Psalms 103:13 AMP
[13] Just as a father loves his children, So the Lord loves those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence].
The entire chapter from where the verse above is taken is a tribute to God's love and care for His own. It is a psalm of David, one who God called a man after His own heart. The chapter starts with those immortal words: "Bless the Lord, O my soul". David took account of all that God had done for and to him up to that point, and his only response was to break down in gratitude to God for His dealings with him. Like David, I have to know that God has not changed or moved away from His nature: faithful and consistent. He does not need me to be God, yet my life is the loudest testimony to His faithful dealings. Do i know this God of love?
The same chapter reminds us of the mercy and grace of our Lord, who is slow to anger, yet abounding in lovingkindness and compassion. He is a God who hates sin yet loves the sinner unconditionally. He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found, yet He will strive to save the soul of the sinner from eternal damnation. Even though we can be stubborn, He does not deal with us after our sins, or reward us with punishment according to our wickedness. That is a love that defies human understanding. This is a love I could not earn, merit or deserve. This is a love that will do all it can to preserve me from evil. That is God's love in application.
Then the note of caution: God's love is quite amazing, but He does not force it on us. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. This is where my heart must choose to submit and surrender to Christ, of my own freewill. Earthly fathers, no matter how good, cannot force their will on a child that can now decide on things. You may counsel, advice or seek to mentor, but the decision or response is left for that child to take. There are only two possible options, and God has made clear what the end of these two options are: life or death. There is no middle ground; no other safe zone. I am either all in or all out.
The power of my choice is now reflected in the verse above. God the Father made us all for His pleasure, but there is a greater glory when the created acknowledges the power and wisdom of the Creator, and give glory, honour and praise back to Him. The Father loves all His creation, but there is a special care for those who fear and worship Him out of a clear sense of understanding of who He is, what He has done, and what He is able to do. Like any imperfect earthly father, we tend to gravitate towards a child who listens. In the same way, God is close to those who choose to obey and honour Him. You desire this close relationship? Seek to honour and obey Him. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment