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God is Good
We have all known “good” men and women in our lifetimes, however, the goodness of anyone that we consider to be “good” pales when compared to the goodness of God. God’s goodness is unequaled by us who are mere human beings. The only things that we can hope for is to keep the commandments of the Lord and trust in the fact that we are known of God. Just how “good” is God? His goodness is described as being “great”: (Neh. 9:35) “For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.” Even after receiving “great goodness” from God the children of Israel did not serve God. I’m sure that we have all done good deeds to others only to have them turn their backs on us! How did that make us feel? Most of us would have given up our friendship with them; but the goodness of God reacts differently than we; in almost every instance God gives another chance for us to be obedient. Friends that is what makes the goodness of God “GREAT”! Zechariah once asked this question: (Zech. 9:17) “For how great is his goodness” Actually this is not a question but rather he is expounding on the statement he had just made: (Zech. 9:16) “And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.” Don’t you find it sad that the world is so full of those who will not take advantage of the goodness of God? The apostle Paul described the feelings of such people: (Rom. 2:4) “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Wouldn’t you hate to be in their shoes at the Day of Judgment? I can think of nothing worse than to be a hater “of the goodness of God”. The goodness of God is said to be “abundant”: (Ex. 34:6) “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” What does this mean? It tells me that there is more than enough goodness of God to go around; there is plenty for you and me and for everyone else who will take advantage of His goodness! The goodness of God is “satisfying”: (Psa. 65:4) “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.” Have you ever considered why so many people are not satisfied today? Could it be that they have not been partakers of the goodness of God? Can’t you see satisfaction in the face and eyes of a faithful Christian? True Christians do not have to be loaded with the wealth of this world; they are satisfied just knowing that God sheds His goodness upon them. As children of God we are to be satisfied with the goodness of God: (Jer. 31:14) “And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.” If you are not satisfied with your state of affair maybe you have not taken advantage of the goodness of God”. A very important question would be, “How long will the goodness of God last?” The answer is found in the book of Psalms: (Psa. 52:1) “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Yes, God’s goodness endures and it will be there as long as mankind needs it. Is it possible for you and me to receive the goodness of God? yes indeed: (Psa. 145:9) “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” As long as we fear and trust God His goodness is available to us (Psa. 31:19) “ Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!”
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