Reading Joshua, Chapters 7-9

Dear Lord,

Reading these passages, I realize how very little I know. I realize I want you to accept us on our good intent. I want you to say that you will not punish us if we are mistaken and inadvertently do wrong, that we will not suffer the consequences of our actions. I want you to spare those who I call innocent. I realize I want to bend you to my will instead of bending me to yours. I realize how very foolish and weak I am. I am momentarily humbled, though I know I will bounce back and forget that it is you who are God, not I.

I have to know that life is not pretty, that those I call innocent will know pain and sorrow, that life is fraught with danger, that our sins have consequences, that there is no such thing as punishment only for the sinner. The consequences have a ripple effect.

I cannot even begin to express what I think or feel as I read these Old Testament passages. All I can do is bow down before you and ask for your mercy on us. All I can do is beg you not to make my loved ones suffer the consequences of my sins. All I can do is ask you to make the world a safer place.

And at the end of my insufficient understanding, I only slightly understand what you did for us in Jesus. Understanding only a little of how far into error we are, I begin to see how much you love mankind that you give us a way of escaping your eternal disappointment in us, and your wrath, in Jesus. I begin to see that you know we can never measure up to your holy standard, so you did it yourself on our behalf. And I give you my inadequate thanks. I give you all the glory. We live our sinful lives, and you give us your holiness in Jesus. When you look at us in Jesus, you see yourself.

Have mercy, Lord. Thank you for what you did. Thank you for your great love that is more than I can fathom. Thank you for giving us the way out, through faith and trust in Jesus.

Forgive us and protect us. Hold us close. Don't let us go.

In Jesus' name, I pray.