Righteous and Kind

Posted under The Rectory Bulletin | Westminster Confession of Faith

“The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.” (Psalm 145:17)

There is a stereotype which suggests that people who seek to do the right thing, to be righteous in all their dealings, are therefore forbidding and cold people. It’s as if they spend their time measuring other people up to their standards, and judge them harshly when they fail.

If that is the case for humans, then it would be tempting to apply that stereotype to God. And then magnify it a hundredfold since God is far more righteous than any human could hope to be. It is not uncommon to hear people draw up this picture of God, and then reject him on the basis that they can’t believe in a God like that.

Now leaving to one side the issue that God exists whether or not we believe in him, we must acknowledge that Bible does not describe such a God to us. Yes, he is “righteous in all his ways” but he is also “kind in all his works”. God’s holiness sits alongside his mercifulness. God may be the judge, but he is also the one who sent his Son so that we might be forgiven. God is “kind”.

Here is a great balance to be struck when thinking of God. To have a God who is simply kind is to risk having a God who is unjust, letting people off the hook. To have a God who is simply righteous is to risk having a judgmental God. To have a God who is both righteous and kind; well that is a most comforting balance. God judges, but God forgives. What a God we have!

Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:1-2) - So it is that Pentecost burst onto the world, bringing together word and Spirit as Joel’s words pointed to what was happening. Bringing together Old and New Testaments that selfsame prophet’s prophecies were fulfilled. Bringing all peoples together as they shared in the joyous call of God. We may long for such days again, but don’t simply long. Allow that longing to turn you to prayer, prayer that God’s church might once more be revived.

Very Meet, Right, and our Bounden Duty

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.” (Revelation 5:12–14) - At times it is easy to live your life with eyes cast down, and shoes shuffling along the pavement. It is at precisely that time that you need to look up and realise the great majesty of God. A God who knows you by name!
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