God's Delight

 

Do you know why I think Facebook and other social media outlets are such a success? People want to be known. We want others to notice what we like or do not like. We want to share our interests and hobbies. We want to disclose what we’re doing in our everyday lives – where we’re going, what we’re doing, and even what we’re eating! Our Creator made us in His image, and we are like Him in this way. He wants to be known too! He has not hidden Himself from us. In Jeremiah 9:23-24 He tells us this about Himself: 

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.’” 

Don’t rush past this. God is telling us about His character and in what He delights! He wants us to understand and know Him! Isn’t that awesome?! So, let’s get nerdy for a minute and look closer at what He’s saying. I looked up some definitions from various online sources.

Steadfast love: Unchanging love; enduring; inexhaustible; reliable; indestructible; fixed; firm; constant. It remains steadfast regardless of our feelings or our response to Him. The Hebrew word combines love and loyalty and is mentioned 242 times in the Old Testament (or variations of the word). He loves us with an everlasting love!

Justice: Even-handed; rarely delivered instantly; no partiality; based on God’s laws. Justice is rooted in God’s nature. He rewards good and does not ignore sin. Jesus’ death was necessary because of God’s justice – it’s His character. It’s morally right and fair. God hates perverted justice. From the “Got Questions” website, “The cross is the intersection of God’s justice and mercy.” God advocates for “those who are powerless to defend themselves.” He expects us to participate in this. Think of orphans, widows, the weak, the innocent, and foreigners. God mentions them over and over in His Word, and He becomes angry when they are oppressed or mistreated or taken advantage of. My heart breaks when I hear of sex trafficking, slavery, and other atrocities in this ugly world. One day, God will make it right. It’s in His nature, and I believe it’s okay to request it from Him when we hear of these things.

Righteousness: Ethical conduct; morally justifiable or right. Again from “Got Questions” website, “The Bible’s standard of human righteousness is God’s own perfection in every attribute, every attitude, every behavior, and every word. Thus, God’s laws, as given in the Bible, both describes His own character and constitute the plumb line by which He measures human righteousness.” God’s righteousness relates closely to His love and justice. He wants people to be treated fairly, with love and kindness. This is why He wants us to obey Him. He wants us to worship only Him because He knows we were created for this. It’s good for Him. It’s good for us.  

I am so thankful to know these things about God! I’m so thankful He shared these things about Himself even if He didn’t post it on Facebook! I wish everyone knew how awesome and amazing He is!

joyce hague