Crayons For Jesus


Tuesday, January 20, 2009 Print E-mail
I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

The legalism of our society robs us of the fullness of God’s love. The heart of God is revealed in this verse and the entire passage at the end of Jeremiah chapter 32. Despite Israel’s continued disobedience and doubt, the Father’s true desire is revealed.

God wishes to do good for us.  His desire is for us to realize the fullness of who He is and the plan he has for us. He does not cast us off to fend for ourselves. Instead, He plants us in faithfulness and He does it out of more than duty, he does it out of love.

This concept is so strange and foreign to us because the world offers us the reverse. To gain security, serenity, hope, and love we must work and strive toward it. Because the world cannot deliver on these promises, we are left exhausted and defeated. The world does not rejoice in doing us good because it sets everything up as an exchange. You do this for me, and I will do this for you.

Not so with God, if you understand the theological truth that grace is by God’s own free will and not by our deeds, then you should also accept the truth in this verse. You should accept the truth that God is glad and willing to do good for you.

In order to reap the benefits of the Father’s heart, you must walk closely with Him and allow Him to pour on you that which he has longed for so long to give. In order for him to deliver on his promises, you must be open to them. Don’t let your anger, hurt, or doubt keep you from the goodness that God so desperately desires to deliver to you.

God does not begrudgingly give; He gives openly to those waiting to receive and urgently seeking to know His fullness. You know the fullness of God and you will know the fullness of his promises.

Lord,
We think that if only we were a little better or begged a little harder you might bless us. But this is not the truth, the truth of who You are and what you long for us is touching. It is healing. It is freedom. You free us from the death of legalism and bring us into the life of your promises. Help us to let go of the sins that separate us from you and all that you have to offer. Reveal to us the areas where you are willing and most able to give to us. Help us to open our hearts to receive all that you have for us, namely you yourself. Amen.