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God's Proclamation of Himself

When Moses asked to see God’s glory in Exodus 33, he wasn’t just asking for a display of power. He was asking to know God’s essence—His nature. And God responded not with thunder or spectacle, but with a proclamation. A self-revelation.

"The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty..." (Exodus 34:6-7)

This was not just a description of God’s attributes. It was God showing Moses how to see Him.

Jesus said in John 4 that "God is spirit." And Paul prayed that the eyes of our understanding would be enlightened. In the spirit, to see is to understand. So when God declared who He is to Moses, He was giving us spiritual sight—an invitation to see Him rightly.

Too often, religion distorts that sight. It emphasizes God as Judge—and yes, He is—but it stops short of revealing the whole truth. Because the judgment that was due to us was poured out on Christ.

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him." (Isaiah 53:5)

That is the Good News. That is why we can run to God, not hide from Him. Because His judgment has already fallen—on His Son. And what remains for those who believe is mercy, grace, and adoption.

When God proclaimed Himself as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with love and faithfulness, He was revealing His heart. And yes, He also said He would not clear the guilty—but even that is subject to His mercy and sovereignty. He forgives sin, and He disciplines, but He does it from a place of covenant love. A place of purpose. A place of restoration.

I know this, not just from theology, but from testimony. I was arrested for something I did, and though I prayed for mercy, I was sentenced to 25 years in prison. But looking back, I see His mercy even in that. I could have received life. I saw His sovereignty in how He let the tree be cut down but left the stump. Justice for the victim—and mercy for me.

And because I’ve seen Him, I now live to point Him out. Not the version of God people assume. Not the judge behind the curtain waiting to punish. But the God who proclaims Himself as compassionate, slow to anger, loyal in love, and faithful to generations.

This theme runs through the entire Bible. The proclamation God made about Himself in Exodus 34 became the foundation for how prophets, psalmists, and leaders saw Him. Look at how often this appears:

Nehemiah 9:17 — "But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them..."

Joel 2:13 — "Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity."

Jonah 4:2 — "I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity."

Psalm 86:15 — "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."

Psalm 103:8-10 — "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love... He does not treat us as our sins deserve."

Psalm 145:8-9 — "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all."

These aren’t just echoes—they are confirmations. They show us that God wants to be known as merciful, gracious, patient, and loving. He wants to forgive. He desires restoration. And He delights in showing compassion.

This is the God I know. The One who calls us sons. And a son abides forever.

So if you’ve ever been afraid to come to God—afraid of being judged, rejected, or disqualified—hear His own words about Himself. Not what religion told you. Not what shame whispered. But what God said:

"The LORD, the LORD, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."

That’s who He is.
That’s who you’re being invited to believe in.
And that’s the vision I pray you see—with eyes of understanding enlightened by the Spirit.

Because once you see Him, you won’t ever want to look away.

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