God is perfectly holy, and there is no fluctuation in his ethical posture. Every day, he loves righteousness with all his being. Every day, he hates wickedness.
Tragically, I fall into the category of “Wicked Sinner.” Every single day, without fail, I think, desire, say, and do that which is abominable in God’s sight.
Consequently, as I read his rules, commandments, instructions, precepts, principles, ordinances, or imperatives, I consistently hear the Law saying, “Failure, Failure, Failure!”
In addition, I hear the Holy Judge saying, “Guilty, Guilty, Guilty!”
Often I hear the voice of Satan saying, “Forsaken, Forsaken, Forsaken!”
Thankfully, I hear the Father, Son and Spirit also saying, “Represented, Redeemed, Forgiven, Reborn, Justified, Adopted, Sanctified, and Secured!” Intentionally the Holy Judge placed all my sins upon his back and was damned for my transgressions. Intentionally, the Holy Judge also credited me with his own earned goodness. And now, every single day, the Holy Judge looks at my grievous sins no longer. He swears to me there is not one ounce of condemnation coming my way. Great is his pretended forgetfulness. Great is his love, mercy, and grace. Great is his Gospel performance for me and all who are in the household of faith. Oh, how sweet is the voice of my Lord and Savior!
Therefore, how do I read and how do I live? Friends, when I am at my best, when I am most wise, I no longer read God’s commandments, instructions, precepts, principles, ordinances, imperatives, or laws and hear the Judge’s strict judgment.
Instead, I notice his face is smiling and his tone has changed. The Judge is now my Coach, and he offers the wisest of counsel to me — his redeemed and adopted Son.
I was reminded of this as I read through Proverbs 13 today:
Proverbs 13:1 A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.
Proverbs 13:10 By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:13 Whoever despises the word brings judgment on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Friends, I don’t know about you, but this week, I want to enjoy greater conversations with Rabbi Jesus. He is the Fountain of Wisdom. He is the Great Teacher. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Wonderful Counselor, and he is my friend. As I write this, I repent of my discounting of God’s Word , will, and ways. I want to meditate on his Law day and night. I want to be like a tree planted by streams of water bearing much fruit. His ways are becoming sweeter to me. His commandments are burdensome no longer. Jesus is my Savior. He is my Lord. He is my Friend. He is my Coach, and he knows best how to play ball and win.
Unfathomable Grace 