“For I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst”
Hosea 11:9b

We are on the eve of the biggest sporting event in the U.S., the Super Bowl. Football fans and non-football fans alike will gather to watch the big game. Companies have spent millions of dollars for seconds of airtime to advertise before the huge audience. All eyes will be watching as this year’s best of the best will battle to declare the ultimate champion. In football, greatness is measured by size, speed, and strength. For many, Football is more of a religious experience than just a game. Lives are spent focusing on the athletes as modern day idols. Americans (along with the rest of the world) exalt those who possess great qualities of perceived power.
God is different than humanity in this way. Although he possesses all greatness, wealth, and might this is not how he unleashes his power. If that were so Jesus would have probably looked more like Samson or Goliath than a humble carpenter from Nazareth. No, God puts the full extent of his power on display by revealing his mercy. God’s ability to love and forgive is beyond any force imaginable. We see it in Hosea when God continued to seek Israel, the wandering lover. He is longsuffering beyond what any man deserves. His love does not give up. Graciously God sent his son to redeem Israel and all nations. There is no greater evidence of God exercising this power than when Jesus is lifted up on the cross for the sins of the world. Believers have been made new by this mercy and grace. God desires that same display of compassion to shine in our lives.
When was the last time you allowed God’s power to be exercised in your life? Do you spend more time praying for God’s judgment or his mercy on those around you? Life is no game. True victory can only be found when kneeling at the feet of Jesus.