Week 3 - Thursday

HOPE!

Reading:
Isaiah 61

It is my inclination to want to separate the verses of judgement from the verses of encouragement.  One is frowning God, the other happy God.  But I can't.

 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, 
   because the LORD has anointed me 
   to proclaim good news to the poor. 
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 
   to proclaim freedom for the captives 
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,^[a] 
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor 
   and the day of vengeance of our God, 
to comfort all who mourn, 
and provide for those who grieve in Zion— 
to bestow on them a crown of beauty 
   instead of ashes, 
the oil of joy 
   instead of mourning, 
and a garment of praise 
   instead of a spirit of despair. 
They will be called oaks of righteousness, 
   a planting of the LORD 
   for the display of his splendor.


God's judgment and his mercy walk hand in hand. In Christ, and Christ alone, God has made judgement and mercy two sides of the same coin. God loves the real me.  He loves authentically.  Knowing who I truly am, discerning my inner self, God has to judge my heart and its condition - and it lives in rebellion to  him.  


But once He sees me, knows me, judges me, then He rescues me.


For more coherent thoughts on this subject check out "God of Love, God of Judgement" parts 1 and 2 at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.