ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

God's House, God's rules!

Romans 9:14
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!

 

 

Last weekend, my Grandsons, Conner (6 years old) and Christian (4 years old), came over to play with Amanda and I. I asked Conner, "What's your favorite game to play at recess (he's in First Grade)?" Conner answered, "Kickball." I said, "Let's play!" I set up the bases and began to organize the teams: Amanda and Conner against Christian and I. Conner looked confused. I asked, "What's wrong?" He said, "This isn't the way we play -- it's not like baseball." I said, "Oh, really. So how do you want to play?" He thought about it for a minute, then squared his shoulders and answered, "That's okay Grandpa, let's play your way -- your house, your rules!" I smiled at the maturity of my "big" grandson.

 Although we ended up playing by Conner's rules that day, as I read our passage, I thought back to Conner's perspective: "Your house, your rules." It was rather refreshing. Too bad more people don't hold to this simple point of view when approaching the throne of the Almighty God. Did you create the universe? Is this your house? Of course not, it is God's. We are His creation, guests in the world of His creation. If we believe this, then who of us has the audacity to stand in His presence and question His decisions? His rules? His authority? You can count me out of that kind of rebellion. Instead, you will find me humbly on my knees before my Creator and Redeemer, acknowledging whatever choice He makes is the right one. We may not know all of the many mysteries and intricacies leading to the sovereign decisions of God, but one thing we do know for certain, we can trust Him to act with justice and in love.

 

 

As long as we live in God's universe, like it or not, we play by His rules. God said through the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 45:22), "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other." Sooner or later, we little men and women will ultimately learn to bend our knees to the authority and justice of the Great and Mighty God. Isaiah 45:23b: "Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear." I choose sooner rather than later -- today in fact, I submit to God. Which do you choose? God's rules or your own version? Which will prove right?