March 16, 2020
Isaiah 43-Part 5
I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put Me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. (verses 25-26)
LET IT GLOW
President Trump has called us as a nation to a Day of Prayer, so this post is being on early. I began writing it Saturday before I heard this.
Christians, it is time for us to repent of our personal sins and the sins of our nation on our knees. With a deadly virus spreading across our nation and world, our only hope is for God to intervene and stop it. Will you join me on our knees and praying for God's mercy on us? Let us acknowledge our immorality, killing babies, allowing homosexuality, materialism, idols, and lukewarm attitudes.
We have wearied (to be exhausted) our God with our sins, like Judah and Israel did. But, God continued to love them, bring them to repentance through captivity, and brought them back to together to worship Him in Jerusalem, the Holy City. So He will with us. He can set us free of our bondage to sin. Let us not forget to pray for Israel, the medical people, our missionaries, military people, and our President and his cabinet, senators, and representatives. Also, our families and neighbors, and each other.
God's severe punishing of His people was justifiable. God invited them to argue their case together. God's charge was twofold. First, Israel had become weary of God and failed to honor Him with the required sacrifices (verses 22-23). Second, Israel had burdened God with their sins. They had wearied Him (verse 24). (Tony Evans)
Have we wearied God with our sins? We have as a nation. Individually, how much time do we spend reading and studying God's Word and praying?
Read our key verse. Here are some definitions in the Hebrew language of these important words found in this Scripture:
blotteth-to erase; put out
transgressions-a revolt (national, moral or rebellious); rebellion; sin
justifieth-to be(make) right (in a moral or forensic sense). (be, turn to) righteous(ness)
What do I gather from these verses, the sins that God exposes?
- The Israelites were to show God's praise, which they did not do. (verse 21)
- They were to be His witnesses (furnish proof of, testimony) to the world, which was not done. (verse 10)
- He is their Savior, Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, their Creator and King, which they did not acknowledge. (verses 14-15)
- They did not honor the Lord with their adequate sacrifices unto Him. Their hearts were far from God, as they turned to idols. Others were going through the motions, giving an outward form of worship instead of an inward, worship from the heart.
- They dragged God's reputation down into the mire of their sinful life style.
- They wearied God with their iniquities. (verse 24)
We need changed hearts, which can only come through repentance, admitting our sins and asking forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. This we do first and then we will be witnesses to others of His mercy.
LET IT GROW
God continues to speak and plead in verse 26: Put Me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.
The first father of Israel, Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, the patriarchal forefathers, had sin in their own personal lives.
Their spiritual leaders and teachers (interpreters) sinned by breaking God's laws.
Therefore, God profaned (to wound; break; slay) the princes (a head person; keeper; steward) of the sanctuary (a sacred place; consecrated (thing); dedicated (thing); holiness; saint.
God announces what He will do in the future for Israel. He will break those in charge of the sanctuary. Lord, break the hearts of our preaches, pastors, and church leaders to confessing sins and turning from a look warm spirit. Some have watered down the gospel today and teach stories from the Holy Bible as if it is only a good story book. Do they admit they are sinners in need of a Savior? Lord, forgive them and stand them upright in the strength of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the truth-Jesus saves.
LET IT GO
And there is no God else beside Me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside Me. (Isaiah 45:21)
Just means lawful; righteous.
Only God is just and Savior.
Holy Father, we ask your forgiveness of our sins, personally and nationally. We acknowledge You alone are God and faith in Jesus is the only way to be right before You. It is His blood shed on the cross that justifies us before You. Than You for such grace and mercy and love.
You are justified in killing us sinners and wiping us off the face of the earth, for we have failed in being the witness we were called to be. We ask in Jesus' name that You have mercy on us sinners, Your children, and forgive us with Your grace. Blot out our transgressions for Your sake. Open our mouths to proclaim You as the only way to heaven, Jesus.
Father, the devil is trying to destroy Your witness and children on the earth. Help us. If this is Your will to turn us back to You, so be it. We know that all things work together for good, to those who are the called according to Your glory. Will You bring good from evil. If this the working of the devil, please stop him. You are Almighty God.
However, please give us an antidote, a way to stop this deadly coronavirus for Your glory. Let someone in the lab discover it today. Save us Savior. We are helpless. We are nothing but dirt without You, Jesus. You paid the price to purchase us as Your child. Only You can stop this evil. Bring revival to our churches, Your churches. We lay our petitions at Your feet. Your will be done for Your glory. May everyone know that You are the True Living God and Savior.
With all creation, I sing, praise to the King of kings, You are my everything, and I will adore YOU.
You are so loving, gracious, merciful, and wise!
Lord, we wait for You to move mightily and thank You for what You are going to do.
Praise the Father God, the Savior Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. We love You. Give us faith to carry on today and to wait for Your deliverance.
Please dear child of God, join us across this nation, interceding for those with the deadly virus, those caretakers, medical ones, government leaders in prayer today.
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