By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

The Gentle Giant

“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Psalm 145:8 English Standard Version

I learned early in my life that God was all powerful and all mighty and omnipotent and omnipresent.  He is the Lord of the universe and by his hand all creation was made and sustained.  He speaks and the earth quakes, he utters a word and the oceans roar.  He is holy and above all things and his judgments are beyond finding out.  God is no one to be trifled with!

But only later did I grow to understand that this almighty Maker of the world, the Creator of all things, is also full of mercy.  He has the strength and prerogative to crush me, a sinner, under his feet.  But instead he showed his grace and love to me in Jesus, his Son.  God did not send his Son to punish me as I deserve.  But instead the Lord showed his mercy by sending his only begotten Son to die on a cross, to pay the price for my sins, to open a way for weak sinners to be restored to him.

I think that as a boy I was afraid of my Dad.  He was quiet and powerful and I wasn’t sure that he was pleased with me.  But only later did I come to realize how much my Dad loved me and was proud of me.  I had only seen him for his strength and power, later I came to know him for his mercy and love.

What a wonderful revelation this is, to know not only the God of power and might and judgment, but also to experience the God of gentleness and grace and love!  For our God has made himself known in our beloved Savior and Friend, Jesus.  He has loved me and continues to love me and pours out his forgiveness upon me.  How great is our God!  How full of power and might and mercy and love!  Amen!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado