NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

REFLECTION

Our loving bond with God is the theme for our reflection. Israel felt rejected by God when some of the people found themselves in exile in Babylon. Prophet Isaiah had warned them about the impending judgement of God if they refused to repent and turn back to God. Their hardened heart or disobedience was punished by God, who allowed their enemy, the Babylonian empire, to overpower and take many captives. It was for this reason, “Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” (Isaiah 49:14)

The Prophet Isaiah reminded Israel that although their sin or disobedience led them into exile and devastation, Israel’s loving bond with God was still strong. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” (Isaiah 49:15-16). In other words, Israel is assured that the bond of love that exited between them and God is more than that which exists between a mother and her nursing child.

Dear friend in the Lord, it is important to note that, we may suffer the direct consequences or ramifications of our sins but it does not mean God has forsaken us. Many people erroneously think that forgiveness means a person should not face the direct consequences of his or her evil deeds or sins. The direct consequences of Israel’s sin against God was being exiled into a foreign land. In our time and age, the direct consequences or impacts of sexual immorality could lead to sexually transmitted diseases or infections, unwanted pregnancies and divorce. The direct ramification of armed robbery and murder is custodial sentence of many years in prison. Uploading naked videos or pictures of oneself on social media may come with dire consequences sooner or later that may bring disgrace or shame to oneself and family. These are just but a few examples of the destructive effect of sin or disobedience to God. However God still loves us and is willing to receive us back as His sons and daughters. The question is, are we ready to return to God wholeheartedly or we only call on Him to save us from the harmful effect of our sins or actions only to return to them? “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. (2 Chronicles 7:14-15) Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, strengthen us to remain faithful to you in our loving bond with you.. May your love for us lead us to do your will now and always. Amen