The Unfathomable Extent of God’s Love

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Psalms 8, 138, 139, 145; 2 Samuel 9, 21:1-14

Abbreviated Reading: Psalm 145

We praise God because of who He is: "The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made." (Ps 145:17)

This Mighty God is perfectly loving and yet perfectly righteous and just. We see this in today's reading. Israel was experiencing a famine for 3 years. As David sought the Lord, God spoke to Him regarding the reason. This famine was a result of how King Saul had wickedly treated the Gibeonites. Even though Saul was dead, the sin as a nation had to be dealt with (2 Sam 21:1-3).

God purges both individuals and nations. The fact that God purges sin is a blessing and great gift. Sin leads to death and leaves a devastating wake. I'm so thankful that God chastens those He loves (Heb 12:6). He didn't leave me in the condition that He found me in, but takes us from glory to greater glory (2 Cor 3:18).

Herein lies the unfathomable extent of His love. The sin must be dealt with and paid for, the consequences felt, so He Himself bore our sins and iniquities (1 Pt 2:24). He took upon Himself the blow of our actions. We no longer have to experience the years of "famine" like Israel, but He sets us at His banqueting table and His banner over us is love (Sng 2:24).

However, that forgiveness and substitute payment has to be accepted and embraced (Rom 10:9; 1 Jn 1:9). Let us be quick to abandon sin (any and all), confess and acknowledge it before the Lord, and plead the blood of Jesus both individually and on behalf of our nation.

The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power. Psalm 145:8-11