No one had ever asked me that question, so it seemed a bit odd. My thought was: 'Uh, on a plate, maybe?'
Sounds funny now. I had no idea there were that many ways to prepare and serve a burger or steak. Rare, medium rare, done, well done. My goodness. I just want the beef to be tender, meaning delicate and easy to chew.
God's character
The word 'tender' has different meanings, such as gentle and caring. In that context, it appears in the Bible to describe God's character. For example, in Psalm 103:13, The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear [revere] him.
Personally, I like the biblical term 'tender mercies'. A combination of two words with deep meaning. The term sounds somewhat old-fashioned if you ask me. It relates to God's protective love, compassion, and faithfulness. In Psalm 40:11, the psalmist cries out: Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
A genuine prayer
A genuine prayer. Surely, God will not withhold His tender mercies from us. Yet, we can read another such cry in Psalm 119:77, Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.
Surround me... The psalmist boldly places his request before the Lord. I love it when the Bible provides the answers to such prayers. Psalm 103:4, He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
Crowned
It is beyond my understanding that God crowns you and me with love and tender mercies. Try to picture it! The crown of thorns for Jesus became a crown of love for us.
⚫ ⚫ ⚫
Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us
[Luke 1:78]
➤You might want to watch this worship song, 'We crown you' by Jeremy Riddle.
Glory to the Lord for His tender mercies!
ReplyDeleteAmen!!
DeleteI love how you've highlighted the phrase "tender mercies" as embodying God's character and love toward His children, Marja. Beautiful and true!
ReplyDeleteI was struck by that prayer in Psalm 40... don't withhold your tender mercies. And then I immediately thought about Psalm 103. He crowns us with tender mercies. That's how good God is. Wow. Thanks for stopping by Martha Jane.
Delete"Tender mercies" certainly sets out God's heart towards us. I spent a few hours in the valley of the River Manifold recently: and that brought to mind that Nehemiah speaks of God's "manifold mercies" (chapter 9). Fine to think of what we receive from God who is rich in mercy.
ReplyDeleteManifold mercies, that is also a very interesting way of describing God's goodness, thank you David, for adding that!
Delete