Friday, March 17, 2006

Proverbs 16 & 17 - a two for one day!

Been insanely busy here as we are preparing to go to San Diego as a family with the whole Chmieleski clan. This is going to be a great time of connecting as pastoral families, and to get some R&R in light of the recent events at Hope. We are all pumped to be going.

Anyway, here's the two proverbs that impacted me and that I am working on memorizing/meditating:
4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends--even the wicked for a day of disaster. (Proverbs 16:4, NIV).
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent--the LORD detests them both. (Proverbs 17:15, NIV).
God is just. He allows nothing to pass by that will not receive his justice - nothing. In fact, that's why the cross is so scandelous to some - God HAD to pour out his wrath upon Jesus (Romans 3:15) in order for his justice to be satisfied. No, this is not "divine child abuse" because the son willingly laid down his life (John 10:18). These proverbs encourage me to know that God is just - he will punish all sins, including mine! That is why Jesus Christ is so very, very precious to me.

Trike

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Trike,

Today's post shows one reason why I am SO GLAD you are my pastor; you never point to YOU--you point me and a host of others who call Hope home to THE SOURCE--JESUS CHRIST.

Your simple remark at the end (which brings your point home), "that because the son willingly laid down his life (John 10:18)...These proverbs encourage me to know that God is just - he will punish all sins, including mine! That is why Jesus Christ is so very, very precious to me."

Thanks for reminding me (us) of that simple, profound truth.

Guilty Bystander

Wash0088 said...

Steve, a very clarfiying post!

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." (16:9)

This was another one that I had trouble with. I think it means that the course, is the course of a Christian, whether or not to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and then the steps are given to us by God. In other words, God gives each of us a passion through which to glorify Him. Not sure if that is accurate?

Wash0088 said...

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (17:17)

Sticking with friends and family through thick and thin only strengthens those bonds...something to keep in mind when a particular relationship is on rocky roads.

-Dan