“I interrupt this series…” Well, sort of. While this isn’t an “I Am” statement of Jesus (like those we’ve been diving into), this is an “I Am,” nevertheless. As I was reading through Psalm 106 this morning, my eyes were stopped twice by one word. It is a sweet word. A hopeful word. A cleansing word. A word promising a better tomorrow: a do-over! It is a word that really can only, wholly be fulfilled from the heart of a God of lovingkindness. NEVERTHELESS.
Their hearts were hardened…NEVERTHELESS.
They rebelled…NEVERTHELESS.
They provoked God to wrath…NEVERTHELESS.
They served idols…NEVERTHELESS.
They played the harlot…NEVERTHELESS.
They even sacrificed their sons and daughters to demons…NEVERTHELESS.
They became unclean in their practices…NEVERTHELESS.
They grumbled…NEVERTHELESS.
They were jealous…NEVERTHELESS.
They sinned, committed iniquity, & behaved wickedly…NEVERTHELESS.
They forgot God’s abundant kindnesses…NEVERTHELESS.
They craved, they lusted, & they tempted God…NEVERTHELESS.
They envied…NEVERTHELESS.
They exchanged their glory (God) for the image of an ox…NEVERTHELESS.
Yes, there were consequences. Some died; experienced disease; were swallowed up; carried off to foreign lands as slaves; provoked God’s anger, and, He even abhorred His inheritance…NEVERTHELESS!
He heard their cries.
Looked upon their distress.
Remembered His covenant.
He was sorry according to the GREATNESS of His lovingkindness.
Many times He would deliver them.
NEVERTHELESS…
They received salvation that He might make His power known.
He redeemed them. Rescued them. Gave them new beginnings and fresh starts.
Praise the Lord! O Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His lovingkindness is everlasting (verse 1).
May the “NEVERTHELESS-es” in my life always lead me to NEVER AGAINS!