I Love When People Get Their Just Deserts...Unless It's Me
I love dessert. I admit it. Chrissy took me out for my birthday last night and we had these yummy donuts (after the waiters came and did their "happy birthday" chant). But of course, that's not what the phrase means. It actually has nothing to do with food. Getting your "just deserts" basically means "they'll get what's coming to them". We like it when a robber is finally caught or that scammer is finally found out. I read in Psalm 11:3-7 (NLT) today a passage that seemed to speak so clearly to the turmoil of the times we're living in.
The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?
But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.
He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.
For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.
I'm glad our God "loves justice". I'm glad those terrorists in France will get their "just deserts". God doesn't stand for such things. But I'm also glad that God is full of grace and mercy. Because, although no terrorist, there are things I've done, sins I've committed, that demand justice. I'm not as excited about ME getting my "just deserts". James 4:6 says, "But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, 'God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'” When we humble ourselves, and come in repentance to God, Jesus takes the penalty a God who loves justice demands (that's why He died on the cross) and we receive, instead, grace. That sounds more like the dessert I like. Ha.
Question for Reflection
It seems like that word "seek" has been showing up all over the place as I've read God's Word. Are you seeking His face? I read this recently: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).
We are encouraged to seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13). What does it look like to find Him?
I welcome your comments.
-Jason
I love dessert. I admit it. Chrissy took me out for my birthday last night and we had these yummy donuts (after the waiters came and did their "happy birthday" chant). But of course, that's not what the phrase means. It actually has nothing to do with food. Getting your "just deserts" basically means "they'll get what's coming to them". We like it when a robber is finally caught or that scammer is finally found out. I read in Psalm 11:3-7 (NLT) today a passage that seemed to speak so clearly to the turmoil of the times we're living in.
The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?
But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.
He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.
For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.
I'm glad our God "loves justice". I'm glad those terrorists in France will get their "just deserts". God doesn't stand for such things. But I'm also glad that God is full of grace and mercy. Because, although no terrorist, there are things I've done, sins I've committed, that demand justice. I'm not as excited about ME getting my "just deserts". James 4:6 says, "But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, 'God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'” When we humble ourselves, and come in repentance to God, Jesus takes the penalty a God who loves justice demands (that's why He died on the cross) and we receive, instead, grace. That sounds more like the dessert I like. Ha.
Question for Reflection
It seems like that word "seek" has been showing up all over the place as I've read God's Word. Are you seeking His face? I read this recently: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).
We are encouraged to seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13). What does it look like to find Him?
I welcome your comments.
-Jason
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