What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath – prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory – even us whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
Today, cringing in anticipation of a lashing, I turned to the scripture reading for July 26. I'm a bit behind having determined to only open and read when I am open and listening. But again for the umpteenth time I was given a word that reinforced the theme of many of God's personal words to me this past twelve months.. "I love you because I love. You are righteous because I made you so."
Beginning with a time of confession this morning, all I could say is; "See! Nothing much has changed. What can I expect from You today? But where else can I go but to You? So, here I am. Please, extend your great mercy one more time and speak to me. I'm listening."
In response, through the reading from Romans 9:23 - 10:13, I was reminded that no finite collection of dust and water (mud) such as myself could ever exhaust the goodness and mercy of the infinite and gracious God.
Psalm 20:1-2
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;..
May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.
(Selah)
The Lord knows that the basic distress of all His saints results from our perception that, for whatever reason, we are about to be harmed and there is no hope of joy in the circumstance. This fearful perception comes from two sources, shame and fear. I believe I've screwed up, sinned, so badly that God's only wise choice is to let the hammer of natural consequence fall heavily upon me, and that the mal-intent of those around me is going to be unleashed to amplify that blow thus crushing me in humiliation.
But this morning's Word was an assurance that God will answer, send help, and remember my sacrifice (Jesus) and accept my burnt offerings (prayers of confession, and repentance).
The result will be a restoration of joy.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
He answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
Psalm 20:6
The Lord knows that the basic distress of all His saints results from our perception that, for whatever reason, we are about to be harmed and there is no hope of joy in the circumstance. This fearful perception comes from two sources, shame and fear. I believe I've screwed up, sinned, so badly that God's only wise choice is to let the hammer of natural consequence fall heavily upon me, and that the mal-intent of those around me is going to be unleashed to amplify that blow thus crushing me in humiliation.
But this morning's Word was an assurance that God will answer, send help, and remember my sacrifice (Jesus) and accept my burnt offerings (prayers of confession, and repentance).
The result will be a restoration of joy.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
He answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
Psalm 20:6
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