“…whereby ye are sealed …” – Ephesians 4:30 (KJV)
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God’s promises of protection and provision for His people are recorded repeatedly. Even when God’s people sinned, were rebellious, or turned away, God sent his prophets to plead with them to return to Him, to forsake their idols, and if they did, He would pardon and receive them again. Brethren, God has never stopped loving us, even when we sin.
The prophet Isaiah, in his writings, pleaded with the nation of Israel to turn back to God. His message from God was: “…I have reared and brought up sons, but they have rebelled against Me and have broken away. The ox (instinctively) knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s feeding trough, but Israel does not know [Me as Lord]…” (Isaiah 1:3 AMP). God referred to Israel as a “…sinful nation, a people loaded down with wickedness…who behave corruptly.” (Isaiah 1:4 – AMP). But He still loved them.
Sometimes, although we give our hearts to the Lord and promise to be obedient to His Word, we find ourselves pursuing material gain at the expense of our salvation. We are very busy with career advancement and improving our lifestyle, all the while cutting back on prayer time and reading and meditating on the Word of God. We no longer find connecting with other believers convenient or sharing Christ with a workmate comfortable, but we discuss world affairs or the upcoming football match and our favourite team’s chances.
We fail to hear Christ’s calling because we have drifted so far away. But God never gives up on us. Like He did with the children of Israel, God is calling us to repent and to be righteous in this corrupt world. “Come now, and let us reason together…,” He said (Isaiah 1:18 – AMP). Once we discuss it, our sins can become as white as wool. God gives us an opportunity to examine our own actions and come talk with Him. He promises that if we are willing and obedient, we will be blessed – (Verse 19).
Friends, God’s love is not diminished by our transgressions. Our sins, however, have consequences, and even as a good parent disciplines his child when necessary, our heavenly Father desires the best for us and is prepared to give what we ask for if we obey Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your everlasting love for us. Help us to recognise that our sin grieves You. Give us that desire to please You in all our ways so that we may continuously experience Your goodness and mercy, in Jesus’ name. Amen
Read: Romans 1:20; 1 John 2:25
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 5:1-14; Mark 2:18-28; Mark 3:1-30; Exodus 21; Exodus 22
