Do you know what you and every other person in the world have going for them? Every one of us is special to the Lord. Every one of us are made in the image of God.
How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father, ‘Why was I born?’ or if it said to its mother, ‘Why did you make me this way?’” . . . “Do you question what I do for my children? Isaiah 45:10, 11
At its first breath, a newborn baby does everything he or she can to hang onto its new life. They enter the world without any questions.
Even unwanted children don’t question God or their parents as to why they were born. Neither are we in a position to question any of God’s creation.
In fact, the Lord takes a dim view when we question Him or His creation.
What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it. Saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ Isaiah 45:9
People often ooh and ah over a precious newborn. But given time, they may tend to change their opinion of that child.
Does anyone have a right to question a mother by saying something like this? “I can’t believe you brought this person into the world.”
Or to a dad? “You messed up by having this child.”
As insensitive as that sounds, don’t we do the same thing to God? We question and freely criticize members of His created beings.
All of Us were Made in the Image Of God
We were all created in the image of God, every one of us. Then in our times of judging others, we often advise God as to what He should do.
This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: “Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? Isaiah 45:11
The Lord is not open to our suggestions or opinions about those we see as problem people. When we offer such things, we become one of those problem people.
In Romans 12, Paul outlines how we should treat every person we cross paths with.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
Love each other with genuine affection, and
Take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9-10
Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.
Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. Romans 12:19-20
God Thinks Differently than We Do
You see, God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. All His creation stands as a testimony to those facts, including us all. Because we are made in the image of God.
I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command. Isaiah 45:12
Later in chapter 45, Isaiah continued by quoting God as saying the following.
Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. Isaiah 45:22
God may not be a priority to many people right now. The time will come, however, when He will be. Every person will, at one time or another, acknowledge the majesty of God.
I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to me. Isaiah 45:23
People should bow before Him now before they enter into eternity. Because if a person waits until eternity to bow before Him, it will be too late for their redemption.
The Theology of Redemption
God, who is the very definition of love, works through righteousness and justice. He also offers to all who want it, His grace and mercy.
Every human is and was made in the image of God. His image in humanity, though, became tainted by sin. But God Himself has made a way for our redemption.
Because of His righteousness, God cannot tolerate sin at all. But because of His justice, Jesus satisfied the penalty for our sins when He shed His blood at Calvary.
Therefore, God demonstrated His mercy by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Thus, by His grace, all can receive forgiveness for their sins if they ask Him.
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Lord, forgive us for the times we have cast judgment toward any of your created beings. Today Lord, I bend my knee and declare your glory. Thank you for my salvation.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Perspectives
Featured Image by Zane from Pixabay
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