Stay In GodÂ’s Presence.
The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but His power and His wrath are against all who forsake Him. Ezra 8: 22.
As I look at todayÂ’s text, there are four words that stand out. They come in a combination of pairs. First are the words gracious and seek, then there are wrath and forsake. The statement is part of the entire verse in which the prophet explains that he called a fast to pray to God for protection for the band of exiles who were returning to Jerusalem. He further explains that having given the king assurance of GodÂ’s protection over them, he was now ashamed to go and ask for soldiers to help. Our text represents what he had told the king.
As I look at todayÂ’s text, there are four words that stand out. They come in a combination of pairs. First are the words gracious and seek, then there are wrath and forsake. The statement is part of the entire verse in which the prophet explains that he called a fast to pray to God for protection for the band of exiles who were returning to Jerusalem. He further explains that having given the king assurance of GodÂ’s protection over them, he was now ashamed to go and ask for soldiers to help. Our text represents what he had told the king.
Ezra trusted God because he knew that God is gracious. This means that God is kind and loving, and will act on our behalf. Answers.com describes this as God being merciful, compassionate, pleasantly kind and courteous, having grace, favor, good will, mercy, and being able to give pardon. The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. Psalm 116: 5. This however is not automatic. The word seek is used in combination with gracious. GodÂ’s graciousness is extended to those who seek him. To seek is to actively engage in any process that will lead to discovery. There are many who seek today. Are you seeking mercy, peace, grace, pardon or favor? God has all this and more in store for those who seek Him. Why not go to the source of all you need? Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55: 6.
There is however another aspect of God that is brought out here. GodÂ’s wrath is visited upon those who forsake Him. Wrath here is not to be seen as punishment. God is not a vengeful God who punishes those who do not serve God. If you are with the police for your protection, and decide to go it alone, only to be attacked by unlawful elements, would you blame the police? When we remove ourselves from GodÂ’s graciousness, we forsake, or abandon God. As such we remove ourselves from GodÂ’s obligation of protection. As the prophet speaks in opposites the wrath of God best describes the situation we find ourselves in, away from GodÂ’s grace. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Rom 1: 8
Let us resolve today, not to forsake, but to seek God so that instead of experiencing the wrath of being away from his presence, we may enjoy the fullness of God’s graciousness, trusting fully in God’s ability. ‘In God’s presence there is fullness of joy’.
Till next Tuesday, be blessed!
There is however another aspect of God that is brought out here. GodÂ’s wrath is visited upon those who forsake Him. Wrath here is not to be seen as punishment. God is not a vengeful God who punishes those who do not serve God. If you are with the police for your protection, and decide to go it alone, only to be attacked by unlawful elements, would you blame the police? When we remove ourselves from GodÂ’s graciousness, we forsake, or abandon God. As such we remove ourselves from GodÂ’s obligation of protection. As the prophet speaks in opposites the wrath of God best describes the situation we find ourselves in, away from GodÂ’s grace. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Rom 1: 8
Let us resolve today, not to forsake, but to seek God so that instead of experiencing the wrath of being away from his presence, we may enjoy the fullness of God’s graciousness, trusting fully in God’s ability. ‘In God’s presence there is fullness of joy’.
Till next Tuesday, be blessed!
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