Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Monday, October 27, 2014 by L. David Harris
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved,” John 3:17.
A great misconception that has taken on many forms is that God is sitting way up in heaven waiting for us to make a mistake, and as soon as we do, He will send lightning from the sky to get us or some other terrible thing will happen because He is angry. This picture of God, is not only terrible, it is simply not true.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8.
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God is not out to get us; He is on our side.
It is true that He will allow the natural consequences of our sins to run their course, but this does not mean that He is not in love with us. Oftentimes, these natural consequences are for our good.
If you gave your very best for someone you loved, is there anything else you would withhold from him or her? “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Matthew 7:11.
Why is it that we are slow to believe that God is working feverishly to save us? All He has shown in the sacrifice of His Son is infinite love. He could have destroyed us as soon as we sinned, but He chose rather to bear the punishment Himself. God is not waiting to hurt or condemn you for your sin. He has invested far too much to ensure your success. Hopefully, you will see the true picture of God that rejoices in seeing us succeed. God really, really loves you. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 1:24, 25.–L. David Harris (www.davidwritesalot.com).
