- “We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.” Clearly in considering his (and his people’s) fitness to come before God to worship, the lack of fitness comes to the fore. What about you? As you come to worship, do you do so aware of your shortcomings or do you enter God’s presence confident as one who has every right to be there?
Well, in these times when I am reflecting on the Word I am often made aware of my shortcomings; rarely during worship. Not that I enter into the Sanctuary arrogant.
- The rest of the verses recount how the Israelites failed to respond rightly to God’s faithfulness. Go through the verses and pick out the causes of their failure (e.g. they took no notice of God’s acts). How can you learn from their mistakes?
They forgot;
they gave in to their cravings;
they put God to the test;
they grwe envious;
they sought a tangible god;
they took God’s blessing for granted;
they tried other gods;
they rebelled against God;
they compromised with the world and adopted their ways;
they prostituted themselves.
- “Therefore the Lord was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He gave them into the hands of the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power.” What happened when the Israelites failed?
God became angry and gave them what they deserved and they fell under the power of the enemy.
- “Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy.” Yet God rescues them from the consequences of their failure and cares for them in their suffering. Why? Do you think you enjoy the same consideration from God?
Because he is God and he remains true even when we are false.
Yes, because he remains the same God.