HIS GOODNESS

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TEXT: Exo.34:6, Psm.23:6;65:4,11

INTRODUCTION

Goodness has been described by virtually all the dictionaries I consulted as the quality of being Good. The word, GOOD is the most comprehensive term when praising the excellence of a thing.

The Encarta Dictionary has about 28 different rendering of the word Good, some of which are:
High quality, suitable, skilled, virtous, kind, affording pleasure, complete, undamaged, ample, honorable, valid, helpful, pleasant beneficial, favourable, advantageous, genuine, able to pay, Guaranteed to pay, producing results, sizeable, full, healthy e.t.c.

The Hebrew word that describes Goodness is: TOWB. i.e. To be good in the widest sense; favourable, loving kindness. Pleasant etc.

The Greek words are – Kalos, Agathos & chreestos i.e. To be bountiful, loving, pleasant, prosperous, sweet, wealth, welfare beautiful and kindness.

SEVEN (7) Things to Note about God’s Goodness

1. The Goodness of God is not the same thing as the providence of God

a. Divine Providence – This is the general care and guidance of God to humankind and His creation. Gen.15:16, Matth.5:45; Acts 17:28, Heb.1:3

b. His Goodness is covenant related. It is called loving kindness and is expressed to His covenant people. According to Vines Expository Dictionary (Old Testament) God’s Goodness has to do with a combination of His:
• Strength –Ability and power
• Steadfastness – Faithfulness
• Love – His love – general or specific.
While strength and steadfastness is the exclusive preserve of the covenant, His love can be providential. In His sovereign act at times, He can move in mercy to meet human needs in all the above areas. Here, its at His discretion and cannot be claimed or demanded.

* God’s loving kindness particularly refers to mutual / reciprocal rights and obligations between parties in a relationship.
* The weaker seeks from the stronger, while the stronger remains committed to His promise.
* It implies personal involvement /commitment of the stronger in the affairs of the weaker beyond the rule of law where grace comes to play.

2. Goodness is an action word. The bible often describes it in the context of doing, showing, keeping etc. Exo.33:19, Deut.5:10, 7:9, Ikings 8:66.

3. The Goodness of God to a person is an expression of God’s glory placed on or revealed to the person –Exo.33; IIChor.5:13, 7:3.

4. Adversity often tries to block or shield us from His goodness but:

Knowledge – Jeremiah – Lam.3:19-22
Faith – David – Psm.27:13
Persistence – Job – Job 13:15-16; 19:25-27
Relationship – The Disciples – Mk.6:46-51
Often it secures and brings us into the manifestation of His goodness.
Never forget – Prov.23:18

5. Ingratitude can cause us to miss His Goodness meant for us – Mk.6:52, Lu.17:11-19.

6. God’s goodness for each person can be found or located at the place of His assignment for each person – Luk.19:13 e.g

Abraham – leaving Ur to the place to be shown
Isaac – Staying and sowing in Gerar Despite fame.
Jacob – Tending Laban’s sheep
Joseph – Holding unto His dreams and slavery in Portiphar’s House
Moses – Heb.11:24-27
Joshua – Stayed faithful to Moses – Exo.33:11
Gideon – Fighting against the Midianites.
David – Facing Goliath + King Saul
Peter – Staying faithful to His commission
Phillip the Evangelist – Preaching in Samaria – Acts 8-9
Paul the Apostle – Labouring in Grace – ICor.15:9-10
Dorcas – Good to God’s people – Acts.9:36-41

7. To access His Goodness, do the following:

– Have a heart for God – Exo.33:12-13
– Ask him to show you His goodness –Exo.33:13-18, Psm.103:7, Psm.86:16-17.
– Hear from God and obey – Exo.34:1-4.

CONCLUSION
His Goodness is available. Welcome to 2009, the year of His Goodness!

Dr. Udoh
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