GOD LOVES THE SCOUNDREL

 

Monday, July 8, 2024

 

GOD LOVES THE SCOUNDREL

 

Isa 64:6

6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

 

Rom 3:11-12

11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

 

                    I suppose it is a broad and bold statement that I have made but the Bible seems clear that God favors the scoundrel who is at a turning point. Moses spent forty years as a prince, forty more in exile as a shepherd, and another forty as a spiritual leader and friend of God. Jacob wrestled with God for an undeserved blessing and Paul was a persecutor of the church. Yes, God seems to love scoundrels.

 

          A scoundrel is “A mean, worthless fellow; a villain; a man without honor or virtue.” (Webster) Few people see us as we truly are and most of us present to the viewer a person we are not. But God said: “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins [the interior self], even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jer 17:10

 

          The Gospel does not point a finger of accusation. Rather, it points a finger toward a God who favors unfavorable men.

 

Rev 22:16-17

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

Lord, your grace allows you to favor the unfavorable, to love the unlovable, and to provide salvation to the scoundrels. This scoundrel is most grateful. AMEN