The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him in James 1:13-14,
"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed."
We live among others who are often driven by motives that are not always transparent and worthy. All too frequently it is our own selves we are less than honest with as we make choices and pursue the things we do. The contemporary proverb, "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." is predicated on the perception (perhaps I should say "reality") that so much we encounter from one another is suspect. Our hearts are simply deceitful as we all struggle with an abiding sin nature that dwells within us in this life.
As a race of people, we long for that which we instinctively sense is missing in what Solomon would call life "under the sun". Life was never designed to be lived apart from our Creator. We were made to live with One whose pristine and flawless character is missing in a world estranged from its Creator. It is no wonder so many find disappointment and despair in this life. It is God's very nature we yearn for and often look for in those around us. As such, we are often disappointed as we find what we are looking for in others is compromised by the influence of sin, no matter how well veiled or hidden.
Not so our God! Nothing can tempt our God nor does he tempt anyone as James tells us. Indeed, the very definition of sin is that which is at odds with his character. When we say God is holy and righteous, what we are saying is he is completely consistent with his own character and nature: perfectly consistent, with nothing in him that would cause him to be any other way at any opportunity.
As the psalmist says, "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." Psalm 18:30.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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