Week 2, Sunday – December 10th
Here comes with power the Lord God, who rules by his strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers his lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.
Isaiah 40:10-11
More than once in the Bible, it’s pointed out that human understanding is not the same as God’s understanding. His ways differ from our ways, and His wisdom far surpasses ours. One of the best representations of this truth, to my mind, is when I consider the contrasts within God’s nature.
God is the all powerful ruler of the universe. God is a gentle shepherd feeding His sheep.
God is the final judge of all. God is mercy.
God demands justice. God forgives.
And on and on.
Already I’ve defaulted to a limited understanding, for I call these contrasts… contradictions… incongruencies, and those are not words to describe the nature of God.
In God, I find perfect love. In perfect love, I find the harmonious coexistence of authority and judgement with patience and mercy. He is my king. He is my shepherd. When I try to confine God within the walls of my own flawed wisdom, these combinations are mind boggling. Impossible, even.
Thankfully, God cannot be confined. The limitations humanity struggles under – how to seek justice and how to be merciful, for instance – are not limitations to Him. It’s why I can trust Him with the justice I cannot achieve by my own efforts. It is how I can approach God with deep repentance and regret of my sins, and unshakeable confidence that He will welcome me into His loving arms.
Lord, help me to see myself and others in light of who You are, instead of the other way around. I entrust myself to Your judgement and Your mercy. I revere You and I joyfully run to You. Overshadow my wisdom with Yours, my king and my savior.
Carrie In Writing 