Some things are certain in baseball.
You can’t hang curve balls to good hitters.
If a pitcher hits his spot with his pitch, you don’t have a chance.
That’s just the way it is. Good hitters hit those hangers a mile. A fastball painted low and away is unhittable.
Some things are certain in life.
God is always right.
He always keeps his word.
That’s just the way it is. He says what he means. He means what he says.
Proverbs 2:21-22–“…the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted from it.”
Back when this verse was written, the surest sign of God’s blessing on his people was that they stayed in the land he had given them. The land gave them security, wealth, and enjoyment. God promised it to them centuries before and then delivered on his promise.
As long as they remained faithful to their end of the deal–to worship God alone–they would remain in the land. As long as they were upright and blameless (not perfect, but simply committed and repentant before the Lord), he would defeat the enemies that threatened to uproot them from the Promised Land.
If they turned their backs on the Lord, however, his hand of protection would be removed and they would bear the natural consequences of their ungodly living–the defeat of their armies and removal from their beloved land.
Unfortunately, for them, they didn’t believe God. But, remember, he says what he means and means what he says. They eventually hung one too many curve balls and God allowed them to be defeated and removed from the land.
They were stunned.
You and I don’t have to be.
Today, let’s remember that God really does say what he means and he really does mean what he says. He really does intend for us to obey his word. He really does command us to worship him alone and to love others like he has loved us.
Today, let’s remain committed to the one who is committed to us. As we live like that, we will enjoy the blessings God promised in the New Testament–peace where we need it most, hope in dark times, joy in the midst of difficulty, and much more.
Lord Jesus, make me upright and blameless. Only you can do that. I want you to live through me today. Amen.
