Like Dew

For Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Proverbs 19:12

A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.

Consider the wrath of our King. When he acts in wrath against the wicked, no one can withstand his ire. For it is not that he acts with an uncontrollable rage, but precisely because his anger matches justice. God is to be feared because he is just, and as Supreme King he is able to carry to the fullest, the just wrath that the wicked deserve.

But his divine favor is all the more blessed to receive for it comes freely and generously. His favor is not distributed arbitrarily nor is it earned by ingenuity or hard labor. His favor is mercy; his favor is grace. By his grace he extends his mercy to those whom he has called to be not merely his subjects, but his very children.

And so today, give thanks for his favor, which like dew on the grass, refreshes you each day, not merely to get through the day but to take delight in your King. Your trials are not the result of his wrath bringing forth punishment; but as a father disciplines his beloved son for his good, so your King brings trials your way to purify your faith, to all the more increase your yearning for the day of glory to come, to let you share in the sufferings of your Lord, to make you compassionate towards others, to protect you from sin. Your King, if he is your Father, turns towards you the face of his favor. Give thanks.