Today’s Reading, 1 Samuel 18-20 & Psalms 11,59
Focal Scripture: Psalms 11:4 “The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord—his throne is in heaven. His eyes watch; his gaze examines everyone.”
Knowing the character of God is extremely important. Knowing how he deals with people can help you see his character in the correct ways. In my time ministering to people, it is clear that most individuals view God in one of two ways. He is a compassionate God who loves and never judges. Then some people view him as a God full of wrath who has no compassion for people. This theology and thinking are extremely detrimental to a person’s belief system.
In today’s reading, we get to see about the character of God and how he looks at and deals with people. We see that the Lord is in his holy temple in heaven. As he sits on this throne, his eyes watch and examine everyone in the world. This matters because God is not one who sits idle while he is in heaven. He examines people and knows the thoughts and intentions of their hearts. He knows who has a changed heart. He also knows those who just put on a show and are not true believers.
If you don’t understand that the Lord is always working and examining people, you can put your guard down in unhealthy ways. Some people will view the new life as a way to get “saved” and then live however they choose. Then others will view the new life as a way to condemn anyone who doesn’t measure up to their own standard. They have zero grace.
Since we know the Lord sees and examines every person, it should push us to have a heart that makes much of Jesus. A heart that understands God is both full of love and judgment. He loves everyone but will also judge everyone. God is not either/or in his thinking; he is both/and. This truth should liberate us in how we view God and deal with people.
I challenge you today to see people who need a savior. I also challenge you to view them as already judged as righteous or unrighteous. Why? Because the Lord has a standard. This standard is that each individual must deal with that sin. Either they will pay the penalty for their sin, or Christ will be their substitute. The Lord knows and examines everyone. He knows what is in your heart and what you have decided.
You can’t hide from God. He knows you better than anyone else and wants the best for you in this life and eternity.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Samuel 21-24
