Just as If...

A friend's daughter returned to the kitchen after time out. "Mom, I sure like people better when I'm by myself." What a laugh, but oh, how true!

 

This morning I was convicted and encouraged that God doesn't feel that way about us. Our youth group and leaders are on a 2-year trek through the Bible and it's easy to wonder what applications we can glean from Exodus and Leviticus. In all of the directions for building the tabernacle, directing worship and giving commands, I continue to find these types of references to Aaron and his sons:

The holy garments of Aaron shall be for his sons after him, that in them they may be anointed and ordained. (Exodus 29:29).

 

God adds this in the midst of a long series of instructions for Aaron and his sons without bias, without foreshadowing, without a list of exceptions. Knowing what we do about Aaron and his sons, God might have clued us in to the fact that Aaron had issues--and so did his sons. God might have set up safe guards against their frailty and failure (Exodus 32, Leviticus 10). But He gave commands, promises, and warnings as if all was well.

 

The same is true in the New Testament. Jesus knew all men, even Judas, and what would become of him (John 2:24-25). But in love and wisdom He included him, commanded and taught him as he taught the others.

 

We (I) fall so short of that example! How easily our bias for or against others shows itself. Rather than think the best, we hedge our bets or seek to protect our interests (justifying it as "realistic" or a natural consequence) with very little, if any evidence one way or the other.

God's love for those who have trusted Christ is perfect. His love does not depend on the individual or vary with our behavior/motives/words. He is the same. He gives, protects, and provides generously, unconditionally... as if we had never sinned.* Oh, for the understanding and love to accept others the way He loves us!

(If you have not experienced His love and forgiveness, read the questions and Scripture in the margin to the right or ask a friend who knows God personally.)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth...." (Luke 20:21)

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.(Galatians 6:1-5, 10)

*His love for us includes discipline (Hebrews 12), but it is a perfect discipline born in love not resentment or anger.