BOUNTY OR BURDEN?

2 Samuel 7:19 brings us a question, one which is often asked of God, " Is this the way you usually treat people?"


David, soon to be king, is profoundly touched by the Lord's goodness to him promising David that from his family would come the kings of Israel.  David's surprise is apparent by his question of God, " Is this the way you usually treat people?"


Today, this verse is uttered by many who don't have a clue that it originated with David's discourse with God.  People today ask the same question of God regarding poor circumstances, "Is this the way a God of goodness should be treating people?"  God gets blamed for every terrible catastrophe of nature and of mankind.  "How can a loving God allow......whatever?  Is this the way you usually treat people, God?"


Well think for a moment.  What about flowering deserts?  Singing birds?  Families who love and trust one another?  Loving friends.....and maybe even enemies?  Is this the way God usually treats people?  Yes.  This is the way, sending God's own son to die on a cross so that we might have new life in Him.  That is the way God usually treats people!


God, forgive this old world for falsely accusing you of so many things you may have controlled if even one prayer had been given.  Some things you allow for your good reasons and some things you do not allow.  Thank you for your goodness in our lives---goodness, the way you usually treat people!  Amen.


And thank you, God, for all things offered us in our lives!  Amen.


Jo INMN