Judges 7:1-8:17 / Luke 23:13-43 / Psalms 97-98 / Proverbs 14:7-8
Once again, as I read in Psalms 97 and 98, I’m smiling at the personification of the earth as it shouts and celebrates the LORD. Here are a few phrases that I enjoyed.
The earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the LORD. The heavens proclaim His righteousness. Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced – all the towns of Judah are glad.
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy.
Who knew that the earth itself had a response to the Lord? The rivers clap and the hills sing?
Romans 1:20 says this – For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Some have lamented that not everyone has the opportunity to hear the Good News and receive truth, but God in His justice makes sure every man and woman hears the Truth. His creation speaks, telling everyone who He is. We had a friend in the past that was baffled, wondering how the most remote of men and women could hear God’s Truth.
I’ve heard of people having dreams where Christ is revealed. Missionaries have traveled to other places to preach the Gospel. Our own nation is filled with churches on every corner. Those who have ears to hear have every opportunity to know the Truth. Romans 1 says that no one has an excuse. The Truth is plain to see.
What about your friends and family who still do not believe? Those who have rejected the message of Grace? While we cannot be guaranteed they will receive the Truth, we can certainly continue to pray that their hearts will be open, and that God’s message will be heard by them. While they are breathing there is still time.
I remember my mom telling me the story of my Grandpa Ball’s passing into eternity. As she continued to tell him that Jesus loved him, knowing his time was short as he fought an aggressive form of cancer, he finally responded in this way. “I hope He does (love me)”. I am firm in my belief that this hope was the open door that ushered my beloved Grandpa into the arms of his Father.
In Luke 23 the thief that hung beside Jesus said, “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Because of this verse and the story my mom told me, I know I’ll see my Grandpa in Heaven when I get there! And we’ll play some cards for old times sake! He always called me the Card Shark 😊
Don’t overlook even the smallest glimmer of hope when it comes to those you love receiving Jesus Christ. He loves them so much and is not willing that any would perish without knowing Him.
