tough cookies

Exodus 1-3, Matthew 13:31-14:21

Having a son of my own, this verse just turns my guts into knots:

^{Ex. 1:22} Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: "Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live."

Why would God allow such terrible evil to occur?  Then I got to thinking, why does God allow so much abortion and human trafficking today?

All I can think of is what Stephen Smith has been saying the past several sermons, (paraphrased) "Do not confuse God's patience with sinful humanity with ignorance of our sin.  He is fully prepared to judge and execute righteously, 'but because of His great love, we are not consumed'."

Perhaps, as we see the Lord conquering evil through us, we learn Who He Is:

^{Ex 3:14} God replied to Moses, "I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you." ¹⁵ God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.

   This is my eternal name,
      my name to remember for all generations.

Heavenly Father, you are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I worship you.  I praise you because you are "I AM".  I don't even really understand what that means, but I praise you.  Yahweh, thank you for interrupting corrupt humanity with your goodness and love.  Thank you for accomplishing your good will in spite of us and through us.  May your name be praised among all nations for all generations.  Lord, please send me to people that need to be freed from the bondage of sin.  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.