How fascinating to watch ants carrying large objects such as tiny bits of twigs or leaves. We generally know ants can carry many times their own body weight, but some estimates reach as much as 10, 50 or even 100 times their weight depending on the species of ant. I admit that I have never actually weighed an ant, but I remain amazed at the difference between the ant itself and the weight of the object being carried — the contrast is almost too vast to comprehend.
As I read today’s Scripture selection, I realize this same contrast can be applied to God’s anger and God’s love; once again I am amazed. God’s wrath is powerful enough to destroy evil of any kind. Yet it is quick, instantaneous and “lasts only a moment.” In contrast, God’s love “lasts a lifetime.”
God cannot and will not tolerate sin in our lives. For the Christian, if our ultimate goal is to live in a manner pleasing to God, then the very definition of “sin” would include anything that leads us away from that goal. I may not have many major or obvious sins in my life, but even a negative attitude, unkind thoughts, or angry words will lead me away from my ultimate goal of pleasing God, and therefore these are examples of sin in my life. God will not tolerate my negativity, callousness or anger; his wrath is certain, and judgement is sure. How humbling that God also provides the means of forgiveness through the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus Christ. Because I can receive forgiveness, I am able to once again live a life within God’s favor — and God’s favor “lasts a lifetime.”
Gracious Heavenly Father, as I begin to identify those areas of my life that would lead me away from pleasing you, I pray with the psalmist, “Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help” (30:10, NIV). I humbly thank you for your everlasting love.
Dotty Willmon, Clovis, N.M.
Extended Scripture: Psalms 28-31, NIV
