Posts
“The more prosperous they became, the more they turned away
from God.” It was that way with Israel
back then, much like it is with us today.
“[The Northern Kingdom of Israel] had not only broken the law of God; they had broken the heart of God … After all God did for
His son [Israel], he will refuse to return His love or obey His will.”
In 11:1-4, God lays out the way Israel had treated Him: “They went away from Me. They offered sacrifices to the Baals … They
did not understand that I had healed
them.”
My commentary said, “The more God called to Israel, the more they strayed from Him. They were
happy to enjoy His gifts, but they
didn’t want to obey the Giver … and
all of us are prone to do what
Israel did: enjoy God’s blessings, but
take God for granted. ‘My people are determined to turn from Me.’”
It also pointed out that God chose to be longsuffering. His heart of love cries out in 11:8, “Israel,
how can I give you up? How can I give
you away, Israel?... My heart beats for
you, and My love for you stirs up My pity.
I won’t punish you in My anger, and I won’t destroy Israel again. I am God
and not a human; I am the Holy One,
and I am among you. I will not
come against you in anger.”
My commentary concluded, “God is longsuffering with His people, as He is with all sinners, even though they lie to Him and rebel
against Him.”
Father, I cannot understand such love, and I’m glad I don’t have to – I only need to accept it. Help those I love to do the same! Thank You for Your longsuffering. Without it, I would have been destroyed long
ago. Such love You have for me!
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
No comments:
Post a Comment