Made Right - Day 213 Month 7-31 Week 31-3
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
2 Samuel 9:1-10:19, Proverbs 14:1-12, Ezekiel 17, Romans 9
Made Right
I am not a potter, but I understand the basic idea behind pottery. The same principle applies to glass blowing, carving driftwood, weaving lobster rope mats, or painting.
Sylvia, as an artist, is best known for her paintings. She has also made lobster rope mats and created artwork from driftwood. We even have a tree stump in our yard, about ten feet tall, that she asked the arborist to leave because she wants to turn it into Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies.
Whether she is painting, weaving, or sculpting, every piece begins with a vision. She imagines what it can become and works toward that finished result.
I am not going to debate how God created the universe. Whether He created everything instantly or over a long period of time is not the point I want to make today.
The point is this.
God is the Creator. He made humanity in His image and for His purposes.
In Romans 9, Paul explains that, just as a creator has authority over what he creates, God has the right to accomplish His purposes as He chooses. Paul is also explaining that simply being born Jewish did not guarantee a right relationship with God. Although Israel had been entrusted with God's law, many missed what God was doing because they relied on their own efforts instead of trusting Him.
Paul writes,
“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works” (Romans 9:30 to 32).
That is the heart of Paul's message.
Faith is the key.
No matter how hard we try to earn God's approval by doing good, we will always fall short. We are made right with God through faith, not by our own achievements.
We see that same truth in David's life. Psalm 51 records David's response after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin. David did not begin by pointing to all the good things he had done. Instead, he came to God in humility and faith.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You” (Psalm 51:10 to 13).
Only later does David say, “Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices” (Psalm 51:19).
His relationship with God came first. His actions followed. That is why I often come back to the two greatest commandments Jesus gave us. Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Love your neighbour as yourself.
Those actions do not earn God's acceptance. They are the natural response of a grateful heart that has already received His grace through faith. Loving our neighbour is a wonderful thing in itself. But when it flows out of gratitude to God and faith in Jesus, it becomes an expression of a transformed life.
Just as an artist shapes a piece according to the vision in mind, God is shaping us according to His purposes. The change begins not with our effort, but with faith.
Have a great day!
Steve
You can subscribe to this blog and receive an email each day or week. Just visit the following link. https://follow.it/my-faith-view-from-here-daily-readings-and-thoughts?leanpub
Comments
Post a Comment