Isaiah Chapter 46 verses 12-13(NIV)
Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
you who are now far from my righteousness.
I am bringing my righteousness near,
it is not far away;
and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
my splendour to Israel.
These verses jumped out to me today, but perhaps not as some might imagine. They are a reminder to me that God is in control and knows exactly what He is doing.
It doesn’t matter that Israel even yet is doing her own thing. God will bring her back to Hlmself. But not just Israel. Jesus’ sacrifice means that salvation and righteousness are available to all of us, even those who seem far away right now.
God’s righteousness is not the same as us trying to be self-righteousness. The Bible reminds us that our righteousness is like filthy rags. (Isaiah Chapter 64 verse 6). I think in this uncertain climate we need to remember that we ourselves can do nothing to make ourselves right with God. We must accept that it’s the work of Jesus that brings us to that place. But the good thing is that it takes the pressure away from us. All we need to accept that we can do nothing and be thankful that Jesus has done it all for us, and that even in the midst of what currently seems religious chaos, God will put everything right.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your timing is perfect, and that You have promised that even the stubborn hearted will return to You. Thank You Jesus for opening the door of salvation for all of us so that we can draw near to the Father. Amen.