“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.”Romans 11:22 ESV
Let us consider “take note of” God’s kindness…and severity…..
GOD IS KIND
Even when things seemed hard or even impossible His kindness was at work in and around Paul. Pain, isolation, trauma, and all types of persecution resulted in the eventual sanctification of Paul’s soul and the salvation of many others! Think about it this way…Paul’s troubles were not just his, they presented opportunity for God to do a broader work. Paul responded in worship (servitude, sacrifice, sharing the good news, being a reconciler) to the realization of God’s kindness. God’s kindness steadied him in the good times and the bad times. This allowed others to see and respond to God at work in and through him. God’s kindness toward him drove him to encourage others to take note as he had taken note.
Many times all we need it to take note of God’s kindness and the work of the Spirit comes rushing in to focus our attentions and affections.
Paul took note of God’s overarching, all consuming, patient, perfect, holy …. kindness. It changed him and it changed others.
God called Paul to himself for His purposes. His purposes blessed Paul, but it was never solely about Paul. God’s plan was to bless Paul so His glory could be revealed and be a blessing to many! That “MANY” includes countless brothers and sisters that span the days of the early church all the way you and I.
God’s kindness (through the good and bad) toward you is not just for you. Your response to His kindness serves as a reminder to everyone around you that God is active and wants people to flourish in His kindness no matter the circumstances, because our God’s kindness is more than enough in the hard times and more than we could ever adequately praise in the good times!
WHAT AREA OF YOUR LIFE NEEDS THE PEACE THAT COMES FROM ACCEPTING GOD’S KINDNESS?
God is Kind, but there is also severity for many that do not follow after Jesus
GOD IS SEVERE
Paul reminded the Church, full of Jews and Gentiles, if they were to truly experience God’s Kindness the severity of rejecting his kindness was equally real, and transforming. Paul promised that God’s severity would be seen in the consequences that befell those who rejected Him. Unity in the bond of peace found in Christ alone the hope of glory was Paul’s prayer for the Gentile and the Jew. Two opposing culture that found it difficult to live at peace with one another and impossible to live as family. Throughout history, we see instances where God brought judgment upon individuals, nations, or even His own people when they turned away from Him. This severity serves as as a reminder of the importance of staying faithful to God’s commandments and to following His will.
HOW COULD SOBERLY REMEMBERING THE SEVERITY OF REJECTING GOD’S AUTHORITY OVER YOU EFFECT YOUR DAILY LIFE?
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