11.10.07 -- RE:ading: Exodus 13:17-14:31

RE:flect

Speaking of patience yesterday. Let me tell you something. I love Jesus. And I love his promise of deliverance. But I hate people. Yet you are reading this correct. I am not going be politically correct to day and say that I love the sinner and hate the sin. This is kinda true. But I recognize something – helplessness in sin is still enmity with God. And I am on the side of God. His enemies shall me mine as well. The murders, drunkard, pedophile, the prostitute… all sinners whether great or small are still enemies of the LORD. But really I am talking about hating the worst of the worst.

I an angry, legitimately, of the rapist that isn’t caught. This jerk who kills a woman around here in Burnsville answering a craigslist.com add for a nanny. The cold cases, the big crimes. Their time will come. I do wish for their repentance (like yesterdays thoughts)… but I also understand the wrath of God is still on them (and this wrath has also become part of my thinking… I love the innocent child and my anger…related to love and holiness… is kindled into a raging fire when that child is raped, tortured and buried alive. What shall I do?)

I take comfort…even here with Pharaoh’s army coming Moses says “ The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” I will be satisfied that evil will be repaid someday—none can run forever. And this is the Glory and satisfaction that I have in the Cross also.

I have begun to understand that, “ it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer…. For he bore the sin of m any, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:10,12). There is a great horror, sadness, joy, relief, and satisfaction that wrath has been unleashed. Thank God that his grace gives the benefits of following the law completely (though none can)… and to the Christ, the legitimate candidate to only be perfect and receive a reward…. He gets our punishment.

How I pray that all sinners will discover God’s unfairness (grace).. that all sin can be forgiven in CHRIST…. But if they do not discover it (like Osama bin Ladin) my secondary senses will be satisfied as the fairness of God (holy judgment and wrath) is given to them.

RE:act

Okay. Read that again.

Now read the verses for today again.

What are your reactions to this story and my thoughts?

How about the last two days ideas?

RE:ply

Lord, it has been a good week to walk with you and your word again.

Lord, thank you for saving your people. For remembering them. For bringing Joseph’s bones out of Egypt.

Lord thank you for proving to the philosophies and religions of old that there is ONE God. True. Living. Mighty. You are awesome and I thank you for loving us, and treating us not how we deserve. Thank you for your GRACE, that you have been unfair to your son and rewarded us with the prize of perfection under the law….

Jesus, thank you for taking our punishment, of being crushed. You are the Passover lamb. You are the Red Sea Crossing. You are our salvation! May we feel your feelings in all situations – may we be content without our position and roles and seek to understand your will more.

Lord, prepare me for worship tomorrow. I love you.

“ But the Day of the LORD will come like a thief….That day will bring about the destruction of the heaven by fire and the elements will melt in the heart. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness… bear in mind that the LORD’s patience means salvation….” (II Peter 3:10,12-13, 15)