At our most creative moment, at our deepest thought, at our highest level, we still cannot fathom eternity.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." -- 1 Corinthians 2:9
We sure are an independent people. Some might even say stiff-necked. (Exodus 32:9) If we sin, then we hide it. (Genesis 3:8) If we're suffering we choose to endure in silence instead of pray. (Job 31:35) If we're crying we don't want our tears wiped away. (Revelation 21:4).
We want to go it alone. (Proverbs 18:1) Do it ourselves. (2 Corinthians 3:5) Be self-made men and women. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
But the problem is we are what we make. (Matthew 7:21-23) And we are flawed and imperfect people who are stubborn to the core. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Why in the world would anyone ever love us? (2 Timothy 3:2)
We lie. We cheat and we steal. (1 John 1:6)
We lust. We hurt and we're selfish. (James 3:16)
We don't all believe in the same things. And Heaven forbid if we ever had to agree on something. (2 Timothy 2:23)
We like to gossip and we love to argue. (Psalms 141:3)
We're filled with personal faults and an egotistical self-image. (1 Peter 5:5)
The whole world revolves around us, after all. Why would anyone ever disagree with us. (1 Corinthians 4:7)
We consider ourselves to be personally blessed. At least a lot more than poor ol' Aunt Maggie or that kid down the street with buckteeth. (Luke 18:9-14)
When we pray we expect God to listen to our wish list. And if our wish doesn't come true then, of course, it had to be God's fault. We need someone to blame after all. (Proverbs 19:3)
If we really took a look into that mirror darkly and saw the person that God sees we would cringe with loathing and pity. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
Maybe we shouldn't ask why God could love someone like us and instead ask, "Who am I to hinder God?" That's what Peter said when a group of self-righteous, egotistical sinful people asked him how could God ever love people who weren't like them. (Acts 11:17)
Who are you to stop God from loving you? Sinful warts and all. (John 3:16)
Let us pray.
Gracious God. We are a stubborn people. Even when it comes to ourselves. We think we know the answers and we think we know Your plan, but sometimes we just need to be reminded that our limited thinking can never understand Your boundless love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
The Blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be With You.
PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF THE FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. EMAIL: [email protected].
Religion on 05/04/2016