where's the wrath? i want it.

justice. we want it because this world sucks sometimes. we have an innate sense of what consequences are deserved when bad people do bad things. but here's what i'm feeling now:

i deserve the wrath. i deserve it so much.. that i just WANT it to happen. i want it to happen so i can feel.... better. so i can feel as if i got what i deserved and can finally move on.

but that's not what happened. i received... grace. huh? i don't deserve it, and i don't even want it because it's not what i deserve. i know what i deserve. people should be yelling at me. God should be abandoning me. THAT'S what would make me feel better.

but that's not what God wants for me. even if i "want" it, that's not what God wants for me. even if i want it... that's not what God has in store for me. He throws grace at me even when i'm running away from it.

good thing our Jesus is good. (even if he's not safe, hehe)

speak+

I had the great pleasure of meeting Steve Haas, Vice President and Chief Catalyst of World Vision, before he spoke at All Campus Worship at U of I this past Thursday. Amongst other things, he answered questions about what World Vision is doing in our world today. It was incredibly encouraging to hear stories of God's Kingdom at work in the places this world needs it most (I suppose where those places are is debatable). 

He was asked a question about what World Vision does in countries that do not allow the Gospel to be preached. He responded by sharing a list of four things necessary to witness and show Christ's love: words, life, deeds, and Spirit. If you cannot use words... use your life, use your deeds, and let God's Spirit work.

During his speech at All Campus, he said that we could talk about social actions all night long (which we did not), but it's actually quite simple: "When you hear what He says, DO what He says." There are many sheep, but only one Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep. The sheep know the Shepherd's voice and follow it.

When you hear what He says. DO what He says.

I think that if we all listened and followed, we would never need talks about social justice again.

it's simple: When you hear what He says. DO what He says.