SOAP 11/22/2015; Psalm 99:8

Today's reading: Matthew 11, 12, 13*

S) "⁸ O Lord our God, You answered them;
You were a forgiving God to them,
And yet an avenger of their evil deeds."

Psalm 99:8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 99

O) The author was speaking about the faithful ministry of Moses and Aaron, and Samuel later. This was highlighting the fact that God was hearing from those who were calling on His name. The verse above is really drawing attention to a duality of God's grace. He is both merciful and just. In His grace, even before Jesus took the penalty for the sins of the world, God was balancing mercy and grace to His people. He would forgive them, maintaining His covenant relationship with His people. At the same time, He was still using discipline to bring them in line with His will. In addition to showing this balance God has, between giving us forgiveness and allowing the consequences of our sins to still affect our lives (in His will, to His glory), this passage is also showing that God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines (shout out to Propaganda's "Precious Puritans"). Moses and Aaron made mistakes that God had to avenge. Samuel was not perfect. Everyone that God could use, is broken and in need of His mercy.

A) This gives me hope, remembering that I don't have to be perfect for God to use me. His grace is sufficient for me. In my weakness, He is strong. He is glorified when He uses me for anything, because I am incapable of obedience aside from His grace. This verse also warns me, reminding me that my sins will be forgiven in Christ, but that I may still face consequences for the sins I commit. My mistakes may not send me to hell, but they may still be quite costly. Still, because I love my Father God, I invite His discipline. Even though He is a strict Father, His lovingkindness and compassion still draw me into repentance and obedience.

P) Father, You are holy. Everything about Your character stands in contradiction to my human, sinful nature. Help me to remember that, even in Your mercy, I may still face grave consequences to my sins. This is part of the discipline process that is still at work in my life. Help me to focus on the fact, that my life is improved when I am obedient to You, not only because I avoid negative consequences, but more importantly I am living in the richness that Your righteousness brings. Help me to be holy, as You are holy. Have Your way in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.