Ezra chapter 9: verse 13 (NIV)
What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this.
Proverbs Chapter 23: verse 18 (NIV)
There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Ezra despaired when he saw how the people of Israel had yet again fallen into sin and he prostrated himself before God in repentance on their behalf. Yet even in his despair he realised how compassionate and merciful God had been. He did not therefore give up hope. As we approach Christmas once more, and the end of this year fast approaches, it would be easy for us to despair at the state of the world, and what’s happening all around us. But we can read the words in this verse from the book of Proverbs, and realise that it looks forward to the miracle of Christmas. We need not despair. We too are not punished as our sins deserve, because Immanuel came to dwell among men and brought us hope. Whatever we face in the months that lie ahead, we can hold on to that and give thanks and praise with the angels.
Dear Lord,
You are indeed slow to anger, compassionate and ready to forgive for which I will be forever grateful. Help me to emulate that as Your servant in the year that lies ahead. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.