Apples of Gold

If you have been a follower of Jesus for a while chances are you get that God is a merciful, compassionate and loving God. Quick to forgive and ready to restore those who come to him with pure hearts and true submission. 

If you have been a follower of Jesus for a while chances are you also have a long list of things that you have really messed up, could have done better, or should have completely avoided. This list tends to be a problem for us because the enemy is constantly reminding us of every single thing we have put on that list. We crumple it up and toss it in the trash only to find it has been retrieved and it is staring us in the face-again. While we are reviewing it we might as well add a few more items to it. 

If you have been a follower of Jesus for a while chances are you could use a reminder that HE IS FOR YOU! 

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. So don’t let anyone condemn you…Colossians 2:13-16

There has been plenty of condemnation going around lately. Some will condemn you for not following the rules well enough. Others will call you hateful because you are following those same rules. The enemy will condemn you for whatever he thinks will hurt you the most. You condemn yourself for the poor decisions you make. 

Thankfully in spite of all the condemnation raging around you-HE IS FOR YOU!

In one of my darkest times, I found courage reading about the antics of Israel, and seeing God’s relentless love and compassion, despite their repetitive bellyflops. 

Long ago the LORD said to Israel: I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. Jeremiah 31:3

God’s unending patience and mercy was alive and well-and frequently tested-by the children of Israel. One prime example is the life of Manasseh, King of Judah. 

He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. 2 Kings 21:2

If you want to feel better about your list, take a few minutes and read over his! Not only did he blatantly disobey God but he led the entire nation into disobedience.

The people refused to listen, and Manasseh led them to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the LORD had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land. 2 Kings 21:9

And now for the good news. After God sent a major wake up call by way of foreign invaders Manasseh came to his senses:

But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the LORD listened to him and was moved by his request. So the LORD brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the LORD alone is God! 2 Chronicles 33:12-13

If you took the time to read the first list take a few minutes and read this one as well. Manasseh had a complete turn around. Even before Jesus came and sacrificed his life for us God was in the business of showing mercy to all who cried out for it in sincerity. If he did it then-the God who doesn’t change is surely still doing it today!

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Psalm 103:8-14

Forgive and forget is something we are not very good at but God has it down cold. My friend, in case you still need a reminder, HE IS FOR YOU! 

…Because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love… Micah 7:18b—20a