I will tell of the kindness of the Lord

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us- yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7

Today, I finished reading through the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is a book that has often intrigued me. In one moment Isaiah is prophesying God's wrath and judgment with the coming destruction he plans to bring on the people. Yet, in the next moment Isaiah is prophesying God's undeserved grace and mercy with the restoration he plans to usher in.

Isaiah is a great study on the distinction of Law and Gospel and the delicate balance we are to hold between the two. In short, the Law shows us our sin and the consequences of our sin. The Gospel shows us our Savior and the hope he brings. The two work in concert with each other and are critically important for the salvation story.

We need both Law and Gospel. Without the Law we would not recognize our need for the Savior. Unless I realize that I am a sinner and the consequences of my sin, how could I recognize my need for Jesus. The Law is not a bad thing, but a good thing.

This brings me to this verse for today from Isaiah 63:7 - "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord . . . " This verse has both Law and Gospel in it. It speaks to God's expectations of us (The Law) but also reminds us of his goodness (The Gospel).

I take a couple of things away from this verse:

First, we need to do this. We need to be bold and willing to tell our story and about the goodness of the Lord in our lives. We need to wear Jesus on our sleeves. Not be ashamed! Who cares what others think. Jesus saved my life and makes all the difference in the world.

The second thing I take away from this is that we are called to simply witness God's kindnesses in our lives. We can tell others what Jesus has done for us. Our calling is not necessarily to defend Jesus. Jesus can defend himself. We are not called to argue in God's behalf. Just tell all that the Lord has done for us.

God has been good to me. He has called me to be a servant in his church. He has given me a great family and great friends. He has saved me from all my sins. In every moment of trial and need he has always provided and never let me down. He has filled my life with joy. He has provided people to speak words of encouragement and also words of conviction at the right and proper time. I live content because I know that God is in control.

Thank you Jesus for your kindness in my life!