Judgment Or Mercy

I remember as a kid at Knifley Elementary School being a bit intimidated by the presence of the principal. I didn’t really know him very well because he was responsible for the entire school. I knew my teachers because I was with them and interacting for several hours each day. When the principle came to our room it was usually because one of my friends was about to be in big trouble. The principal didn’t play – he was serious about order and good behavior in school. I recall a couple of trips to his office where he applied the “board of education” to the “seat of understanding”.

In the Old Testament the Lord had given the law and the guidelines for His people to live by. Micah records that they were about to receive a visit from the PRINCIPAL – God Himself and it wasn’t going to be a pleasant visit. Check this out…

3 Look! The Lord is coming from his dwelling-place;

    he comes down and treads on the heights of the earth.

4 The mountains melt beneath him

    and the valleys split apart,

like wax before the fire,

    like water rushing down a slope.

5 All this is because of Jacob’s transgression,

    because of the sins of the people of Israel. (Micah 1:3-5 NIV)

I am so thankful that when Jesus came, the Mercy and Grace of God were introduced. I really try to be obedient, but I fail pretty often to measure up to the code of behavior outlined in scripture. I’m thankful that the Lord comes to me in gentleness rather than judgment. In Christ I have forgiveness from sin and I have an advocate before the Lord God. I’m keeping my heart surrendered to the working of the Lord so He can transform me into the child of God that brings honor to Him. I’m thankful that God dwells in gentleness & mercy rather judgment and wrath. I deserve punishment from the PRINCIPAL, but instead I’m pardoned because of Jesus.

Pressing On!

Dwayne