As part of my daily Bible reading, I’ve been plowing through the Old Testament books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. I admit there’ve been times when it’s been tough going and I’ve been tempted to skip those records of God’s interactions with horribly disobedient people; after all, I’ve read them many, many times over the years.
Before resorting to such actions, however, I decided to ask the Lord to give me insight into the dire messages delivered through His prophets back then – because, in my relationship with Him, I’ve learned that our only hope in these kinds of circumstances is found in redemption.
Between our pastor’s recent messages and God’s response to my request, I began noticing His interjections into some horrific accounts of the actions of people. Here’s just one of many examples.
“…I was crushed by their adulterous heart which has departed from Me and by their eyes with play the harlot after their idols….” (Ezekiel 6:9). After a lengthy description of the people’s betrayal of God, in His grace they were given this promise—“And I will establish my covenant with you when I provide you an atonement for all you have done, says the Lord God.” (16:62).
My purpose isn’t to remind myself or you, my readers, of the awful stuff that’s gone on and continues to go on in our world but rather, it’s because of God’s interjections and promises of grace that prompted this article. While we may never be guilty of a lot of things, we’ve all offended Him and others. A song I recently heard on the radio contained these words: “I’m not perfect, but I’m forgiven.”
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…[but ] justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)
Thank God for freedom in our land and for redemption from our faults!
Linda Wegner, Author and Speaker—Words of Worth
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