We all long for loyalty but human loyalty has limits. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally, shares about loyalty that we can depend on.
Psalm 8:4 ESV What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
It doesn't make sense. Because although God doesn't need us, evidently He wants us.
Exodus 34:6 ESV 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."
There is a Hebrew word in God's self-description: hesed.
Hesed is a word mentioned 247 times in OT.
Here are some ways its translated:
Unfailing love, steadfast love, faithful love, constant love, gracious love, loyal love, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, and favor.
Pastor Jamie's definition:
Hesed is the dependable and enthusiastic loyalty, kindness and support that is received when someone is in relationship with God.
Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
This is the relationship written on your heart that you have judged every other relationship by. You were hardwired for Hesed.
What do the Psalms say about hesed?
1. God's hesed never ends.
Psalm 136:1
2. God's hesed isn't earned.
God's loyalty isn't a loan He expects to be paid back—it's a gift with no strings attached.
Psalm 106:43-45 NLT
3. God's hesed is pursuing you.
Psalm 23:6 ESV
Your sin and your shortcomings can't outrun the love of God. God's mercy moves faster than your mistakes.
What is our response to Hesed?
1. Worship God.
Psalm 63:3 NKJV
Since God's love never quits, our worship shouldn't either.
2. Give God your loyalty.
Loyalty shouldn't just be received; it should be returned.
Proverbs 3:3 NLT
His loyalty toward us should move us into our own loyalty toward Him.
3. Love people.
God's love fills us, not only for our own benefit, but so we can pour it out on others.
Romans 13:8-10 NLT
Notice love is an obligation, not an option. You don't have to follow the 10 commandments if you'll just follow the one commandment.
Let's stop letting others determine how we act—we have hesed.
Since you're loved by God, love like God.
While we fail to show up, wander away, and even forget about God, He is faithful, He never forgets us, and He is there waiting for us to return to Him.
Exodus 34:7a NLT I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations...
God's hesed love is faithful for 1000 generations, or 40,000 years! No failure, no mistake, and no amount of distance can separate you from His hesed love and loyalty.
How are you responding to God's loyal love?