Reflection:
I love the T.V. show M.A.S.H. In one episode, the nurses get even with the doctors for pranks they had pulled by taking the doctors' clothes while they are in the shower. One scene shows a naked B.J. Hunnicutt and "Hawkeye" Pierce running back to their tent, with only hand towels to cover themselves. It was funny precisely because we all know – it's embarrassing to be caught naked.
Look at the last verse above. God's power is so incredible, God's counsel is so great, God's wisdom is so high above us – even Sheol is naked before God.
Brief Hebrew lesson to show you how amazing this verse is: Sheol is Death, capital D. It is the land of the dead – where all who have stopped breathing go. Abaddon is rooted in the Hebrew word meaning "perishing."
So, this verse says something incredible: God's love is so amazing – even Death stands exposed and powerless. Even Perishing is left out in the cold, with nothing to cover itself. How embarrassing for them, but how good for us.
God's love leaves Death exposed and powerless. That's gospel, right there in the Old Testament.
Prayer: God of Amazing Grace, teach us to let go of our fear of death, and instead cling tightly to your promises of life and life abundant. Amen.
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