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"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). "But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" (Romans 5:20).
What a desperate situation we see in New Orleans and throughout the region affected by the hurricane. Here in America we are unaccustomed to such utter destruction and the situation more resembles what I would imagine in Bangladesh or other poor countries following a natural disaster.
Apart from the destruction of the hurricane and its aftermath it is astounding to see the chaos and lawlessness pervading the areas affected, particularly New Orleans. In some instances it may be survival instincts but so much is just sheer sin and greed. One commentator I value wonders what other countries think of America when they see these images of lawlessness and widespread looting.
At times like this I need to get a perspective from the Scriptures. The first daily text is a straightforward, easily observed truth. This is the case all the time but is particularly evident in watching the news reports in this current tragedy. "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." In news reports I note that lawlessness is frequently used to describe the situation but never "sin", which I suppose is too much of a Biblical word with a connotation of judging. But the two are interchangeable. Sin and lawlessness are indeed abounding.
"But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." In the fuller theological sense this describes the redemptive plan of God in reaching down to this lost planet and sending His Son as the Redeemer. Praise God that He should love a sinner such as I, how wonderful is love like this!
But I believe this statement also has relevance to the current situation. Sin and lawlessness are certainly abounding. No question about that. Any news report will have plenty of information about this.
But grace is abounding much more. Scores of God's people are reaching out and ministering in various ways. Many, many are doing good and seeking to serve their hurting neighbors with an attitude similar to the good Samaritan. There will be numerous testimonies of those who acknowledge God's grace in the midst of their desperation. Indeed sin is abounding, but grace is much more abounding.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer – "Jesus, we are so thankful that You are present in the midst of gloom and doom. You are present where the very best and the very worst meet, such as Your sacrificial death on the cross. It was a time of despair and apparent defeat for Your followers, but You had the full picture when You completed Your mission by dying on the cross. How reassuring it is to know that when Satan is at his worst Your mercy is released to perform supernatural goodness that combats the evil fury of our worst enemy. We are not overcome by evil, but we overcome evil with good, because of Your redemptive work in our lives. May the truths from Scripture consume our minds and motivate our hearts to trust You and to obey You, our loving Savior. May we be Your instrument of mercy to those in need. In Jesus' Name, Amen. "
Update on Mom – Her recovery is slow and she is still very weak. We hope she is moved to another area of the hospital and eventually back home with us. Medically she is down to a minimal amount of supplemental oxygen. She is stubborn and confused, a very difficult combination!
Thursday,
September 1, 2005
"Where Sin Abounds"
"Where Sin Abounds"
"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). "But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" (Romans 5:20).
What a desperate situation we see in New Orleans and throughout the region affected by the hurricane. Here in America we are unaccustomed to such utter destruction and the situation more resembles what I would imagine in Bangladesh or other poor countries following a natural disaster.
Apart from the destruction of the hurricane and its aftermath it is astounding to see the chaos and lawlessness pervading the areas affected, particularly New Orleans. In some instances it may be survival instincts but so much is just sheer sin and greed. One commentator I value wonders what other countries think of America when they see these images of lawlessness and widespread looting.
At times like this I need to get a perspective from the Scriptures. The first daily text is a straightforward, easily observed truth. This is the case all the time but is particularly evident in watching the news reports in this current tragedy. "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." In news reports I note that lawlessness is frequently used to describe the situation but never "sin", which I suppose is too much of a Biblical word with a connotation of judging. But the two are interchangeable. Sin and lawlessness are indeed abounding.
"But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." In the fuller theological sense this describes the redemptive plan of God in reaching down to this lost planet and sending His Son as the Redeemer. Praise God that He should love a sinner such as I, how wonderful is love like this!
But I believe this statement also has relevance to the current situation. Sin and lawlessness are certainly abounding. No question about that. Any news report will have plenty of information about this.
But grace is abounding much more. Scores of God's people are reaching out and ministering in various ways. Many, many are doing good and seeking to serve their hurting neighbors with an attitude similar to the good Samaritan. There will be numerous testimonies of those who acknowledge God's grace in the midst of their desperation. Indeed sin is abounding, but grace is much more abounding.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer – "Jesus, we are so thankful that You are present in the midst of gloom and doom. You are present where the very best and the very worst meet, such as Your sacrificial death on the cross. It was a time of despair and apparent defeat for Your followers, but You had the full picture when You completed Your mission by dying on the cross. How reassuring it is to know that when Satan is at his worst Your mercy is released to perform supernatural goodness that combats the evil fury of our worst enemy. We are not overcome by evil, but we overcome evil with good, because of Your redemptive work in our lives. May the truths from Scripture consume our minds and motivate our hearts to trust You and to obey You, our loving Savior. May we be Your instrument of mercy to those in need. In Jesus' Name, Amen. "
Update on Mom – Her recovery is slow and she is still very weak. We hope she is moved to another area of the hospital and eventually back home with us. Medically she is down to a minimal amount of supplemental oxygen. She is stubborn and confused, a very difficult combination!
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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