Lenten Devotion – Trusting God and Graciously Loving Others
Day 26, 14 March 2024
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25
Our organic, finite minds can never truly grasp the length, breadth and depth of God’s immense holistic plan.
But not knowing the next step, does not mean we DO NOT tread; we may not see the whole picture, yet through God’s ‘sneak-peek’ revelations each step of the way, we journey with Him into His perfect plan and will.
God graciously reveals only that which we can fathom within the space and confines of our individual limits. As exemplified in the life of the prophet Jonah, who at that stage of his spiritual journey (keep in mind a prophet who had constantly heard the voice of the Almighty during the full length of his calling), could not grasp the merciful mindset of God, and had sought to exact his own idea of ‘deserving mercy’.
Our fallen minds cannot possibly ‘judge’ the actions of others with certainty. We do not know the deeper motivations behind the deeds committed by them. As such, we think ourselves above them, which gives us the right to preside as judge over them.
We also possess the innate tendency to jump at ‘injustice’ and are quick to condemn based on the apparent and limited information that confronts us. As cliche as it sounds, I have had to constantly remind myself to take a step back, and consider that the other person might indeed be beset by a series of unfortunate events and circumstances that could possibly have culminated into that outburst or reaction.
To ‘chastise in love’ is an art-form that needs divine honing. Rather than give in to my immediate instinct to’ stand up’ and restore order, I am learning to ‘turn the other cheek’, show grace and be more Christ-like in my reactions.
Therefore, leave the ultimate judgment to God. Focus on our holy reliance on Him and work on our obedience to Him.
We love Him only if we obey; we can only obey when we hear His still, small voice; we can only hear when we choose to seek. So seek ye first the Kingdom, and see how all other things shall be added unto you this Lent.
Eugene Quek🙏