DOES GOD GET WEARY?
When the Israelites finally “got rid” of their idolatry, so that their deeds matched their words of repentance, God was moved to answer their cry. The description of the Lord’s response to Israel’s true repentance is revealing. For it described Him as being “weary of Israel’s misery.”
What does this mean? Does the Lord see our suffering? Does it pain Him to look upon our misery? Does God become weary? Certainly, we must be careful not to ascribe human weakness to the omnipotent, unchanging God. Yet, there is something paradoxical of His character revealed here. God’s joy is unconquerable and His will enduring. yet God was “weary” of Israel’s misery. How is this possible?
The answer is found in Christ Jesus. For He is the fullest revelation of God (See John 1:18). Instead of looking away from our misery, as we might do when we see others in great suffering, God was moved to send us Christ. For in Christ, God’s holiness and love were both equally revealed in the cross. He sent Jesus to die in our place, because in His love, He could no longer endure our misery, so Christ took our suffering and sin upon Himself.
Does God get weary? No, for He is all-powerful. He never tires. But yes, because He is full of mercy and love, He becomes weary of our suffering. He sympathizes with our weakness and makes a way for our suffering to end.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are amazed at Your great love and mercy for us. For You are well acquainted with our weaknesses and suffering. For You sent Your Son, Jesus to take them upon Himself on our behalf. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to follow Him. May we be marked by Your love and mercy toward others this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.