“The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion. Selah.”
In his book The Tender Commandments, Ron Mehl1 makes the strong case that every command God made came from the tender heart of a loving Father who is known for his justice and who desires to protect his children from evil.
Yet, too often, people disobey God and then cry “foul” when ensnared by the work of their own hands. “It’s not fair! How could a so-called loving God allow me to suffer this way?”
Perhaps the better response is, “How could a loving God see me heading for disaster and not move to stop me?” It is God’s loving-kindness that allows us to reap the harvest of our actions even while we gallop wildly toward destruction.2
The wise will take heed and change course, avoiding even worse consequences. But the one who refuses correction will rush on ahead, be ensnared by the works of his own hands, and then blame God instead of taking responsibility himself.
Perhaps you and I have done this, too. If so, I invite you to pray with me:
"Father God, please forgive me for the times I’ve made poor choices and then misinterpreted your loving intervention for cruelty. You are just, and you desire each of us to be conformed to Christ’s image. Help me endure the process and enjoy the resulting peace.3 Amen.
SELAH PEARL: GOD IS JUST AND LOVING
1 Mehl, Ron, The Tender Commandments, Multnomah Publishers, 1998. 2 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8). 3 Hebrews 12:11