PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Chronicles 29-30
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.” (2 Chronicles 30:9)
I have met some people who were convinced God could not forgive them.
Satan loves to reinforce this lie, and many Christians believe it.
But what do we see in these stories of the kings of Israel?
What do we see throughout the whole bible, as far as God’s mercy goes?
Yes, there are stories of consequences and punishments.
But again and again we see a God Who wants to forgive, wants to restore.
All of these stories are summarized in Jesus: God in the flesh dying for us.
God will not turn away anyone that comes in humility and repentance.
Jesus fellowshipped with sinners, but the ‘religious’ missed out on it.
They refused to come to him for mercy, because they didn’t think they needed it.
If you think you are too sinful to be forgiven, then you are the perfect candidate.
Join the club of unworthy, immoral, so-called unforgiveable sinners.
As Jesus hangs on the cross and sees me, with all my sins and failures…
He says, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for reminding me that you will not turn your face from me when I come to you!
God shows grace to those whose heart was sincere and answered the call to come to the temple at Jerusalem to offer their sacrifices – even though they did not fully meet the cleanliness or preparatory requirements, God answers Hezekiah’s prayer for leniency: “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” 20 And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.” God is just but He is also merciful. Thank you heavenly Father that you have mercy and grace for me!
Once again the Lord God raised up a leader who was faithful to Him. The people returned to the Lord and worshiped Him. And God accepted their worship and the priests made music before the Lord with singing. The people rejoiced. Today we too need to return to worship the Lord as a nation and not the acts of man. This is my Father’s world and we need to serve Him always and He will be with all who serve Him as He has promised.
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.