The Hound From Heaven
Do you know you are being pursued? God is chasing after you! He is relentless in his desire to claim you as his child. Just like a hunting dog chases down its prey, God is continually running after you. He is the hound from heaven.
Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…Psalm 23:6a
Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Psalm 36:5
The Hebrew Word, Hesed
I am obsessed with a Hebrew word. The word is hesed. Amazingly, this one word comprehensively describes God; yet there is no English equivalent.
The Hebrew word hesed includes a cluster of positive, relational terms that tell of God’s character. Hence, hesed implies kindness, mercy, faithfulness, grace, compassion, and loyalty. Most often hesed is translated as “steadfast love” or “loyal love”.
The word, hesed is referenced predominantly in the Psalms and the book of Ruth. Because hesed is an action word, it is filled with emotion. Ultimately, this word expresses God’s covenant love for the nation of Israel.
His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118
God’s hesed is persistent and unconditional. It is not based on our worth or performance. Rather, God is a covenantal promise-keeper. Like a hound from heaven, God passionately seeks us. He is tracking us down, chasing after us, on our heels, not willing for us to be lost.
Are you praying for a loved one who has gone astray? Take heart. God is not done pursuing them. He is the hound from heaven. God never gives up on us. (Listen to how IsraelU explains hesed.) https://youtu.be/6-7ZLtI9A3Q?si=owIHRf9GXcqjLPUr
Dear Heavenly Father, You are so complex and wonderful! Our words cannot adequately describe you. Yet, hesed comes close, because it wraps so many attributes into one word. Thank you for your steadfast love! Amen!
Questions to Consider:
- How does it make you feel that God is chasing after you?
- God not only demonstrates hesed, but wants us to follow his example. How can you show hesed to those around you today?
