“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
This is a common refrain found throughout Scripture, particularly in the Old Testament. Other passages where the phrase is found include Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:31; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 145:8; Jonah 4:2.
I reckon one reason for its popularity amongst Old Testament writers could be the simplicity of the truth in which the phrase describes the character of God. In my personal reading of the Bible, whenever I chance upon this phrase, it lights up my soul with a feeling of, “Here it comes again, everyone together now – ‘The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love! Amen!’”
In the same way, I can also imagine how the Old Testament writers, and their readers, sitting up excitedly to proclaim the refrain as they go along their portrayal of Scripture.
Although the refrain was not well used in the New Testament, I can picture how the Shepherds would have felt when they witnessed the angel telling them the good news of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:8-12). Also, when a great company of heavenly host appeared to sing Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Luke 2:13-14), I imagine the Shepherds would have been inspired to likewise proclaim praise to God.
Surely the refrain in Psalm 103 would have been one of those familiar to the shepherds for praising the Lord! Indeed, the coming of Christ reveals to us God’s gracious acts of withholding His anger and His forgiveness for our sins (Psalm 103:9-12). Just as the Son is to the Father, we are now connected to God in a familial relationship; and the coming of Christ signifies the father’s compassion and love on his children (Psalm 103:13-18). Truly, the coming of Christ has established God’s kingdom not only in heaven (Psalm 103:19), but also demonstrates His victory over sin as Christ ushers in a new era of spiritual redemption for God’s people.
Finally, just as angels praise God for His mighty works (Psalm 103:20-22 cf Luke 2:14), may God’s people also praise the Lord for the significance of the birth of Christ from our very souls (Psalm 103:22b).
As we marvel at Christ’s birth this Advent, may we also praise God with this wonderful refrain, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love!”
Reverend Jackson Wan
Bethany Presbyterian Church English Congregation
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