The people of God’s honesty about their past impressed me. When queried about building the temple and who authorized them, they gave a fair and honest answer, which began like this:
“We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, one that a great king of
It was the second sentence that got me. They were upfront and honest about their past.
I generally don’t like admitting my failures, and sins. I am embarrassed and disappointed with myself and I’d rather look forward. Given their situation, I would likely have left out the sin and angering God part and gone right to the part about Cyrus sending them to rebuild.
I wondered and meditated on what I just wrote. Am I trying to hide my real self from myself? Am I trying to put on airs about my “goodness?” I am not exactly sure and more time will need to be spent examining my inner self.
One realization I did have is that I might be hiding from myself, and other people, the grace God has poured over me. God’s grace took the sinner that I was and redeemed him. God’s grace forgave my sins. God’s grace made me new. And God’s grace continues to do all these things because I am far from perfect. And if I hide from myself who I was, I am missing the wonder of God’s grace…
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Lord God, thank You for all of Your grace; grace that continually flows into my life. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
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