September 10, 2019: SOAP #3568:  Lamentations 3-5; Revelation 15

Scripture:  Leviticus (NIV) 3:31 For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. 33 For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.

Observation:   What a great thought.  God’s anger for his people does not last forever!  He is just and brings judgment, but he also shows compassion.  SO GREAT is His unfailing love!  Indeed, SO GREAT!

God does not, from His own will, bring judgment on people.  He is enticed/He is lured/He is persuaded to bring judgment by man’s sin.  Mercy and compassion flow out of His heart of love, but judgment is given with reluctance.  Judgment is always just and deserved, but it also is an expression of God’s mercy for it is less than deserved.

Application:  I can rejoice in God’s great love. I can enjoy His love.  But I must not forget that He is holy and judges sin.  The Holy Spirit helps me to understand His great love and His perfect holiness.  God is good because He has the perfect balance of great love and complete holiness.

His holiness does not prevent His love.  His love does not mar His holiness.  So how can a holy God deal in love with a sinful man?  Only through the cross where the holy God paid the sin penalty for the man He loves.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, it is by faith in my heart and the confession of my mouth that I received your forgiveness.  Now that I am forgiven, I am a new creation!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!