of the persistent journey. With the passage of our human time, life will change and sometimes people fail you, even as you do others. Anchor your life in the One who is unchanging. And remember this, each vow and promise you keep, extends His ‘chesed’ love to someone.