“The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad! Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundations of His throne…” Ps 97:1-2
It seems odd. Paradoxical. Almost wrong. Such an exuberent opening encouraging praise and then this fearful description of the Lord that makes one tremble at mere consideration.
Righteousness and justice most often do not come in the form we expect. To our veiled and mortal minds it looks unnatural, maybe even terrifying. We desire simple answers to hard questions and even easier solutions to fix it, instead we get complicated and messy answers and solutions.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
Do we dare draw near God who is established in righteousness and justice? To do so is to come in contact with His all-consuming fire. It is uncomfortable. It burns. It hurts. But all that is not of Him melts away and leaves us reflecting God´s glory, leaves us desiring righteousness and justice, leaves us rejoicing.
Like Moses in Exodus 19:16-20 will we answer the call to meet with God on the mountain? It requires walking into the darkness and thunderings trusting He knows best, allowing Him to transform us so we can reach a nation for Him.
