Focus: Jonah 3:10 - KJV
10. And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Jeremiah 18:5-10
God is full of mercy not only to the individual, but also to a whole nation. The problem is, this merciful God is way too high for man to think of desecrating Him. When it appears man is however becoming insubordinate and therefore impertinent, God, who is full of love, rather than stay to be treated shabbily by His unreasoning creature, gives space to the same to prove what he thinks he can achieve without God. Hence, whenever a being or a nation decides to live in sin and against God’s injunction, He leaves them alone. The consequence of that is that they are left to the ‘mercy’ of the evil one, and that, if we know it, is never a palatable experience.
Job was free from evil incursions and enjoyed life to the envy of many, until the enemy asked the Lord to step aside and see if Job would not deny Him. God’s stepping aside made Job vulnerable and he suffered immense hardship in the hands of the enemy. The nation called Nineveh did not know that they were thriving because the Lord was with them. When their misbehavior was getting to the point that God was going to leave them to their folly, He sent Jonah to warn them of the consequences of their ill-living. Incidentally, Nineveh heeded the warning and repented. Alas, God stayed on with them, and they were saved from destruction. Every time old Israel realized their folly and returned to God, He saved them, by His mercy. David messed up so badly in his affairs with Urriah: the Lord sent him word that He was about to vacate his domain. David repented and the Lord stayed with him to forestall his being devastated, even though the Lord allowed a little opening for the enemy to charge him from time to time, that he might realize for the rest of his life, that evil deeds expose one to opprobrium.
It is never too late to turn around from an evil endeavor so as to keep the Lord in our company. A refusal to turn around is an invitation to separation from the Lord, who has been our shield from the fierce hurt in the hands of the evil one. No wonder He says If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. No matter how far gone a people may be therefore, salvation is waiting if only they can reach out genuinely to the living God. He is abundantly able to deliver and to save. All He asks for is our humility and submission to Him, alone.
SOLUTION: Separation from God comes with dare consequences. Keep God in your company by keeping Him in close fellowship through praises, Bible study, prayers and obedience. If there had been an error, then repent in humility. Salvation is assured in this.
Please pray: Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before you, as individuals and nations. We confess that whilst you were with us, we enjoyed a blissful reign, but now, we are exposed to all manner of things from the enemy’s camp. Please forgive and restore us unto yourself, in Jesus’ name. Let your presence in our camp drive away the enemy completely from our affairs, in the name of Jesus. Save us O Lord, and we will serve you ever more, in Jesus’ name.
If you are blessed by this post, kindly share with your contacts, as well as others, that they may be blessed also. Thank you and may God bless you abundantly as you do so, in Jesus’ name.
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