This week we are looking at the second half of Genesis 18, the story of Abraham, God, and Sodom and Gomorrah. The question I was given to explore has to do with God’s character. Do I want a God of mercy or a God that is just? And this was the sidebar that goes with that question. When we have been wounded,
we want the just God but if we have been the wound giver, we want the merciful God. Before responding, I want to share the first two places in scripture that God took me.
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew,
to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 1 Corinthians 9:19-21
Paul is describing his own persona, but if it is true for Paul, it is certainly true for his heavenly Father. Paul was whatever people needed him to be. It was about them. Not about him.
And the second scripture was this one.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
That is true for Jesus and it is also true for His Father.
So let me go back to the question that was posed to me. I desperately need a God who is all those things. I need Him to be consistently just. Even if His justice might result in a black eye on my part. I need to know that I can always trust God’s justice. The same yesterday, today, and forever. It isn’t dependent on
my moods, my thoughts, or my actions. But before looking at mercy, let me add one more verse.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
When I am lonely, God understands. When I feel a failure, God will console me. When I stumble, God forgives me.
This is all pretty simple, but immeasurably wonderful!! I desperately need to know that I have a heavenly father who meets me exactly where I am and knows exactly what I need, even before I know. No matter what!
I love you Jesus for being all that I need! All the time!
by Bruce Hanson
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