In reading and reviewing the first few verses of Deuteronomy 32, the question do I pay attention to the words of Scripture, worship arose out of the recesses of my heart. Usually as I study, many applications come to my heart and mind. However, for some strange reason this particular question resonated within me.
God gave Moses a song to share with the people. Its focus was on the contrast between the high character of God versus, and the poor or bad character of His people. Think about that for a moment, let it sink in. If someone asked you to describe the difference between your own character and that of God's! What would be your truthful response? He declaration regarded the truth and importance of what He was about to say coupled with the divine justice that would be meted out to a rebellious , and backsliden people. Wow, think about that statement!
Yet how many believers today, balk at, scoff at, or rebel at His justice! Do we (I) stop to ask why would my God discipline me this way? Or better yet, why do I take offence at this? He is just, that is part of His divine nature. What am I saying to this Holy God? Rather than say why me? I ought to be praising God loves me so much that He wants no separation between us, for that is exactly what sin doe, it causes our relationship to be broken. Nothing can be harder to handle than the broken fellowship between my Daddy and me. The thought of not having that sweet communion with my Heavenly Father causes me tocry, and tremble. Is this what any of us really wants? Hardly! I lived 40 years without that, and am afraid to be I that spot again. When confronted by the Word, someone else, I try to keep short accounts with my Lord.
I can assure you before God's presence that I am guilty! Unfortunately, there are times, that I have carried a hurt, and have been not ready to forgive. Other times, I have found myself digging my heels in, defiant not wanting to do what I need to do. But, because of His mercy and grace through His Son Jesus, I know, and am able to go to my Lord, repent and confess, and be forgiven, and restored to fellowship with my Holy and Loving Father. What a marvelous gift! There is nothing that any of us could do to earn, or repay such a gift. What love the Father has for His own, that He would permit Christ to be my penalty for sin. Forgiveness so undeserved!
If that restoration, and forgiveness doesn't cause you to drop to your knees in gratitude, then I fear for your heart and soul. How destructive and blinding pride can be if left unchecked, and beaten down. When we are so hard if heart that we are unable and unwilling to see ourselves by comparing our character to that of our God's, and see how short we fall, we are in true danger.
Rather that be discouraged though, be encouraged to see that God's goodness, and greatness has been revealed to us so that we might live for Him rather than ourselves, the world or the enemy. What a great and mighty God we have been given to love and to serve!
Oh gracious, loving and just God, help me to become more sensitive to your Word, to sin, that I would be grateful, and an obedient child. That would always draw closer to Your, bringing You honor and glory, not heartache and pain. I do not desire to place you in the position that You need to discipline me, for I know You are just as well as loving. Guide my heart and mind into Your truth that I will not veer away from You, but when I do veer please apply Your correction swiftly, that I may turn back quickly. This is the desire of my heart , Lord. Thank You for listening.
God gave Moses a song to share with the people. Its focus was on the contrast between the high character of God versus, and the poor or bad character of His people. Think about that for a moment, let it sink in. If someone asked you to describe the difference between your own character and that of God's! What would be your truthful response? He declaration regarded the truth and importance of what He was about to say coupled with the divine justice that would be meted out to a rebellious , and backsliden people. Wow, think about that statement!
Yet how many believers today, balk at, scoff at, or rebel at His justice! Do we (I) stop to ask why would my God discipline me this way? Or better yet, why do I take offence at this? He is just, that is part of His divine nature. What am I saying to this Holy God? Rather than say why me? I ought to be praising God loves me so much that He wants no separation between us, for that is exactly what sin doe, it causes our relationship to be broken. Nothing can be harder to handle than the broken fellowship between my Daddy and me. The thought of not having that sweet communion with my Heavenly Father causes me tocry, and tremble. Is this what any of us really wants? Hardly! I lived 40 years without that, and am afraid to be I that spot again. When confronted by the Word, someone else, I try to keep short accounts with my Lord.
I can assure you before God's presence that I am guilty! Unfortunately, there are times, that I have carried a hurt, and have been not ready to forgive. Other times, I have found myself digging my heels in, defiant not wanting to do what I need to do. But, because of His mercy and grace through His Son Jesus, I know, and am able to go to my Lord, repent and confess, and be forgiven, and restored to fellowship with my Holy and Loving Father. What a marvelous gift! There is nothing that any of us could do to earn, or repay such a gift. What love the Father has for His own, that He would permit Christ to be my penalty for sin. Forgiveness so undeserved!
If that restoration, and forgiveness doesn't cause you to drop to your knees in gratitude, then I fear for your heart and soul. How destructive and blinding pride can be if left unchecked, and beaten down. When we are so hard if heart that we are unable and unwilling to see ourselves by comparing our character to that of our God's, and see how short we fall, we are in true danger.
Rather that be discouraged though, be encouraged to see that God's goodness, and greatness has been revealed to us so that we might live for Him rather than ourselves, the world or the enemy. What a great and mighty God we have been given to love and to serve!
Oh gracious, loving and just God, help me to become more sensitive to your Word, to sin, that I would be grateful, and an obedient child. That would always draw closer to Your, bringing You honor and glory, not heartache and pain. I do not desire to place you in the position that You need to discipline me, for I know You are just as well as loving. Guide my heart and mind into Your truth that I will not veer away from You, but when I do veer please apply Your correction swiftly, that I may turn back quickly. This is the desire of my heart , Lord. Thank You for listening.
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