The Impossible Dream

(Psa 62:12 KJV)  Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

(Proverbs 14 also read)

I read this first in the KJV today.  I was struck by the balance between “mercy” (2617a) and how God will reward us according to our “work” (4639).  The NASB has “lovingkindness” for “mercy”.  The idea of being rewarded for our works is contrary to the emphasis on grace that we find in the writings of Paul and in the theology of the modern church, yet the idea is common in the rest of the Bible.  Here it seems to say that God, in His love, will reward us.  Other places, including Psalms, point out that it is impossible for us to do what is right without the help of God.  I think these two ideas go together in a glorious mix.

Both Testaments build a foundation of God’s grace.  He is the source of salvation.  Sin is not a debt we can ever pay off on our own.  Write that in bold capitals.  It gives us the launching pad to live as God would have us live.  Always read Ephesians 2:10 when you quote verses 8 and 9.

(Eph 2:10 KJV)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

As I was thinking about this the song from Man of La Mancha came to mind, “The Impossible Dream”.  The first stanza sets the mood,

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
And to run where the brave dare not go

We may never live perfect lives.  Our behavior may always have rough spots.  We are still expected to embark on that journey of righteousness, not because we think our discipline will achieve it, but because we want to do the impossible.

So?  God is merciful.  He extends His grace to us.  He also sets us on a quest of obedience.  Don’t miss the opportunity to reach the unreachable star.