equality

Equality

A Devotion

The Goodsoil Discipleship Ministry

By Bro. Andy Madonio

January 5, 2001

For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.
Romans 11:32.

Here is a marvelous mystery -- equality before God. We may think it a simple thing, to be the leader and tell everyone to line up along some imaginary line and declare a fresh and equal start for all; nothing from the past or future will introduce bias -- all are now equal. God certainly does this, but with a method we would never consider. We might find an "average" starting point, a happy medium, and adjust everyone accordingly, some up, some down, until we were all even. All set now? OK, you're all equal, now let's begin!

But what does God do? He opens up the cellar door and points to the very bottom; down, down, down we go into the very depths. That is God's equality. We all begin at the very bottom. Why? Scripture tells us we are disobedient -- naturally. It is only with supernatural help from God that we can begin to mount that staircase and proceed. Is God unfair in doing this? "Unfairness" in dealing with God only comes from lips and hearts that feel they have been judged too harshly and have been "demoted" without cause. Those who don't know Him speak "Master, I knew you were a hard man." So, what is the truth about us all? "There is none righteous, not even one," scripture declares. "All have turned aside, together they have become useless." If you desire equality in God's eyes, then you must begin in the basement.

His basement is constructed with only one stairway leading up and out. That stairway to heaven is Jesus, and He will lead you up, providing you take His extended hand. You must grasp His hand firmly as He comes to you at the bottom of those steps, where it is cold, dark and musty. When you do, God the Father is waiting at the top with open arms for all who mount in this fashion and with His Son. He truly desires to show mercy to all -- equally. God has severity, to be sure; He insists you do things His way. And yet He also shows kindness if you do it His way. There is only one Way and one Truth, and they lead to one Life with God. Amen.

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	Equality A Devotion The Goodsoil Discipleship Ministry By Bro. Andy Madonio January 5, 2001




For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. Romans 11:32. Here is a marvelous mystery -- equality before God. We may think it a simple thing, to be the leader and tell everyone to line up along some imaginary line and declare a fresh and equal start for all; nothing from the past or future will introduce bias -- all are now equal. God certainly does this, but with a method we would never consider. We might find an "average" starting point, a happy medium, and adjust everyone accordingly, some up, some down, until we were all even. All set now? OK, you're all equal, now let's begin! But what does God do? He opens up the cellar door and points to the very bottom; down, down, down we go into the very depths. That is God's equality. We all begin at the very bottom. Why? Scripture tells us we are disobedient -- naturally. It is only with supernatural help from God that we can begin to mount that staircase and proceed. Is God unfair in doing this? "Unfairness" in dealing with God only comes from lips and hearts that feel they have been judged too harshly and have been "demoted" without cause. Those who don't know Him speak "Master, I knew you were a hard man." So, what is the truth about us all? "There is none righteous, not even one," scripture declares. "All have turned aside, together they have become useless." If you desire equality in God's eyes, then you must begin in the basement. His basement is constructed with only one stairway leading up and out. That stairway to heaven is Jesus, and He will lead you up, providing you take His extended hand. You must grasp His hand firmly as He comes to you at the bottom of those steps, where it is cold, dark and musty. When you do, God the Father is waiting at the top with open arms for all who mount in this fashion and with His Son. He truly desires to show mercy to all -- equally. God has severity, to be sure; He insists you do things His way. And yet He also shows kindness if you do it His way. There is only one Way and one Truth, and they lead to one Life with God. Amen.

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