S) "1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 'Command the sons of Israel and say to them, "When you enter the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance, even the land of Canaan according to its borders."'"
Numbers 34:1-2 (NASB)
O) There are limits. God's people were on the cusp of the greatest fulfillment of promise. After forty years of waiting and testing through the wilderness, they were about to find permanent settlement. After more than four hundred years, the promise made to Abraham was about to be accomplished for them. This blessing, though, was not an unlimited blessing. God was telling His people that the blessing they would receive would have parameters. The LORD was about to bring them into the place their hearts had desired for hundreds of years, but God did not want them to get the wrong idea. This blessing would still be on His terms, by His authority, and according to His will. They were not going to be released like kids into a candy store.
A) I think there are a lot of misunderstandings about grace. The Bible is perfectly clear that God's love is eternal. His mercies are unending. His grace, however, is specific. Throughout the Bible, we see God bless people according to His will alone. Somehow, however, there is a misunderstanding that God wants to bless people with everything their hearts desire. This is simply not the case. The Bible promises that, while I draw closer to God and He shapes my character, He also alters and redefines the desires of my heart. So, when we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (emphasis added, 1 John 5:14). Outside of His will at work within me, I cannot expect to receive any blessings. What is shown throughout the Bible, is that God's love is unlimited, and His mercy is unlimited, but His grace is limited (by God's own desire and design). The saving grace He has for us is limited by God's desire and design to be through One mediator, Jesus Christ. The grace of provision He has promised us is for our needs (actual, vital needs) not our perceived wants. I must be willing to continue to receive God's grace, on His terms, by His authority, and according to His will alone.
P) Father, You are sovereign and just. You are merciful and loving. I am petulant and prideful. Please forgive me for my demanding sinful heart. Continue to humble me to the truth that You will bless me according to Your will, not mine. Thank You for the many blessings in my life. You provided the way for my salvation, reconciling me to You, giving me promises I have no right to have. You have given me a wonderful marriage and kids. You have provided for me financially and emotionally throughout my life. Please be magnified by how I proclaim Your goodness to others. Help me correctly present the gospel of grace, so that others are seeing the true life that You offer, and not some cheap avenue to self-satisfaction. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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