Today's Reading - Isaiah 40-44
Background
Isaiah 40 begins the second major second of the book. The theme changes so dramatically that many scholars assume that there are two different authors. The first 39 chapters deal with judgment for Israel's sin and now God asserts his intention to restore Israel and comfort.
Devotional - Grace Greater than Our Sin
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured,there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Grace, grace, God's grace,grace that will pardon and cleanse within;grace, grace, God's grace,grace that is greater than all our sin.
I recently re-read a book called Exodus, by Leon Uris, in which he describes the founding of the modern nation of Israel. In one section, one of the modern Israelis explains that God chose them because as his people because he knew they would be faithful through all the years. That is almost the opposite of what the scripture says about God's work in Israel. God chose Israel, as he chooses us, to demonstrate his grace and mercy to those who are unfaithful and sinful.
Israel turned from God and was in rebellion more than it was in obedience. They were so idolatrous and headstrong that God would actually bring the nation down in a heap - both the northern kingdom in 722 BC and Judah in 586 BC. The Old Testament teaches us that God's grace is greater than our sin.
Isaiah 40:1 begins with God declaring, "Comfort, comfort my people." Even though God was going to judge them for their sin he would also bring comfort. Even God's discipline was for the purpose of his eventual restoration of the people - to show them mercy and build them up.
We are not saved because we are special or wonderful, but because God loves us. And once we are saved, God's grace is greater than our sin. I fail and so do you. We slip and fall but the Solid Rock we stand on is firm. Even when we fail, God is at work to restore and renew us, and his grace is always greater than our sin.
Thank you, Father, for being greater than my sin, for being relentless in love and mercy.
Think and Pray
Take time today to thank God for his faithful love that does not just tolerate our sin, but overcomes it.
No comments:
Post a Comment