Let us settle the matter

“Come now, let us settle the matter”, says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land. ~Isaiah 1:18-19

This morning as I was reading about the rebellion of the children of Israel.  Time and time again they had rebelled against the Lord who had provided them with everything they needed.  They had be disciplined over and over again, but before the wounds from the consequences of their sin could heal they were back at it again.  I saw the description of a stubborn and obstinate people.  In this past, I would have shook my head and looked at looked at their struggle with a haughty spirit, but I can not read their story without thinking of my own.  

In their story I see my own  rebellion, stubbornness, and lack of understanding of just how good I have it.  I, too, have been an Israelite, rejecting the provision of God for my needs thinking my wants were more important.  I, too, have confused religion with worship.   I, too, have fallen short.  But thankfully, like them, I have been offered hope.  The hope of redemption and forgiveness.  The hope of a better way and a “second chance”.

This hope comes from God Himself. Even with all of the rebellion and rejection, the sin that covers us in mud, God made a way to settle the matter.  God is not out to destroy His children; His creation.  He is calling us all to come to our senses, to come back home and dwell with Him. He wants good things for us and knows that this can only be accomplished through Him.  

So He made a way for a sinful and obstinate people to have their slates wipes clean.  He gave us a chance to start again and be released from the sentence of death that we deserve. He did this through the atoning sacrifice of His Son Jesus.  He paid the price for our sins.   His blood removed the crimson stain of sin and made me as white as snow before Him. He is given me all that I need for an abundant life.  He does not force me, but rather offers me the choice to willingly obey Him; to love Him.

Father I am astonished by your patience and great compassion You have for me and your people.  You could have crushed me and gave up on me so long ago, but Your love for me abounds.  May I not abuse the grace You have given me.  Break any stubbornness and willful pride in me.  May I yield to You always; trusting and obeying.  May I learn the lessons of the past and move forward in the future.  May I taste the goodness of You in this land.  In Jesus name. Amen