Isaiah 55:5-7 Lexham English Bible 5 Look! You shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that does not know you shall run to you, because of Yahweh your God, and the holy one of Israel, for he has glorified you.” 6 Seek Yahweh while he lets himself be found; call him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the man of sin his thoughts. And let him return to Yahweh, that he may take pity on him, and to our God, for he will forgive manifold.
God calls us to seek Him while He can be found. Israel's history is one of being called by God. Initially God established a covenant with Abraham that was passed on to Isaac and then to Jacob. Jacob's name would be changed to Israel and he would have twelve sons by four different women. God's word is filled with broken people God has used to accomplish His purposes. If we ever think we are unqualified to be used by God, the good news is everyone is unqualified to be used by God.
It is God who pursued Israel. It is God who choose to set Israel free from its bondage in Egypt. God didn't have to, but in His mercy He choose to. God established the law on Mount Sinia. It was given to Moses who communicated it to God's people. God was very clear in His word that if they honored His word and His law that great blessing would be poured out upon them as a nation. But if they lived in rebellion and rejected the ways of God, they would no longer be able to live in the land. But even if they were removed from the land the Lord in His mercy would not abandon them but simply discipline them for a time.
This is the case with many who follow the Lord. There are many who begin with Jesus Christ, but because of the temptations and wiles of the enemy, they are taken off track of where God calls them to be. God in His mercy disciplines them as any loving father would who sees their child making wrong decisions that are self-destructive. This was the case with Israel. God sent them prophet after prophet, but each time the word of the Lord was ignored and God knew that they had to be removed for a season so that their hearts would be prepared to walk rightly before the Lord. What ultimately got them removed from the land was the worship of idols and God would place them in a foreign land where they were surrounded by idols and some day when they would return they would want nothing to do with idols.
The solution when God is discipling us is to turn to the Lord and turn from our sin. Sin and rebellion will always lead to destruction. God desires the very best for us according to His will. It doesn't mean that we will always have what we want because there are things we may desire in our selfish human nature that if brought into our lives would be destructive. This is why it requires surrender on our part. It requires that our will and our desires be surrendered to Almighty God. This is where the abundant life is found. When all things are surrendered to Jesus Christ.
Ultimately God desires to forgive. God calls us to return to Him. To turn from our wickedness. Not to merely confess our sin because simply confession without turning from sin means nothing. If we have truly come with a heart that is grieved against God we will not only confess our sin to Him, we will turn from it fully and begin to live for Him. God desires to take pity on us. He desires to forgive us fully. The Lord desires to pardon abundantly and forgive generously. God is not holding forgiveness back from His people. But He requires repentance, He requires confession. He tells us if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. May we heed the conviction of the Holy Spirit and learn from the history of Israel. May we never treat sin lightly but understand how destructive it truly is.
Prayer
Father forgive me of any sin or anything I have done that has broken your heart. Help me to turn from my sin and to live fully for you on a daily basis. Lead, guide and direct me in every area of my life. May my life be a living and pleasing sacrifice unto you. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Reflection Questions
Are there areas of sin in your life that need to be confessed?
Have you been justifying things in your life you know are wrong?
What is keeping your from fully turn to God today and living for Him?