Behold The Goodness Of God

by Micky Galloway

Romans 11:22, “Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God’s goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”

“Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God …” (NKJV). The context of this passage shows the greatness of the mercy of God toward the Gentiles in calling them to salvation through the gospel of Christ. The Jews who refused to believe in the Messiah were cut off. Considering such an exalted favor should be deeply seated in their hearts to motivate these Gentiles to be steadfast in their adherence to the faith of the gospel. It demanded their expression of thanksgiving, as well as ours.

The apostle instructs them to “behold” or “consider.” We are told that means to see with the mind’s eye, signifying a clear and purely mental perception. “Goodness” involves moral goodness and integrity; graciousness (see Thayer). A clear understanding of the magnitude of God’s goodness, becomes a motivation to “continue in his goodness” (11:22).

What demonstrates the abundance of God’s goodness to man? Psalms 33:5 says, “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (NKJV). James tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).

God’s creation is good. He has created a world that gives and sustains life. In the beginning, “God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Paul declared to the idolatrous men of Lystra, “that ye should turn from these vain things unto a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is … And yet He left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:15-17). He likewise declared to the Athenians, “He himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25).

God’s word is good. The Psalmist stated, “Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; for thine ordinances are good” (Psalms 119:39). Verse 68 continues, “Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.” In the New Testament we read, “that the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good” (Romans 7:12). Why is it so important that I understand that God’s commandments are not just a bunch of restrictions to make my life miserable? Moses taught Israel, “And Jehovah commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Jehovah our God, for OUR good always, that he might preserve us alive, as at this day” (Deuteronomy 6:24). The gospel is the power of God to save. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). The very word, “gospel” (euangelion), means “good news.” In a number of languages, the expression “the gospel” or “the good news” must be rendered by a phrase, such as, “news that makes one happy” or “information that causes one joy” or “words that bring smiles” or “a message that causes the heart to be sweet (see Greek-English Lexicon Based on Semantic Domain). God’s word instructs us how to be forgiven. That’s good news!

God’s mercy and forgiveness is rich in goodness. “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalms 86:5). “Remember, O Jehovah, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindness; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy lovingkindness remember thou me, for thy goodness’ sake, O Jehovah. Good and upright is Jehovah: therefore will he instruct sinners in the way” (Psalms 25:6-8). Let us remember, it is God’s goodness (not man’s) which provides mercy and forgiveness. “But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Why would anyone despise such goodness?!

Let us, “Behold then the goodness … of God” and “continue in His goodness otherwise thou also shalt be cut off” (Romans 11:22). Let us praise and thank God for His goodness. “Praise ye Jehovah. Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; for his lovingkindness (endureth) forever” (Psalms 106:1; cf. 107:1). Again, the Psalmist said, “They shall utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness” (Psalms 145:7).

Isn’t it easy to worship God when we remember His goodness? “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh” (Hebrews 10:24-25). It should never become a drudgery! David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go unto the house of Jehovah” (Psalms 122:1). Some Christians are unable to attend every assembly of the church. However, some choose not to attend or at the very least do not choose to attend. Let us consider the goodness of God and “seek ye first” His kingdom and love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 6:33; 22:37-40).

Sunday night and Wednesday night worship has always been a problem with some. Gus Nichols, a gospel preacher of the 20th century, wrote a powerful poem on the subject of Sunday night attendance. The poem is called “But Not on Sunday Night,” and is reproduced below.

I love the church that Jesus built,
And know that it is right.
I go there every Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night.

I love to sing the songs of God;
Such worship must be right.
And this I do on Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night.

I love to hear the Gospel too,
It gives me pure delight.
I hear it every Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night.

And may God bless our preacher too,
And give him power and might,
And put a sinner in my place
At worship Sunday night.

It’s true, the church can save the world,
If good light shines bright;
I help it every Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night.

Yes, all of us must one day die,
I hope I’ll be doing right;
So may I die on Sunday morn,
But not on Sunday night!

If you have been choosing to absent yourself on Sunday evenings, why not reconsider?