“Then the king said to Joab, ‘Behold now, grant this; go bring back the young man Absalom.’ And Joab fell on his face to the ground and paid homage and blessed the king. And Joab said, ‘Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord the king, in that the king has granted the request of his servant.’ So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absolom to Jerusalem. And the king said, ‘Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.’ So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence.” (2 Samuel 14: 21-24 ESV)
Favor in the king’s sight is not automatic. As follower’s of Christ, we cannot earn favor but Christ earned it for us.
“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves in the matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. Therefore we are comforted.” (2 Corinthians 7:10-13 ESV)
As believers, when we sin we experience conviction that reminds us not to sin against God. This is far more effective and comforting than the guilt we experience when we are not in Christ.
“And you, son of man, prophesy, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach; say A sword, a sword is drawn for the slaughter. It is polished to consume and to flash like lightning, while they see for you false visions, while they divine lies for you, to place you on the necks of the profane wicked, whose day has come, the time of their final punishment. Return to its sheath. In the place where you were created, in the land of your origin, I will judge you. And I will pour out my indignation upon you; I will blow upon you with the fire of my wrath, and I will deliver you into the hands of brutish men, skillful to destroy. You shall be fuel for the fire. Your blood shall be in the midst of the land. You shall be no more remembered, for I the Lord have spoken.” (Ezekial 21:28-32 ESV)
Wow! To be destroyed by God. To be wiped out as if we never existed. Praise the Lord to have the security of knowing that we are safe in Christ.
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.” (Psalm 68:19 ESV)
“O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord.” (Psalm 68:32 ESV)
Lord,
You are all powerful. You create us and can choose to smote us. Thank you that you chose instead to give us the blessing of Your salvation. May we live daily with this thankfulness.
Amen!
Sixty-six books in a year 