by Pastor Douglas Brauner

God’s Word Matches His Character

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Something tells me that it would not be smart to buy seafood from the store inside this building. To be fair, the store no longer exists. If that store was still operating, the dilapidated building sends a different message than the words attached to the roof. Anyone would question how fresh the seafood is when the building is in disrepair.

Integrity is important in human interactions.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” 
Matthew 5:43-45a English Standard Version

I recently preached on the account of Jonah. Jonah’s objection to preaching against the Ninevites was because God’s word is true to his character. Jonah knew that God was “a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” (Jonah 4:2 ESV) Jonah knew that if he preached against the Ninevites and they repented, there was good chance that God would relent from the disaster that he had planned because of their sin. And he didn’t want God to forgive his enemy. He would rather die than see the Ninevites escape God’s wrath.

Jesus’ cross is evidence that God is true to his word. From the time that we humans fell into a broken relationship with God, God promised to save us. He would crush the head of the serpent. He would send his servant who would suffer for all people. Jesus is proof of the integrity of God.

Even when God doesn’t make sense, even when he desires to forgive our enemies, we can trust him because he will always be true to his word. He will always be faithful to his promise of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Thank God that while we were his enemies, Jesus died for us, reconciling us to the heart of the Father (Romans 5:10).

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado