June 14 - Romans 2: The Mark of God

God is kind, but he's not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.... (2:4)

In two days, we leave to serve again at a conference for 87 cross-cultural workers who live in some of the most difficult parts of the world. Ten days of counseling, loving, listening, caring, speaking, serving, and everything in between. I feel wholly inadequate for what we are about to do. On so many levels, I feel unqualified. Through this chapter in Romans, God en-couraged me again with the reminder that my role is to walk alongside these folks as He kindly and firmly takes them by the hands and He leads them.

"... when you realize how poorly you love and how badly you long to be loved with a love you don't deserve and can never earn, you will hear the answer: I have found one way, the only way, to love you as if you have always loved Me and to empower you to realize your destiny - to actually love Me and all those around you, even those who fail and hurt and disappoint you terribly....

"Be clear on the one way that makes it all possible. It is the gospel. My Son died in your place as 'sacrifice of atonement' (Romans 3:25), a sacrifice that fully exhausted My holy wrath against you as a sinner who rightfully deserves to be forever banished from My Presence. His death frees Me now - without compromising My holiness or weakening My hatred of sin - to welcome you into My family, to bring you to the divine party... to join the Trinitarian dance....you are now qualified, as qualified as My Son because you are now in Him, to enter and enjoy the party of love, to receive love, and to love in return."  (66LL)

You too are qualified for whatever He has called you to today - not because of your theology or education or character qualities or experience - but because of the "mark of God on your heart" (2:29).