God is good

Last week, I performed a funeral for my aunt Karen, who passed away suddenly.

As I prepared the message, I talked with family about their memories and stories of Karen's life.  Each person I talked to have a positive word, a funny anecdote or a pleasant recollection of their departed loved one.  I incorporated those stories into the message. 

You see, it's important that we are reminded of the good times and great memories we have of lost loved ones.  Instead of regret or shame, it's best to remember laughter and joy.  It makes the tough times easier to get through.

Yet, it also reminds us of a simple truth:  God is good.  Even when we don't understand tragedy or heartache or death, we must recognize that ultimately God is good.  He provides joy and laughter and camaraderie.  He gives us love and light and peace. 

Remembering the good amidst the bad gives a glimpse of our heavenly father, who longs to give us good gifts and bless us.  It reminds us of Jesus, who died for us so that one day we may know the glories of heaven.

God is good and we worship him because he is good and merciful and just.

In 1 Samuel 25, we see the story of Nabal.  Nabal is everything God is not.  Nabal is dishonest, mean-spirited, a drunk and a fool.  He doesn't do the right thing, and actually makes numerous poor decisions.  His wife Abigail saves him from himself, but eventually (which happens in very quick fashion), God takes Nabal's life.

In this brief story, we see the redemption story of Jesus.  Abigail, like Jesus, saved Nabal's life. She did what we could not do.  Yet Nabal rejected that salvation, and a result, he died.  When we reject Jesus, we pay the price with our lives.

We worship Jesus because He is God, who is good and saved us from our sins.  He did what we could not do and we honor him for that.

Reflect on the goodness and mercy and justice of God.  When you do, you will have no choice but to worship and praise him.

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