Matthew 22:7
This verse is one of those that smacks soundly against our modern sentiments. We think that God is so merciful that he could never destroy evildoers. We pretend that, being a God of love, he will never take vengeance upon anyone. We think somehow that punishment is only an illusion that will soon pass.
However, none of this is a reality. God can, and indeed does, punish the guilty. He is not mocked, what we sow we shall reap. It is not somehow wrong for him to destroy sin wherever it may be found, and those who perpetrate it along with it. We must remember that, were it not for his grace and mercy, we are all likewise doomed to the same fate. So, it is not correct to say that, because God is vengeful, he destroys some, but instead to say that, because he is merciful, he spares those who wish to be spared. We are all born enemies of God, but we may, by his grace, choose to be his friends.
Bible Reading: Leviticus 24:1-25:55
Scripture Memory: James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this wonderful Sunday. You know how to give us the best things in life. And yet, we so often forget that and try to get things for ourselves, missing the simple pleasures You give us to enjoy. We cannot ever thank You enough for all that You have done. But we can praise You and thank You nonetheless. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a woman in a life-care facility. Pray for a young woman who just started a new job. Pray for a man recovering from serious injuries.
Journal Entry #14139