Restored 2!

Restored 2!

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:12‭-‬13 NIV

The Inspiration:

Yesterday's verse also addressed the problem of sin and how it leads to eternal separation from God. The solution by David was to ask God to do a work in us that will make us constantly dependent on God for everything. David asked God not to cast him away from His presence, but through discipline and love, draw him close to Himself. The same idea is the focus of today's verse. At the time these words were sent to Joel, God had sent his people into exile. They had rebelled against Him and turned their backs to God. Even with several warnings, they would not listen, and so, God had to apply the principles of His Word, which makes it clear that He will punish sin. Note that these were the people He called His 'treasured possession', and if He could treat them this way, this teaches me to watch my life and its practices very closely. God has no favourites when it comes to sin. 

The Contention:

Thank God that punishment is not the end of the story. Even though God hates sin with a passion, He also loves the sinner with even greater passion. He wants me to retrace my steps back to Him; he never turns His back on anyone who genuinely seeks Him. Just like the parable of the lost son, called the prodigal son, the Father's love just would not let go, even if the child has wandered away. His heart of love never gives up until it is too late. He wants me to return to Him in true repentance, truly sorry for my sin and relying on His supply of grace not to live in sin anymore. The terms of returning are also clearly laid out- don't come to God with a divided or distracted heart. If you can't give God your all, don't waste your time. How does God trust a heart He does not control or can influence?  A distracted heart is dangerous; it cannot wholeheartedly please God.

The Conclusion:

In returning to God, the things that show genuine repentance flow from the heart that is now broken. A man who is truly sorry for sin will not be ashamed to approach God for mercy. You are dealing with a God of amazing love and compassion: One who forgives sin, cleans you up and then empowers you to live a life free from sin. Check out how God is described in the verse above: He is called gracious and compassionate, as well as slow to anger and plentuous in love. He does not delight in sending calamity. Would you not want a God this powerful on your side? If He fights against you, can you stand? If He resists you because of sin, who then can plead your case or defend you? I must not take God's grace and mercy for granted, but must keep myself in God's love at all times. Where do you stand? God's time of favour is here.