Feb 26 - "An Ancient Love"

Deuteronomy 7:6-11

"It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the LORD set his heart on you and chose you—for you were the fewest of all peoples. It was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath that he swore to your ancestors, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."

The God we read about in the Old Testament, at times certainly seems to be jealous, vengeful and swift in his judgement. But as we read today, in one of the most ancient texts of the Bible, God's first and foremost "feeling" towards us is love. There are many instances in our daily lives where we aren't sure of this love because of things which may be happening; pain, sorrow, misfortune...

But, God has a plan; and it is full of love for us. If we allow this love to work in our lives, amazing things can happen! It is not always evident day-to-day, hoewever. Think of the story going from Joseph (the Tehnicolor Dreamcoat one...) to Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and eventually to the edge of the Promised land. There were lots of bad things along the way...being thrown into a pit, slavery, prison, slavery once again, plagues...but all of this ended in a triumphant Exodus, with God showing his mighty power.

So, never doubt God's love for you, even in the toughest times. His love is ancient and perfect and complete...all we have to do is open our hearts to it.