Isaiah 43:18-19 KJV
[18] Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. [19] Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
God hates and punishes sin, no matter in whom it is found. God has no favourites when it comes to sin, as we find out in the lives of David when he did wrong, and in this instance, the children of Israel when they rebelled against God's express commands. Let it be known that God is both a God of mercy and also a God of judgement. You cannot embrace one and reject the other. You cannot claim the benefits tied to one and reject the demands and expectations of the other. Even Jesus, the son of God, was not spared the wrath of God, as He hung on the cross and paid the full price for our sin. For the first and last time ever, Jesus cried out as His Father 'turned his back' on Him. If that is the price and effect of sin, we will do well to avoid it at all costs.
Israel found itself at the crossroads. It was loved by God, but it had been punished for its sin. However, we thank God because sin does not hold the final say over our lives. Thank God for His mercy and grace that can give new beginnings. Thank God for His power that can change perspectives and processes, restore a man back to his original position, and give him a fresh, clean start. Only God does these things. God reminds the people here that though He had punished them, He was going to do a new thing in their lives. They had seen Him punish; they were going to experience His restoration. They had known discipline, despair and destruction; He was about to change the narrative to blessings, fruitfulness and prosperity.
This is what God can do in a life that is totally surrendered to Him. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill, but be sure that He can do mighty things in the lives of vessels under His control and command. No matter how terrible the past is, the blood of Jesus is capable of cleaning it all up. He can make ways where none existed before; He can raise help from strange places, and He can bring refreshing and comfort in the midst of the most distressing circumstances. What is critical here is to surrender my life totally to Jesus. It cannot be half hearted devotion; it must be ALL the way. If I will see God at work in and through me, I have to give Him total access. Are you totally surrendered to Him? Does He have the final say? God's time of favour is here.
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