Bible Reading: Isaiah 30:1-end
“Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures” – Isaiah 30:23 (KJV).
Our present day Christian journey is typified in Israel’s relationship with God in the old dispensation. It was not a smooth sail all the way as there were time of rebellion and divine retribution. As a selected people through whom the messiah was to come, God being righteous and holy could not condone transgression and iniquity among the chosen race. Israel was on several occasion subject to divine retribution and discipline. In Isaiah 30:9-10 (KJV) the Almighty God specified Israel’s rebellious acts. “That this is a rebellious people; lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceit.” Consequent upon these rebellious act God, in Isaiah 30:13 (KJV), pronounced their punishment: “Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.” Sin can be forgiven but its consequence will always take place. God though will punish sin He will always provide us with the choice of repentance. When a people come to their senses as a nation regarding their nefarious ways of life and repents, God as a father will always in His benevolence forgive and heal the wounds His discipline has brought to us. When God sends His retribution and people begin to experience the pang of such discipline He will always send along His anointed teachers. As a loving father, He will be waiting for our response to the word He sends to us through His anointed messengers. ”And although the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner anymore, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers; And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:20-21 (KJV).
In all generations God’s discipline is not punitive but corrective. The bread of adversity and water of affliction comes as acts from God to call our attention to repentance from our evil ways as a people. When the church begins to be worldly and support evil in the land to the extent that God’s ordained ministers become instruments of oppression and supporters of corruption God sends in adversity and affliction in the land, but at the same time, He raises a few anointed prophets to speak out to give them route of escape via repentance. The bible says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV), “If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The picture of God’s benevolence that comes through genuine repentance is attestable to in Isaiah 30:23-25. Also in the book of Joel we see the blessedness of repentance in play, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, the caterpillar, and the palmerworm. My great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” –Joel 2:25-26(KJV). It is God’s benevolent love that moves him to show such a great love towards His People, see Joel 2: 13(KJV), “Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repented him of the evil.”
My dear reader, the above is the picture of God’s love and benevolence. That same God extends His hands of fatherhood to you through His Son, Jesus Christ, calling you to repent so that your sins can be forgiven and your life restored. Make haste to embrace this opportunity. GOD LOVES YOU.
Prayer: Father thank you for your love that can be seen even in your reprove and discipline.
Brother Joel Ezeugo