"Just Because"

A "Just Because" Love
Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20

"The Lord did not care for you and choose you because there were many of you- you are the smallest nation of all. But the Lord chose you because he loved you, and he kept his promise to your ancestors." (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)

How I loved reading this verse this morning! Sometimes when we work so hard to do just the right things, nothing good comes out of it. As Steinbeck put it, "the best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry." And thank goodness really- it serves to remind us that we are not in control. Just as we cannot control the millions of happenings and comings and going, we cannot control how God responds to us- we cannot plan our way into God's love or earn our way into God's love.

In linguistic terms, God is the agent, the causative, the active subject in this verse, "he loved you." God is doing the choosing and the loving. And there is no outside cause or reason- not because of our size or beauty or how we dress or the things we do or don't do... God loves us and then chooses us because of his love. And if not for anything we do or say or don't do or don't say, we can't help but ask, "Why God? Why me?" To which there doesn't seem to be any other answer that God's loving character... it's simply a "just because" love.

A "Just Because" Peace
Psalm 37:7-11

"People who are not proud will inherit the land and will enjoy complete peace." (Psalm 37:11)

In a very highly class based society, the Bible must've seemed so radical. 'Proud' was used not only to describe those with an arrogant character but also to describe someone of high and noble stature. God turned things upside down, stating that 'humble' people without the privileges of money or wealth or fame would receive an inheritance of land and of peace. The 'have nots' would have... and in the kingdom of God, we all have an inheritance. We all have a room there waiting for us in our Father's house, which has many rooms. And while things may be rough and confusing or upsetting, the humble are promised that someday in the future they will experience ultimate peace. Why? "Just because." God promises peace to those who need it most.

A "Just Because" Blessing
Luke 1:39-56

"My soul praises the Lord; my heart rejoices in God my Savior, because he has shown his concern for his humble servant girl. From now on, all people will say that I am blessed, because the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is holy." (Luke 1:46-49)

Young, meek, mild Mary- who didn't come from a remarkable family or money that would've brought her any acclaim. But God chose to bless her with His Son. I can hardly imagine. Again reminding us that God blesses us not because we deserve it, but because He is our loving Lord God, deserving of all the praise and the honor and the glory. And how I should sing like Mary every day for all the blessings that He has given me- family, friends, graduate program, travel, service, health, love, etc. I too, should shout His praises so that "all people will say that I am blessed, because the Powerful One has done great things for me"... "just because."