Scripture
17 Some were fools; they rebelled
and suffered for their sins.
18 They couldn’t stand the thought of food,
and they were knocking on death’s door.
19 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them,
snatching them from the door of death.
21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
22 Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving
and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.
Reflection
If “grace” is receiving the good that we don’t deserve then “mercy” is not getting the negative consequences we do deserve. “Through their own rebellious ways . . . they drew near to the gates of death” How many delight to see people get what they’ve got coming to them; to see foolish people reap the consequences of their foolish choices. God, it appears, has a different heart on the matter altogether. It’s not to the “best in show” to whom he sends His word; to heal their sickness and save them from all kinds of troubles, but to the ones who cry out to Him, “Help!” even when help is most undeserved. There is no bad circumstance in life, even the ones we have created, in which we cannot cry out to God and experience His love. Don’t wait another day, talk to Him about it now (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell us about God and people?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for the missions teams going to Thailand and India.
