Our Status Before God

For Thursday, September 14, 2006
Proverbs 3:32

for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord,
but the upright are in his confidence.

Do not choose the ways of a devious person, because in so doing you put yourself at odds with the Lord. The sinner forgets this all important factor. The person who loves to "stir things up," who finds it amusing to take advantage of others must stand before the Almighty God who will not be mocked, who will act in justice. He sees all of our schemes, and as Psalm 2:4 explaines, "He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision." No one gets away with anything.

Note how our offenses are described. They are an abomination to the Lord. He does not find sin amusing, though he laughs in derision at our arrogance. Violence and devious scheming are an abomination to him. He takes sin personally as an affront to his righteousness and holiness. Pray for the wicked; pray they will come to their senses and repent; for judgment that they cannot escape awaits them.

But the upright take heart that you are in God's confidence. You are looked upon with affection; you are considered God's friend.

And yet you say, "But I too sin and am as guilty as the most notorious sinner." You would be guilty if not for the grace bestowed upon you through Jesus Christ who bore your sin and gave to you his righteousness. Through Christ, God remains "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:26). In Christ you are counted as upright.

Incredible? Are you unworthy? Yes! Yes! Give humble praise to your God now who has shown and continues to show his steadfast love through Jesus Christ our Lord.