Crime & Punishment

I’ve know people who were punished severely for something that seemed rather insignificant. The “letter of the law” is often very clear and concise. There is also a “spirit of the law” that is more about the intention behind the law.

The Lord had made His Law abundantly clear to the people of Moab. They were wealthy and blessed, but they ignored God’s Presence among them. They prayed mainly to a god Chemosh. The Lord sent Jeremiah to warn them, but he was ignored. I think Jeremiah was used to being ignored, but he spoke up anyway. Check this out….

³³ Joy and gladness are gone from fruitful Moab.
    The presses yield no wine.
No one treads the grapes with shouts of joy.
    There is shouting, yes, but not of joy.

⁴² Moab will no longer be a nation,
    for it has boasted against the Lord.

I will see to it that you do not get away,
    for the time of your judgment has come,”
    says the Lord. (Jeremiah 48:33,42,44b NLT)

When I read the Old Testament and see God as a God of Justice, it makes me so grateful that He is a God of Grace. He does not ignore sin, but He does forgive sin. His forgiveness is complete because of His Son Jesus.  I can sort of identify to being under the law. When I was young, there were Christians who taught more about rule following that following Jesus. They focused on my behavior. I was a grown man and not necessarily a young, grown man when I first discovered grace. I used to sing about Amazing Grace, but I didn’t comprehend it.

Now that I know God of Grace, I am calmer in His Presence.  I also realize His Presence in me. I deserve punishment for many crimes, much like the Moabite people, but instead He gives me grace and forgiveness.  My punishment doesn’t fit my crime and grace is like that. It’s hard to wrap my head around grace, but I trust His Word.

Pressing On!

Dwayne