Friday, July 14, 2017

July 14

1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17; Romans 2:1-24; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 19:8-9

Me, again. (For those of you, and I know you’re out there, who try to guess the author before you scroll to the bottom, I’m just going to let you know, it’s Esther. This is my third post in a row, so you’re getting a lot of my thoughts recently!)

Speaking of repeat thoughts, how are you holding up now that we’re reading so many of the accounts we already read in 2 Samuel? It wasn’t that long ago (May 25th, to be exact) that we read the first account of David’s desire to build God a temple. As fate would have it, I posted on that day as well. So if you want a recap of my thoughts on David’s beautiful heart to build something glorious for God and God’s subsequent promises to him, see that post here.

In our Romans reading, we’re starting to move right into the thickness of Paul’s theology. Following the harsh words from yesterday, we find even more today about the judgment we will find ourselves in when we cast guilt onto others for things we do ourselves. That is God’s place. But then this beautiful nugget of a verse: “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Rom. 2:5). Paul tells the believers in Rome not to take advantage of God’s rich kindness and forbearance but rather to let that kindness serve its intended purpose – leading us toward repentance. I love that. It brings to mind the old Leslie Phillips worship song from my childhood, which she took directly from this passage. Such a profound truth.

After those verses, Paul moves into another section that could create discomfort. It’s a “sheep and goats” separating, if you will. Those who obey truth and seek God’s glory will have eternal life; those who are self-seeking will find wrath and fury (Rom. 2:6-8). Hypocrisy was apparently running rampant in that church and Paul wants it nipped in the bud. Hmmm, Christians who say one thing and do the other…that sounds a little too familiar. Like those early believers, we need to make sure we’re on the right path, following after Jesus, both publicly and privately, so we can stand before God and receive “glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good” (vs. 10).

Help us, Lord, to seek the things you seek, to love well and to walk rightly. We need you!


- Esther McCurry (but you already knew that)

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