Is it possible for our sin to compromise God’s mission? Can we sin to such a degree that God’s plans are thwarted? God’s sovereignty is not just an abstract concept we engage in order to be theologically correct: it has implications for our real lives, today.

In this passage, even though Israel sins against God, the measure of the strength of the covenant is not with Israel’s faithfulness but with God’s faithfulness. God remains faithful despite Israel’s failures. Israel’s sin does not compromise God’s mission. God not only keeps his end of the covenant, he even fights for the sake of Israel, his unfaithful people.

In the same way, despite our failures, our covenant God remains faithful to us. It is on the basis of his faithfulness, his power, and his goodness (not ours) that we can rest. And his faithfulness spurs us on to faithfulness in response. That’s the motivation of grace.