#28 for Oct 9
God has the right to expect obedience. After all, He created the entire universe. Yet so many simply ignore God, or blatantly disobey him. Sin constantly frustrates God’s plan for this earth, yet He continues to work with the obedient and the disobedient. In His mercy, he gives extra chances for repentance and transformation, even for those who rebel.
My husband has a model train setup (called a ‘pike’). He has built mountains, railroads, a farm, a village, and other scenery, then put tiny people in it. What if those tiny people shook their fists in rebellion at him and said, “Why did you put me here? Why did you make me like this?” Or what if a mouse got on the pike and messed things up, and they looked to the other tiny people to protect them rather than allowing the builder to protect them by capturing the mouse?
How silly, do you think? But isn’t it just as silly for human beings to rebel at God who created us, seeking help from other people just as weak and sinful as we are rather than from the only one who can really help us?
When we turn to trusting and depending on God to supply our needs, delighting in his love and returning that love, we are more able to receive and appreciate the blessings God wants to give us. (cf. Psalms 37:4).
Isaiah prays in 33:2 that God will be gracious, will be our strength and our salvation. God loves to grant those requests. He has a rich treasure stored up for us. The key to open up this treasure is “the fear of the Lord,” (v. 6, NIV). When people finally acknowledge God is the Lord and give him reverent obedience, they find this treasure available.
Other verses that shed light on this truth are:
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” (Matt.6:33).
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast,” (Eph. 2:8 & 9)
Prayer: Sovereign God, thank you that you hate wickedness because wickedness destroys your beloved people. Thank you for rescuing us from evil and drawing us close to you. Help us to trust you, our Creator, instead of other creatures. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
THE SOVEREIGNTY OF CHRIST
You are the mighty King, Master of everything.
Though you are gentle, you rule over all.
Why do you plead for me? Why did you bleed for me?
Why bother sending your call?
Your love has reached me and made me complete
so I couldn’t resist all the love you did give.
Now I can worship you, Lord of the Universe
as in my heart you do live.
Jesus I love you! I want to obey you
and live in a way that will glorify you.
How can I serve you best? Help me to stand the test.
Thank you for making me new.
You are my shepherd and you’re my provider;
you have brought peace to this heart full of strife
I will obey you, for you are in charge of me.
You are the Lord of my life.
Words & Music by Judith Vander Wege written 1986
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