Exodus 34:4–7 (ESV)
4 So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the first. And he rose early in the morning and went up on Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand two tablets of stone. 5 The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

It is a good thing that God is patient. He does not judge us at the moment of our sin. If he did, none of us would have a chance. We are all sinners, but our holy God is patient and waits for us to turn to him. This is the message that Peter wrote to his readers:

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, ESV)

Today is the day to turn from sin and run to God, who is loving, gracious, and patient. He has given his Son so we can receive forgiveness and eternal life. Let us wait no longer.

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