SOAP 03/31/2012; Judges 10:15

SOAP 03/31/2012; Judges 10:15

S) “The sons of Israel said to the LORD, ‘We have sinned, do to us whatever seems good to You; only please deliver us this day.’”

O) Israel realizes their mistake in serving other gods, but they also realize what’s at stake in losing the LORD forever. He was ready to leave them to their utter destruction and they realize, like the prodigal son, that serving God under any circumstance, is better than being abandoned by Him.
 
A) This should really be my prayer, and my humble heart. Through Jesus, we are given an eternal path to forgiveness and mercy, but my heart needs to adopt this attitude still. Serving God and being called His son is worth whatever the price or discipline He can place on me. Even if it meant a severe consequence to every sin and a heavy burden or tax – whatever – and this is especially true when seen in an eternal perspective, with heaven or hell hanging in the balance. This is quite similar to a prayer that my pastor has shared, the first prayer he really remembers praying wholeheartedly to the LORD, “Whatever it takes, Lord, don’t let me burn in hell.”
 
P) Father, I thank You that the love You give me is so much bigger than a tyrant god. You don’t want servants to mindlessly serve You. It’s not robots that You’re after. Even if You did, though, You would be justified because of Your sovereignty and holiness. By contrast, the best I have is like filthy rags compared to Your goodness. Yet, I thank You for the mercy You give, for the love You have for me that was so great that You sent Jesus to take my place, my punishment. This is my prayer today, LORD, that even if You required a heavy homage, a high price, a terrible burden, and really the opposite of the yoke and burden Jesus described… even still I would serve You because You are so good. Whatever the cost will ever be, LORD, I will pay it, only do not let me ever lose Your presence in my life, and Your life in my spirit. I thank You for the promise You give to that effect, but let my heart remain humble, just the same. Holy Spirit, remind me of the promises the Father gives, through the Word, to encourage me that the Father’s love is much beyond this severity. Remind me to chase righteousness just the same. Whatever it takes, keep me out of hell. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.