No God Like You

"O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth below, you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."
1 Kings 8:23

This is Solomon’s first line in the prayer of dedication of the Temple that has just been finished. Said out loud, arms outstretched to God in front of the whole assembly of Israel. I would bet he had undivided attention and everyone quiet. This opening sentence is both beautiful and convicting. Beautiful because there is no God like our God. Right now, stretch your arms out towards Him and say it, because it’s true. God’s covenant is one of love, not judgment, not even primarily righteousness, but love. Even here in the Old Testament, under the law, a covenant of love. All God has done for us, motivated by love. From Him to us, always in love. Remember…… Love from God is not confused with approval or acceptance or codependence, it is pure, sincere and unconditional, but is from grace regardless of our wrong behaviors. We have to imitate this kind of love because it does not come naturally. He loves like this through us when we surrender to Him. Oh how I cherish His love. Then comes the conviction. We servants of His are expected to continue wholeheartedly in His way. Wait, there are expectations? I thought His love was unconditional. It is. If we really receive it we would try more and more to be wholeheartedly committed. His perfect love merits, deserves and desires our totally, wholehearted, faithful response. He gives us what we don’t deserve, (unmerited favor) so that we would give Him willful surrender. That is what brings Him glory. His glorification is my purpose.

Glory to God, there is no one like Him,
Pastor Fred

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