09/13/2019
Have either we, our households, or our communities strayed from the will and service of God? Well, just as God warned Moses that there would be punishment for such behavior, so it is for us today. However, before we begin crying, and tearing at our clothes in distress, know that God promises us that if we return to Him He will not only forgive, and accept us back, but give His name to dwell here among us.
“Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.'”
Nehemiah 1:8-9 ESV
It has never been God’s desire to merely cull those who don’t love Him from His flock, and He takes no pleasure in punishing us for our sins and waywardness. From before the first sin of Adam and Eve, He had devised a plan for redeeming mankind, and returning us to Himself. There was certainly punishment to be meted out, but also a way of escape provided... Jesus Christ.
Even in our temptation God shows us His desire to make us better, give us an escape, and maintain us in our relationship with Him.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
Sometimes Satan is allowed to tempt us as he did Job, but then there is the example we have in Simon Peter, who Jesus intercedes for, and prays that God strengthen, so that once he turns from his temptation he will be this example to us, and others...
“"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."”
Luke 22:31-32 ESV
Be strengthened by Jesus so that you will not fail. Ask our Savior to pray for you, but in the event that you do fail, know that He is ready to cleanse you, and stand with you before God. He is your hope, your escape from sin, and your Redeemer. Even when you feel lost, and trapped in sin, He is there to hear your prayer of contrition. God knew your weaknesses before Adam, and He knows them now... He is waiting to return you into a righteous relationship with Himself... He loved you this much... can you love Him in kind, and believe in His Son Jesus Christ?
“"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:16-17 ESV
Whether you stumble, or fall into a pit of sin and despair, don’t feel as though there is no hope for you, or that God has turned His back on you, because He hasn’t... He is waiting for your return. He is standing by the road watching for you day and night, and He is longing to celebrate your return.
“I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.”
Luke 15:19-23 ESV
God is waiting for us to return to him, and He is also waiting on our households, communities, churches, and nations. The question becomes this... are we willing to return? God is waiting on us, waiting to hear our voices of contrition, and our shouts of loving praise. There is nothing separating us from God except our own lack of desire to be with Him. Can we turn towards Jesus Christ, and ask Him to pray for us, and cleanse us? Can we go to our prayer closets in contrition? If so then there is nothing that can separate us from God, and our transformation that awaits us in Him.
“who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
Titus 2:14 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for making a way for me so that I can always return to you should I sin. Thank you for standing by the road that leads back to you, and waiting in anticipation for my contrition, and return. Thank you for the heavenly celebration that awaits every prodigal son and daughter home. Help us Father to see how perfect your forgiveness is, and never let us believe the lie that we have strayed too far, or sinned too great that we are lost forever, and unwelcome in your house... unworthy to approach your table. Give us strength Holy Father so that we can resist temptation, and accept the escapes you have provided. We are saved by your grace, and washed pure by the blood of your Son; show us that although we are unworthy, and are often disciplined by you, that you remain faithfully waiting for our hearts to turn towards you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loves us despite ourselves, and provides a way for our return to you through all circumstances. Praised be your merciful name for sending your Son Jesus Christ to redeem us. All glory is yours Heavenly Father because your grace is perfect as it flows through your Jesus. Hear our prayers Lord as we weep and call out to you from the road leading home, and give our feet wings as we race towards your waiting arms... all punishment at an end.
“"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."”
Isaiah 1:18-20 ESV
Rich Forbes