The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"Perfect"
"Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8).
The Psalmist follows the sequence we often reference, namely, that who God is leads to what He does. "Goodness" results in "wonderful works." Our Lord does not and cannot deviate from this eternal protocol whereby character guides capability.
"Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit" (Matthew 7:17).
Few Biblical truths more establish our understanding of God, as defined by Scripture. We require this because in human experience, we have no frame of reference for the standard of God's goodness - perfection - resulting in His steps forever taken in perfection. "As for God, His way is perfect" (II Samuel 22:31). Indeed, consider people we know who seek to live a life of faithful devotion to others. We admire them, and find great blessing in their character and subsequent actions. However, do we believe such ones to be perfect in who they are and what they do? Far from it. If honest and sane, we know human beings far better than that. With God, however, perfection of character and capability guide His heart and hand forevermore, and in this moment. "He is the Rock, His work is perfect" (Deuteronomy 32:4). Knowing this truth guides our own heart and hand as we seek to grow in the faithfulness by increasing discovery of God's faithfulness. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for He is faithful that promised" (Hebrews 10:23).
We return to this theme because an enemy exists whose primary assault on humanity involves the besmirching of God's nature and way. In the very first temptation, Satan suggested to Eve that the Lord withheld something necessary from her and Adam. "God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5). Nothing could have been further from the truth, as tragically confirmed moment by moment throughout human history. The devil nevertheless continues his slander of God, tempting human hearts to question the Divine heart rather than offering praise for its goodness and wonderful works. Our response must be the frequent affirmation that the character and capability of God define the standard of perfection from which He will not and cannot deviate.
To whatever degree we know this truth, we must know it better. To whatever degree we have planted it within heart and mind, the roots must descend ever deeper. And to whatever degree we have praised the Lord for His goodness and His works, we must open our hearts and mouths to gratefully acknowledge the wonder of God and His "wonders without number" (Job 9:10). In this holy light of our Lord's perfection, we allow the Psalmist who opened our consideration to close it…
"Thou art good, and doest good."
(Psalm 119:68)
Weekly Memory Verse
"We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord."
(II Corinthians 4:5)
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