Wednesday, January 18, 2006

thoughts on Severity

Paul encourags us to meditate on the goodness and severity of God in Romans 11. We do a good job on thinking of God as good, but do we contemplate the severity of God? What does severity mean anyway. In context, the severity of God is speaking of God's cutting off those who have rejected God. Why should we think on severity? We should dwell on the severity of God so that we might not be cut off. Think on this for a while. God is kind to all, patient with all, and provides goodness for everyone in everyday life graces. And yet He is still rejected, mocked, ridiculed. God is patient and longsuffering and enduring. But there comes a point where time runs out and people must deal with the severity of God. So we should dwell on the severity of God to remind us that He is just and holy. And these two attributes should amplify our view of Him. It should encourage us to continue in His kindness. It is His kindness and goodness that lead us to repentance. Meditate on severity to expand your vision of God and love Him more. Meditate on kindness so that you can feel the weight of your sin being removed by His stronger grace.

Blessings