Going to Bat for Each Other

I'm so glad you are here! I hope during your visit you get a glimpse of God's heart for we become what we are gazing at. Currently I am writing my way through Judges sharing glimpses of God's heart and character for a weekday devotional. To check out the entire series so far head on over the the Judges Devotional.  

Have you had a chance to check out all the awesome blog posts linked up from Friday? I bet you'll be encouraged. 

Have you ever had someone go to bat for you?

When I was in college I got a parking ticket that was somewhat unjustified. My sweet friend Christina, who has a passion for justice, took my ticket and marched herself right into the campus police office and pleaded my case. She took on my problem and fully and freely gave her time and energy to standing for me. What a picture of Jesus! The One who gave His life for us. Did you know the word life in "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mk 10:45) is the Greek word Psuche which is your mind, will and emotions. Crazy awesome! Jesus not only gave his bios (physical) life, but laid down his own will, emotions and desires to serve us. Wow!

When believers get each others backs, when they love (unselfishly choose for another's highest good) each other, Jesus says the world will know that Jesus is God (John 17:20-22) That is a pretty big deal!
It truly is beautiful when believers stand together. When they act like they are on the same team and make sacrifices for each other. 

But when a believer is choosing to live in sin, the most loving thing to do is to let them fall, to let their consequences play out which is designed to bring humility. How much pain, death, would have been spared if the Benjamites would have truly loved their fellow Israelites, if they would have let them receive the effects of their sin. 

"The tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe of Benjamin, saying, "What about this awful crime that was committed among you? Now surrender those wicked men of Gibeah so that we may put them to death and purge the evil from Israel." But the Benjamites would not listen to their fellow Israelites. From their towns they came together at Gibeah to fight against the Israelites." Judges 20:13-14  

Don't you just wonder why they didn't? Why in the world did they go to bat for the right for these guys to rape and kill? 

Why in the world do we people go to the extremes of going to bat for evil or not going to bat at all?

Well, we all will fail each other, but Jesus never will! He will always be perfect in going to bat for us, but not letting us get away with things that are going to bring death. "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." 2 Chron. 16:9
 
Lord, thank you for standing with us, even when no one else does. Thank you for disciplining us, even when everyone else is praising us. You and Your love for us are perfect, not because we are so great, but because You are. Thank you. Give us a glimpse of Your strong support of us when our hearts are fully Yours that we might become what we are gazing at. We submit to You.

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#446 Austin's affirmation and little encouraging note
#447 Bike rides at the park
#448 A husband quick to share the gospel
#449 So many awesome incredible ladies willing to put so much into giving seminars at the conference
#450 Getting to spend time with Mandy and Kate
#451 So many women buying jewelry from women at risk, made by women rescued out of the sex trade.
#452 Being able to speak about the awesome-ness of God and how to live to make Him known.
#453 Getting to hear Kate's story again 
#454 Getting to hear Kate sing.

I'm linked up with the beautiful ladies at  A Holy Experience, The Beauty in His Grip, Nebraska Graceful, The Wellspring, The Better Mom, Homestead Revival, Pause on the Path, Create with Joy,Carissa Graham   

Mind sharing?