Constant!

Constant!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

Yesterday's lesson laid it out: God is good and he does good. We do not always see things in this light, but it does not change who God is. Even when he allows evil to occur, it is a reflection of his good grace that we can learn from the experience, see him at work, and also still gain eternity. This is a God of absolute power and might, yet also a God of amazing love and affection, who does not deal with us according to our weaknesses. James, who wrote this book, knew firsthand who this God is. He had seen Jesus at work: raised the dead, healed the sick and deliver the oppressed. There was no one who came to Jesus - slave, free, Jew, Greek, Gentile, Samaritan, man, woman or child - who did not receive that which s/he came for, as long as the heart was genuine. 

We can look at these stories and wonder why men like Judas Iscariot missed it, or while even ex-angels like Lucifer messed up. This is the power and the deception of freewill. We think we are above tough times and trouble, but I have not yet seen anywhere God promises perpetually blue skies. Days of trouble and uncertainty will come; my faith will be tested; my stand for and with God will be tested, but there is this standing assurance that as long as I am in God, it will turn out good. So, when next I am tempted to think I can earn it, I am reminded again that it is all about God. When I think I have arrived, or that what I hold is mine by right, connections, influence or family lines, I am reminded that it is first about who God is. I get good because God is good.

He is the father of the heavenly lights, very bright and quite obvious to all men. He has no dark spots, grey areas or flip-flops. He is not lukewarm, unpredictable like the seas, but his nature is such that his principles are set in stone. He may change the process, and still bring me to his pre- determined end, but he will not compromise his principles. That which he called sin during Adam and Eve's time is still sin today. No amount of enlightenment or high education can stop adultery from being sin. 

Man is the inconsistent one, changing his mind to suit the environment. God is not man, and he does not need my approval to be all He is. He is Light Himself, and has no shadows, because he does not need to turn frequently to stay in the light. He is the Light; whatever shadows he has is his protection from the sun, the moon and the pestilence they may bring, as well as the seal of the life of Jesus that keeps us from the coming judgment. That is who God is, and this is what he offers. Would I take him up on his offer? Would I ignore? As always, the choice is mine to make. God's time of favour is here.