The Mistakes of God's People
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:27; Psalm 13:1-6
Why do you complain . . . ? Why do you say . . . “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”?
God’s people were discouraged and feeling helpless. Despite the majesty God had shown for them in the uniqueness of his being and the greatness of his work, the people were mistaken in two ways.
First, they thought God had forgotten them. They began to doubt God’s goodness and care. They were like deists, who imagine that God is distant and indifferent to our struggles.
Second, they thought God was being unfair to them. They believed they had special rights that were not being delivered to them. They accused God of neglect and injustice. They did not see God’s loving care in his discipline. They ignored his commands and his call to love him with all their heart, soul, and strength and to love their neighbors as themselves (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; see Matthew 22:34-40).
God’s discipline is not done without love. Storms in life may come, but they do not nullify God’s care. We are loved by God, and he graciously gives us life and offers us forgiveness despite our sins. We are chosen not on the basis of how good we are or what we have done. We are saved by grace through faith in the Lord and by the power of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Through Jesus we are freed to approach the Lord with humility and gratitude, no matter what our circumstances might be.
Loving God, remind us that you never forsake us. When we face hard times and even discipline, teach us humility and trust. Help us to rest in your grace and goodness. Amen.
About the author — Hernandes Dias Lopes
Rev. Hernandes Dias Lopes is the Portuguese ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He also serves as director of Luz Para o Caminho (“Light for the Way”), an organization formed in partnership between ReFrame and the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Rev. Lopes travels around the world to preach and teach the Bible. He and his wife, Udemilta (Tinha), live in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and have two children.
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