Our pastor continued our study in Romans with an exposition of chapter 2. The situation is dire. In chapter 1 Paul pointed out that “the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” Then in chapter 2, Paul is clear that when we judge others, we demonstrate our contempt for the grace freely given to us. We show that we do not understand that in God’s eyes, sin is sin … our “respectable sins” are just as intolerable, unacceptable to a holy God as sins we label great or spectacular. It is unfortunate that we measure ourselves against those spectacular sins instead of measuring ourselves against the holiness of God.
Our condition was highlighted as we were reminded of the story of Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, son of Saul. David, now king, had made a promise to his dear friend, Jonathan, that he would care for any of his family when he became king. When all of Saul’s family had died, David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” David’s advisors said that Mephibosheth was left – and that he was lame in both feet. David had his men seek him out, bring him to his home. David said to Mephibosheth, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
One Christian lyricist draws the parallel in the song, “Carried to the Table” –
I was carried to the table
Seated where I don’t belong
Carried to the table
Swept away by His love
And I don’t see my brokenness anymore
When I’m seated at the table of the Lord
I’m carried to the table
The table of the Lord
God’s great grace is truly amazing. He justifies us … more than just forgiveness … a status “just as if I never sinned.” How can we share this great grace with our confused, hurting world? First we have to acknowledge … we’ve been seated where we don’t belong and carried in His arms of love! It is God’s kindness that led us to repentance … let’s share that kindness with others!
