2 Chronicles 16:9 - Our God isn't a traffic camera

Paradise Valley, Arizona, takes traffic laws very seriously. They have a police car outfitted with radar and camera. The car is moved and parked at different locations, accompanied by temporary signs announcing, "Traffic laws photo enforced." It's on duty, 24/7. 

That alone could make me nervous, but then there are cameras set up in other locations, too!

" ...he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps." (Psalm 121:4, New Living Translation, 2015) Not only does God watch all the time, "The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3 

God is not just a traffic camera, looking to give out speeding tickets. He looks at His creation--people in particular--with eyes of love. God still executes justice and punishes evil, though, and the story of Asa explains how this works.

Asa was a good king of Judah. Early in his reign, Asa relied on God to protect his kingdom. But then he had the idea to buy off his enemies, using the treasures of God's temple. Sort of like using church funds to pay for a political treaty. Not good. 

A prophet warned Asa, "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war." (2 Chronicles 16:9, NLT2015)

God does not enjoy punishing evil (Ezekiel 18:21-23). His first choice is to find and help "those whose heart is completely His." (NASB95)

If you are trying to meet up with a friend in the middle of a crowd, your eyes will rove back and forth, trying to spot the eyes of that same friend to be looking for you. God isn't looking for perfect people, just for people who want His friendship!

Father in heaven, We admit getting distracted by substitute saviors. Make our hearts completely Yours so that we have nothing to hide, so we delight to have you watching over us, 24/7. In Jesus' name, Amen.