Today’s Bible reading is Genesis 9 and Romans 2.
Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Rom 2:4)
“Meant to lead you.” Think about that phrase…
Curves in the road are “meant to lead you” along a safe route. The college syllabus is “meant to lead you” to academic success. The instruction manual is “meant to lead you” through the safe assembly of your new gas grill. The warning light on your car’s dashboard is “meant to lead you” to address whatever is wearing out or breaking down so you can avoid ending up on the side of the road or something much worse.
“Meant to lead you.” With that basic principle in mind, take a moment to meditate on the abundant expressions of “God’s kindness and forbearance and patience” surrounding you today. Open your eyes to the wealth of those riches in the beauty of Creation … the health of your body … the relationships you’ve made … the freedoms you exercise … the luxuries you enjoy … the time you’ve been given.
And as you meditate on “the riches of God’s kindness and forbearance and patience,” take a moment to reflect: where is the Giver of these gifts seeking to lead me? Romans 1 and 2 reveal two possible answers: thankful honor and humble repentance.
- We’ve been created to honor God and give thanks to him (Rom 1:20-21)
- When we’ve failed to do so, God’s intense desire is that we would repent (Rom 2:4)
And what does our Creator provide moment-by-moment, hour-by-hour, day-by-day to remind us of these realities? Kindness, forbearance, and patience. Today, don’t miss the Holy Spirit’s reminder of the intention behind these good gifts–the rising of the sun, the falling of the rain, the fertility of the soil, the turning of the seasons, the very upholding of his universe. These are “meant to lead” us. They are signs, and there’s nothing wrong with appreciating, studying, and enjoying signs, as long as we follow their lead. Otherwise, we miss the point.
Enjoy the amazing fruit of God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience today. We are swimming in an ocean of grace. But don’t zoom by the signs and miss the turns in the road. Don’t presume on the gifts. Don’t take the Giver for granted. Honor him. Take the time to thank him. His gifts are meant to lead us in the path of abundant life and everlasting joy.