Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Faithfulness of God

Romans 1:19-20
“... what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world in the things that have been made…"

Scriptures demonstrate that God desires to reveal Himself to His creation, and in many creative and unique ways He does so.  He shows the magnitude of His power in mighty displays across the galaxy, He shows His creativity in the staggering variety of plants and animals in all their beautiful and intricate design.  Reflections of God’s character can be seen in those virtues we depend on in society- love, joy, self-sacrifice, generosity, community, cooperation, truth, and many more.  It is as though God chooses to reveal some of His inner character by instilling pieces of it in us.

The faithfulness of God is one of His great endearing qualities, and knowingly or unknowingly, we depend on His faithfulness every day.  The very breath we breathe every day is a gift from God (Job 33:4).  His mercies are new every morning, and His loving kindness lasts forever.  A classic hymn titled, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” says it so eloquently:

Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

That God is faithful is precious to us indeed.  We depend upon His faithfulness in all things every day, and without it we would falter.  What makes this so profound is that God’s faithfulness is made beautiful in contrast to the frailty and brokeness that surround us every day.  God stands faithful in contrast to friends who betray, governments who would deceive, systems that fail, institutions that exploit, and movements that mislead.  God's faithful provision of everyday necessities is precious to us because it is set against the threat of famine and loss without His loving care.  If God were not faithful, we would surely be lost.

God’s faithfulness not only sees to the basic provisions we need for our physical life, but He also has provided for our spiritual sustenance as well.  The hymn writer continues in the final verse:

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

God faithfully executed a plan for our salvation which He devised “before the foundations of the earth”.   His Son dying on the cross paid the death penalty that you and I owe for our sins, and because that debt is paid, we can turn to Him for salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and peace with God that cannot be taken away.  This forgiveness brings clarity to our past, understanding for the present, and hope for the future.  God’s faithfulness brings with it all we need for life and godliness as we enjoy the many gifts He has given to us.

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