September 24, 2021: SOAP #4313:  Ezra 1; Psalm 84-85; Luke 7

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 85:9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.

OBSERVATION: But what makes someone good?  It is the combination of the two characteristics we see in this verse.  There must be love and holiness (here expressed in faithfulness.)

Holiness is expressed in justice and faithfulness.  Truly a god would not be good if unjust and/or unfaithful.  Love is expressed in mercy and grace.  We would not call anyone good if lacking in mercy or grace. Indeed, it is the combination of these two characteristics that make the Living God GOOD!

APPLICATION:  But how can He be both, loving and holy, and interact with fallen man?  The answer is the cross!  For, in the cross the holiness of God is satisfied as the sinless blood of God’s only begotten Son is shed to pay for our sins!  And in the cross the love of God is satisfied as men who were before lost in their sin can boldly approach the throne of God in worship, covered by the precious blood of God’s Son!

In the humble humanity of God walking dusty roads in the flesh, experiencing hunger and weariness, love and faithfulness met together. And in the bloody, sweaty, suffering of the cross, righteousness and peace kissed each other!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, your wisdom amazes me.  Through the death of your Son, you covered my sin!  And through the death of your Son, you extended the full extent of your love to me.   You have welcomed me into your family and made me your child.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!