Defence!

Defence!

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalms 68:5 KJV

Whenever I read words like today's extract, I pause and consider the God I have been called upon to serve and worship. There are a lot of sides to this God, and one short piece will never do Him justice, but let us focus on what today's extract says. First, He is called a Father. It means that no matter your present status, you take origin and source from Him. If I clearly understand this, it will significantly impact the way I relate with other people. If I know God is my father as well as the father of all other people I come in contact with, I will be very careful how I live.

He is also called a judge. This picture is one of reward or punishment for actions done. It doesn't matter what I tell myself; God has laid down the standard for judgement and I will do well to seek it out and follow it. We love the picture of the God of love, but we will do well to also consider that He is the God of justice also. If I understand this, it will also affect how I prepare for my own judgment. And He is Holy, the part we don't like to talk about, but is central to the walk and work God has called us to. He is Holy, his dwelling place is holy. How else do you think those that aspire to live with Him and enjoy his benefits must live?

This picture sounds a warning on how I treat others. I may think I am better, but I must remember that God fights for those who cannot. If man opposes you, you can take his case to God, but if it is God opposing you, where do you appeal to? I take stock again and ask myself: How's my relationship with people God has placed around me? Do I treat them the way God desires? If God were to defend the cause of the helpless, would I be found guilty? Deep questions, but it is never too late to make amends where required. His time of favour is here.