This chapter has two main sections: God’s commitment to punish His people for their extreme sin, and then a promise to restore them once their penalty has been paid.
” ‘…the days are coming, declares the Lord, when it shall… be said… “As the Lord lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.” For I will bring them back to their own land… I am sending for many fishers… and they shall catch them… I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them… But first I will doubly repay their iniquity and their sin, because they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and have filled my inheritance with their abominations.’ ” (v14-18 abr)
It’s pretty clear that God’s righteousness detests, and will not tolerate sin. Sin has a penalty: removal from God’s presence. That removal may be temporary exile in this life, or it may lead to permanent banishment from heaven, just as Adam and Eve were cast out of Eden (where God’s presence dwelt).
The great news is once sin’s penalty has been paid, we are forgiven, and invited back into God’s presence (we are restored / redeemed). This is why God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for sin and (re)invite us into His kingdom / presence.
Let’s embrace the forgiveness God has mercifully and graciously offered, accepting Jesus as both Savior and King. We can then go into all of the world (eg. our workplace, a coffee shop, our home, or another country) and live our redeemed lives, being witnesses for Christ. As we live our lives, fully submitted to the ways of Jesus, people will take notice, especially with how broken our world is today (if you don’t know how broken this world is, watch the news for ten minutes).
The more people the Holy Spirit can reach through us, the more people will be restored into God’s presence. Doing the work of Jesus requires much prayer and patience, though the eternal rewards for our co-heirs in Christ will far outweigh any minor personal sacrifice.
Father God, our Merciful and Gracious Lord, we praise Your loving and forgiving name. Thank you again for the redemptive power of Jesus’ self-sacrifice, and the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides us. May we work alongside You to invite more people into a restored relationship with You, and fill Your inviting kingdom. We love You Lord, and seek to worship You with every thought and deed, each and every day, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training