Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7)
This passage is a wonderful reminder that we can always go to God with our sins in confession and in repentance, and we never have to worry about being turned away. God will always forgive and always restore (even if we have to suffer some of the practical consequences of our choices).
But with the advent of the ministry of Jesus, these verses, this invitation is to all people, people of all nations. For in Jesus, even the foreigner can become a member of the people of God.
And the primary job of those who are among the people of God is to live faithfully to our God and to carry the message of God's pardon to all people, to the peoples of all the nations. It's the good news that there really is forgiveness for sins.
But there's an urgency here, as well. The day will come for every person when the Lord will only be found in judgement rather than mercy. This is the fate of those who die with the burden of their sin still on their backs, as it will be on the day he comes.
Who needs the blessed news that their sins can be forgiven if they come to the Lord in confession and repentance? Do more than just pray for them; invite them to church, share the good news with them, and share your own story of freedom and renewal, as well.
Who are you praying for today?
Commentaires