Mercy and Steadfast Obedience

Moses, David, and Paul stand in one witness: man is frail, the Lord is steadfast, and therefore His servants must obey without delay. Israel is told that after Moses departs, many will turn aside. The covenant is not kept by hearing noble words once, but by continuing in them when the leader is gone and the cost is plain. As Irenaeus says, “These are all the words which the Lord spake to the whole assembly of the sons of Israel on the mount, and He added no more;” therefore no one may pretend ignorance, as though God had spoken obscurely. He has spoken, and His people must remember.

Psalm 103 gives the right remembrance: not presumption, but blessing the Lord who forgives sins, shows pity, and knows our frame. We are dust, and our days pass quickly. Yet His mercy is not light or careless. He keeps covenant mercy “to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.” So let no man boast in his strength, nor despair in his weakness; let him repent, give thanks, and set his hand again to obedience.

In Acts, Paul walks toward affliction with a ready mind. He receives warnings, yet he does not flee the path appointed for him. He also yields in matters indifferent for the peace of the church, as Chrysostom notes: “The next day, it says, he took them Acts 21:26: he deferred it not; for when there is economy in the case, this is the way of it.” Here is mature obedience: steadfast in truth, lowly in custom, ready for suffering, eager to avoid giving needless offense.

Therefore bless God by keeping His commandments, and prepare to endure without murmuring when faithfulness costs you something.