Psalm 86:11-17; Exodus 34:1-28; Luke 7:18-35

Verse 15 of the Psalm reading connects all three readings: "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." This refrain throughout the First Testament shows you the character of God. This is his disposition, his attitude toward you. It is so because of Jesus. Even in the First Testament this is God's disposition towards his people, because he views them in light of the promise given to Eve in Genesis 3:15, to Abraham in Genesis 12 and 15, and all the patriarchs. YHWH defines his people in light of this promise, giving them a unique ethic in the Ten Commandments. The Unique One finally comes–Jesus–and does what only he can do: heal the sick and raise the dead. He renews creation because he embodies the new creation. He brings this renewal through His Word! It is the same Word that has come to us! Hallelujah!