God The Father | The Father of Mercy
About this talk:
One of the recurring themes of the Bible is God’s self-revelation, first given to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” We could sum those words up by saying that he is the Father of mercy.
But with God, being merciful doesn’t come at the expense of not being just - as we might imagine we would be either one or the other in any given situation. God is, at all times, both merciful and just. So the very next words in Exodus 34 are, “Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation” (v 7). Mercy and justice meet perfectly in him - see, for example, Isaiah 30:18; Hosea 2:19; Micah 6:8.
As we know, in the way he treats us mercifully, he does so by carrying out justice ultimately on his Son. So Paul writes to the Romans, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood - to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:23-26). Being merciful does not cause any contradiction with all of God’s other attributes - they are held together fully and in unison in him.
The story of the Prodigal Son is surely one of the most-loved stories Jesus told. It illustrates perfectly how merciful our Father is, yet not without cost to himself. It is the third in a series of lost and found parables - a sheep that a shepherd has lost, a coin that a woman has lost and a son that a father has ‘lost.’ In each case, finding the thing that was lost is a cause for great rejoicing - Jesus’ point being, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (vs 7,10,22-24,32).
The wayward son deserves justice - the wrath of his father. He has disgraced and insulted his father in front of the entire community. Having come to his senses, he is absolutely correct in his assessment that the best he can expect is to “go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants” (vs 18-19). Those who knew what the son had done would anticipate the father should shun his son and perhaps even reject his request to be treated like a hired servant.
And yet we find the father has been looking out for his son, hoping he will return; is filled with compassion
for him; runs to greet him; embraces him openly; orders that a party be organised to celebrate his return; and restores his son to the dignity and position he previously enjoyed. It appears that the return after loss evokes in the father even greater expressions of delight in the son than he had ever known before - “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate” (vs 22-23). All the while bearing in himself the shame that the son has brought on him in the eyes of the community. This is our God, longing to be merciful, yet at great cost to himself!
Exodus 34:6-7 runs right through the Bible and expresses the heart of our merciful God (eg. Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 103:1-13; Jonah 4:2). His mercy is fully presented to us in the sending of his Son and it is no wonder the New Testament writers frequently remind us that he is “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4), “full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11), that his mercy is great (1 Peter 1:3).
Audio only
Life Group activity
As part of our series on God as Father, this week we’re exploring what it means that He is the Father who is present.
Key Passage
Please read Deuteronomy 31:1–8, focusing especially on:
Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
How To Use This Guide
1. Introduction (Leader to Read)
We’re continuing our series about God as Father, and tonight we’re looking at the truth that He is the Father who is present.
2. Discussion Groups
Divide into groups of 4–6 people. Encourage groups to make brief notes.
3. Regather & Share
After 10 minutes of discussion time:
Come back together.
Invite each group to share one or two highlights from their conversation (no need to answer every question).
If time allows, see the optional reflection section at the end.
Discussion Sections
1. “The Lord Himself…”
This is deeply personal language.
Not:
An angel
A force
A principle
A distant supervisor
But the Lord Himself.
Explore Together:
Why do you think Moses emphasises “Himself”?
What difference does it make that it’s not a representative?
When life feels uncertain, what do we tend to want instead of God Himself?
Go Deeper:
Do you relate to God more as an idea, a doctrine, or a present Father?
What would change if you truly believed God personally involves Himself in your life?
Reflection:
Sometimes we want God to send help. This promise is that He comes.
2. “Goes Before You…”
This speaks to the future.
Israel is about to enter unknown territory. Moses is leaving. Leadership is changing.
And the promise is: You are not walking into somewhere God hasn’t already been.
Explore Together:
What future situation feels uncertain for you right now?
How does it change things to believe God is already there?
What fears shrink when you remember He goes ahead?
Stretch Question:
Do you tend to live as though you are scouting your own future?
How might you pray differently this week, knowing God is already ahead?
Reflection:
God is not reacting to your tomorrow. He is already present in it.
3. “Will Be With You…”
This is present-continuous reassurance.
Not just ahead.
Not just sovereign above.
But with.
Explore Together:
What is the difference between saying “God is present” and knowing “God is with me”?
What practices help you become more aware of His presence during the day?
Where right now do you most need to be reminded that God is with you?
Go Personal:
If you walked into tomorrow deeply aware God was with you, what would look different?
How would your tone change? Your courage? Your patience?
Reflection:
His presence is not abstract theology. It’s companionship.
4. “Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You.”
This is covenant loyalty language.
It speaks directly to our fear of abandonment.
Israel had known slavery, wandering, and uncertainty.
Humans fear being left.
Explore Together:
Where does fear of abandonment show up in human life?
Why do you think this promise is repeated so often in Scripture?
Briefly share a time when you experienced the truth of this promise.
Deep Reflection:
What lies do we believe when life is painful?
What would it mean to anchor yourself in God’s unbreakable commitment?
Summary Thought:
He doesn’t withdraw when you struggle.
He doesn’t distance himself when you fail.
He doesn’t abandon you when you’re weak.
Closing Thought
Courage in this passage is not rooted in:
Clarity
Control
Capability
It is rooted in Presence.
The Father who calls you forward is the Father who walks with you and refuses to leave you.
