God’s Magnificent Mirror: Righteous Judge

And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.  ~ I John 2:28

So, what does the Lord see in His Magnificent Mirror?

According to our study, He sees the Only Self-Existent Being in the universe. That’s pretty heavy stuff.

But that’s just the beginning. He sees Courage personified. He sees Invinicibility… and Honor…

and these qualities are embodied within a Shepherd’s Heart. This mirror also reflects Stunning Perfection which begets Confidence in His Ways.

Now, lest all this seem too “beyond,” note that He also sees the Original and Unquenchable Romantic, the Champion Runner Who is also the Destination, and the very Essence of Joy, continually Effervescing. Everyday is Christmas for the Original and Forever Father Christmas because everyday He celebrates His Son’s Incarnation. And everyday He steers the ship of the universe as The Helmsman. He knows where the ship must go… and He guides it thus with perfect ease.

In reality, this is an inadequate list if there ever was one, for His attributes are Infinite to the finite mind. But, there is one more we must discuss: when He looks in that mirror He gazes upon the Righteous Judge of all things, all lives, all nations, all time. That’s what we’ll talk about today.

Genesis 18 records the first solemn prayer of intercession in all the Bible when Abraham asks the three figures walking with him a rhetorical question which is part of a prayer for God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah from destruction due to their blatant and unrepentant sin. The prayer becomes somewhat of a bargaining match. Ultimately, Abraham poses the question which has redounded through the ages:

“Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

News & Announcements:

• NO PRAYER GATHERINGS UNTIL LATER IN AUGUST (But keep praying!)
• Advocate/Bromenn Prayer Partner for July: Mother/Baby Unit: This unit is now part of the new wing at Advocate/Bromenn. A place of great joy… and also great concern… and sometimes great sorrow. Pray for the babies, moms, families and staff.
• Softball @ 6:00 this week
• FEC Annual Convention this weekend
  Bill and Suzi Matthews will join Pastor Dave in Peoria this weekend for what is always an encouraging, inspiring, and challenging few days with representatives of the other churches of our denomination. To learn more about what happens at this conference, check out: http://www.fecministries.org/convention.html
• “Let the little children come to Me…”
  Some of you are gifted and called to helping our kids learn about Jesus. Answer the call. Love the kids. Talk to Kelly.
• Welcome Anna Mortenson, RN in Zimbabwe
  Hyperinflation reached ridiculous proportions, possibly up to one billion percent per year with the printing of $500 trillion notes. The government knocked 16 zeros off the currency; Zimbabwean money is regarded as worthless and people demand payment in South African or US currency.