Ouch! These are not the sort of scriptures I like to read and
while as a Lutheran I think I can apply the balm of Paul to the burn of Malachi
the truth is there is a limit to God’s grace. Before you brand me a Baptist (I
apologize for that reference but I couldn't resist the three b’s in that sentence) let me hasten to
add that the limit to God’s grace is our free will which in a weird way is the
ultimate expression of God’s grace. That means God is gracious only so far as
we will allow God to be so. The arrogance of evil doers is that they create a
world in their own image and even the “saved by grace” apostle Paul observes
“as you sow so shall you reap”. (Galatians 6:7) You can’t plant weeds and
expect to harvest wheat. The trouble is those who revere God’s name live in the
same field as the wicked who consistently sow woe. The promise of healing wings
is a shield from consuming fire for those who are troubled in the world of the
wicked. In the meantime we who revere the name of the Lord are called to work
against the ways of arrogance or at the very least not participate in them
because you cannot revere the name of the One who did not consider equality
with God something to exploit (Philippians 2:6) while you are trying to sit on
God’s throne.
2010 post
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