God is JOYFUL--Mostly, we see evidence in the scriptures that God causes us to have joy. But there are also plenty of indications that God takes delight in us, and rejoices over us. It seems logical that this would be the case. How could our Source of joy not be full of joy? It is a good thing, I think, to realize that God is happy.
Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Psalm 104:31
May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works—
Isaiah 58:14
then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Isaiah 62:5
As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
Isaiah 65:19
I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Luke 1:14
He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,
Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do."
Luke 15:7
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
God is JUST--Justice is not our favorite attribute of God. I have heard more than one person say, "I don't want to think about the justice of God. I'd prefer to focus on His mercy." Oddly, in the Old Testament, people cried out for the Lord's justice. The justice of God is the power of God put to work to make things fair and right. Sometimes making things fair and right involves punishment, and this is why we do not like to think about it. Those who are violently persecuted do not always have the same hang-ups. Sometimes the dividing line is between those who want justice poured out on others and those who fear justice poured out on themselves. Sometimes, people simply have trouble with the idea that anyone should be punished. This, I might dare to point out, is a very modern, American sentiment, and does not have roots in the Bible. God is very clear that He will punish wrong and put an end to sin. We must trust in His other attributes: perfect wisdom, love and compassion. And we must realize that if anyone has the ability to love the sinner, hate the sin, and act appropriately... it is God Almighty.
Psalm 9:16
The LORD is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
Psalm 11:7
For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.
Psalm 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Psalm 99:4
The King is mighty, he loves justice— you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right.
Psalm 103:6
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Isaiah 11:4
...but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Matthew 12:20
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory.
Hebrews 1:8
But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom."
Next up, K.
No comments:
Post a Comment