NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

REFLECTION

“You are not forgotten” is the theme for our reflection. You are not forgotten means God will remember you in your times of trouble or afflictions. 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. In their despair and feeling of rejection, “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 hence they were not forgotten by God. Prophet Isaiah therefore assured the Israelites,  “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 existed between them and God is more than that which exists between a mother and her nursing child therefore God has a redemptive plan and purpose for their lives. The fact that God does not forget His own in their times of trouble and affliction is further corroborated when He said to Israel “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14) We Christians, find the assurance of God promise of not forgetting us when Jesus said to the disciples “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

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 consequence of Israel’s sin against God was being exiled to 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 a 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 does not forget us in our affliction or suffering. He is ever willing to receive us back as His sons and daughters if we are willing to repent and obey Him. The question is, are we ready to return to God wholeheartedly or do we only call on Him to save us from the harmful effect of our sins or actions to return to them later? To prove that we are not forgotten, the Lord has assured us, “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)

In summary, we have been reassured that in our troubles and afflictions, God will not forget us. This a message of hope that requires unshakable faith in the Word and promises of God Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, thank You for remembering us always. Strengthen us to remain faithful to you and may your love for us lead us to do your will now and always. Amen