… and I witnessed a distant lightning storm in the wee hours of Sunday morning.  I stepped outside to watch and listen.  The lightning was softened by the clouds in the west just as the thunder was muted by the distance offshore of the storm.  We received next to nothing in terms of precipitation, but I was reminded of the lightning storms I grew up with in Ohio… most of which were sharp bolts of lightning followed by loud claps of thunder.

In many ways our lives are shielded from the harshness of storms.  Routines that are softened by modern technologies… the internet, the shower, and the air conditioning to name a few.  Judgment is delayed by God’s restraint, leaving some to the law courts, some to the responsibility of individuals to work out their differences… muting the loud cries of injustice that can be heard from the oppressed.

My point today is that God’s grace is not to be mistaken for God’s lack of interest in the justice and righteousness He prefers.  While it may seem like people are getting away with murder and the systems are stacked against the alien peoples of our times, God still calls for “justice to roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24).  This verse follows a very harsh criticism of the religious peoples of Israel (His people).  He hated their religious assemblies and material offerings of appeasement, but He did not destroy them, rather reminded them… through the Prophets… what His will was.

Please open your heart and mind to the call for righteousness and justice that comes from the heart of God.  Love the people in your life… act in the best interest of your neighbor… serve the Lord by acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8).  For the truth is that upon Christ’s return the clouds that softened the flash and the distance that muted the sound will be removed… and the glory of the Lord will be something to behold… or to be dreaded...

For His glory,

Pastor Mike