As a father has compassion on his children
Psalms 103:13 - God’s compassion, love, and mercy find full embodiment in Jesus, who offers salvation to all of those who profess belief in Him.
Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI) using the DALL·E model.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;”
Psalms 103:13 NIV
Like the dad in the image above, fathers usually show pity — compassion — on their children. When a child is unhappy or hurt, all but the most hard-hearted fathers will be there to give a hug, apply a bandage, and wipe a tear.
In this psalm, David describes God’s overflowing mercy and goodness, comparing the way that a good father takes care of and even pities his children with the way that the Lord pities (has compassion on) those who fear Him.
We’ve mentioned it before in Heaven On Wheels devotionals, but the word “fear” as used here and in other places in the Bible doesn’t refer to concern or anxiety, but to a deep reverence and respect of God. In this context, David is referring to believers who show God the respect He is due, and who praise and worship Him as a result.
Charles H. Spurgeon is quoted in a wonderful Enduring Word commentary on this psalm:
Spurgeon considered the many ways God may pity His children:
He pities our childish ignorance.
He pities our childish weakness.
He pities our childish foolishness.
He pities our childish naughtiness.
He pities our childish stumbles and falls.
He pities the pain of His children.
He pities the child when another has wronged him.
He pities the fears of His children.
iii. “It is in the present tense, and carries the idea of continuity: at this very moment he is now pitying them that fear him. Though he knows your trials will work for your good, yet he pities you. Though he knows that there is sin in you, which, perhaps, may require this rough discipline ere you be sanctified, yet he pities you. Though he can hear the music of heaven, the songs and glees that will ultimately come of your present sighs and griefs, yet still he pities those groans and wails of yours.” (Spurgeon)
David Guzik brings the pity and love full circle in his comment: “The wise reaction to this is, fear the LORD! How much better to be on the side of His pity and compassion than to be on the side of His anger or righteous judgment!”
Repeating my earlier comment, this fear isn’t being afraid of God, but honoring Him and living in full obedience with His commandments. God is compassionate to those who revere Him, going all the back to the Old Testament covenant relationship God established with Israel. Deuteronomy and other Old Testament books are filled with examples of God’s blessing being tied to obedience.
As far back in Scripture as Exodus 34:6, God describes Himself as “the God of compassion and mercy!” God’s compassion, love, and mercy find full embodiment in Jesus, who offers salvation to all of those who profess belief in Him.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
God, we thank You for being the perfect model of compassion, reflecting the love of a father toward his children. Let us be fully aware of Your kindness toward us, and to extend that kindness and love to others we meet. Help us to always remember your provision, protection, and mercy toward us, and live our lives with hearts filled with grace and humility. AMEN.