“The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving the iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generations.’”

This passage is beautiful beyond explanation, but I’ll give it a try. In Exodus 33:18, Moses requested to see God’s glory, and in God’s loving kindness, He did as close to that as He could without bringing destruction to Moses. To protect Moses, God was only going to reveal that portion of His majesty and power that was humanly possible to absorb. God communicated this plan to Moses in this way: “You cannot look Me full in the face...” It is impossible for you to know everything about Me. “...but I will allow you to see my back.” I will reveal to you a small portion of My nature so as not to overwhelm you.

Then God did something incredible — “The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the name of the LORD. The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands…’” God revealed His character to Moses — far more than just proclaiming His name to him – God let Moses experience Him in a dramatic way. Moses experienced His mercy and grace, His patience, and His unending love and faithfulness.

Likewise, we, as believers in Christ, can experience His mercy and grace, His patience, and His unending love and faithfulness. And unlike Moses, we don’t have to be hidden in the cleft of a rock (Exodus 33:22) because we have the Holy Spirit living in us — one character of the triune God, indwelling and guiding us day in and day out. He allows us access and community with the God of the universe — that’s inexplicable. That’s LOVE.

Honestly, I struggled with this devo, not because I don’t know that God loves me, but to put that into words, to sum it up, to fully comprehend what He has done for me (and you) and that He loves me (and you) no matter what…that’s unfathomable to me. I don’t fully understand it, and I’m blown away by it. It truly is a “reckless love.”

Some of the lines from Cory Asbury’s song “Reckless Love” put this indescribable love into words that resonate with me...

Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me.

Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me.

When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me.

When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me.

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God.

Oh, it chases me down, fights ‘till I’m found, leaves the 99.

Oh, I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still You give Yourself away.

There’s no shadow You won’t light up, mountain You won’t climb up coming after me.

There’s no wall You won’t kick down, lie You won’t tear down coming after me.

See friends, God loves you so, so much, and He loves your unbelieving friends and family JUST. AS. MUCH! He’s singing over them; He’s breathing life into them; He’s fighting for them; and He paid it all for them! He’s lighting up shadows, climbing up mountains, kicking down walls, and tearing down lies to get to them. Our part in this is to love them and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance in regard to them. We plant the seeds and then stand back and watch the power of God Almighty water them as He calls them to Himself.

Father God, Righteous Son, Holy Spirit, I stand in awe of all You have done and continue to do. You knew before I was even a thought to my parents, and You loved me from the beginning, even though You knew how badly I would fail You. God, never let me take that gift and Your love for granted. Help me to show Your love to all those I encounter and speak of Your love, righteousness, and salvation with boldness. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your holy work. In Jesus’ name ~ AMEN!!