I shared scripture yesterday that said God never changes. The three passages I cited all speak of God’s promise to Abraham to make a people for himself. In other words, God will not “unchoose” us in favor of a different plan. He sticks with his Plan! (See Isaiah 14:24-27 for more on God’s unchanging plan.)

Another aspect of God that does not change is his moral and ethical character. While Moses was leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and to the land God promised them, they lost hope and built a golden calf.

God wasn’t happy about this and threatened to wipe out the people and start fresh with Moses. Moses interceded for the people but need a little reassurance himself. He asked to see God’s glorious presence.

I don’t blame him. I need reassurance now and then too. God agreed and told Moses that when he passed by he would call out his name, Yahweh. In saying this, he declared that he would describe his character to Moses. This is what he said as his glory passed by Moses:

“Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty (justice).”

Exodus 34:6-7

There was no other god like this in the Ancient Near East. This is the One the writer’s of scripture knew and referenced. God’s moral and ethical nature does not change. He always looks on us with compassion, mercy, patience, love and faithfulness. He forgives even when he would have reason not to, but his justice cannot be mocked. The greatest expression of his character is sending Jesus to die in my place.

What aspect of God’s character means the most to you right now? What aspect would you like to experience more fully?