New Lutheran Quote of the Day

When we are shocked by the shady and downright wicked things that the patriarchs did, it is perfectly clear that God didn't bother about them because they were such splendid fellows.  That they certainly were not.  So the reason for God's concern for them was not in them but only in God.  The shabbier their record the more amazing is the grace of God that so patiently cared for them and brought them through.  God had given them His promise and He couldn't go back on His word.  -- Dr. Norman Nagel, Selected Sermons, pp. 345,6