This morning, as I was thinking about the Bible passage in my devotions, I thought of something that happened when I was in my late teens.  It was a camping trip with a large group of friends on a very hot summer weekend.  We weren’t exactly model campers by any means. We were a bit noisy . . . well, maybe a lot noisy. We played our music too loud, talked too loud, laughed too loud; we were just way too loud, too late into the night.

Several times that night, park rangers visited our sites to give us warnings.  But we just carried on. The next morning, a park ranger told us they were keeping a close eye on us. There were a few more minor complaints during the day and by afternoon it seemed like they were targeting us. As it turned out, they were.

 A few of us made a trip to the park office that had a huge map of all the sites in the park. The park was full that weekend and each site on the map had a mark indicating it was being used. There were over 500 sites in this park, but the most noticeable ones were the 4 sites that had big black “X” marks through them. Those were our sites. We asked what the “X” marks indicated (as if we needed an explanation) and were told that the next complaint would mean eviction from those sites.

Those marks stood out.  Your attention was drawn to them as soon as you looked at the map. The park rangers knew exactly where the trouble was. I probably don’t need to say it but, late on our second night in the park, someone complained about us again and this time they kicked us out – at midnight!

The verse I read in my devotions this morning was Psalm 25:7 that says, “Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.” (NLT)

When I first read this verse I thought, “I’m with the Psalmist.  I sure don’t want God to judge me on my rebellious past (or black “X” marks).  God, just remember the good parts of my life.”  But the verse doesn’t say that. It says “Remember me in light of your unfailing love.”

That means, even with my life as it is now, the good parts aren’t good enough to be remembered as something worthy.  All of my life is not much more than a black “X” on the map to God.  In God’s view, my whole life has eviction written all over it.

The big black “X” marks on our camp sites stood out so much the camp finally, and rightfully, had to act on them (though, at the time, I didn’t think they should). But, here’s the thing:  having placed my faith in Jesus as my Saviour, God no longer acts on the black marks of my life.  Rather, He remembers me by His unfailing love and mercy – not even by the good I do, or the best parts of my life.  No, He remembers me by His unfailing love and mercy.  That make me glad He is God … and not a park ranger.

Until Next time!

Pastor Paul

Question: How do you personally view God’s love for you?  Leave your comment below.