SCRIPTURE: Joel (NIV) 2:10 Before them [God’s judgment army of locust] the earth shakes, the sky trembles, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. 11 The LORD thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty are those who obey his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
12 “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. 14 Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God.
OBSERVATION: In this passage we see the two overriding characteristics of God: His holiness and His love.
As the holiness of God demands justice and punishment for sin, so the love of God cries out for mercy and compassion. With great wisdom, God sent His Son, Jesus who lived without any sin to die in payment for our sins so God could be compassionate and merciful to us!
APPLICATION: How can a holy God bring a sinful man into His presence for eternity? The answer is THE CROSS! It was there that Jesus died for the sins of the person who believes and repents.
God’s holiness demands justice. God’s love demanded a way of forgiveness. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Romans 6:23)
That gift is received by faith, by believing that Jesus died for our sins and that He rose to life again. …by believing that Jesus will forgive as He said, …by acknowledging that we are sinners and asking His forgiveness. And finally, by thanking Him for keeping His word!
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for keeping your promise to forgive. (1John 1:9) Thank for coming to live in my heart. Help me live my life to honor you. Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 