MEDITATIONS FROM ISAIAH

 

December 5 , 2007 

Reading:  Isaiah 44:21-23

 

" I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” Isaiah 44:22

 

The call of God for His people to return to Him is a cry that resounds throughout the Word of God; whether it be Israel, Judah, or the Believer in Jesus Christ. Does it matter, my soul, what sins you have fallen into? Is the length of time you have denied your Savior taken into account? Israel ‘played the harlot’ by creating and worshipping false gods, yet she heard the call of God, “Return to me.”

 

“The LORD said also to me in the days of Josiah the king: "Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there played the harlot. And I said, after she had done all these things, 'Return to Me.'” Jeremiah 3:6-7.

 

Generations rebelled against their God yet the chimes of God’s call for repentance continued to ring out. Do not let your life continue without knowing His peace in your heart and the joy of a close relationship with your Savior. Do not let your life end with your heart far from God.

 

“Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up” Job 22:21-23.

 

O God, my God, You welcomed me back to Yourself:

I was afraid of the reception I would receive,

It was too much to hope for—Your love and reprieve,

Nothing less than punishment is what I deserved.

 

Enough is enough, I finally heard You say;

Irresistibly You drew me back to Your side.

I cowered and fainted, searching where to hide,

I stuttered and stammered, I’d forgotten how to pray.

 

But instead of cross words, Your smile met my gaze;

Not a frown, no anger, did I see on Your face,

Instead I was welcomed with a kiss and embrace,

I heard Your heart beat as You held me tight to Your breast.

 

This was no dream, but an outpouring of Your grace;

I wept and repented, You smiled and forgave.

I need that embrace, and for this my heart craves,

I want for ever to feel Your kisses of love.

 

More than a memory, but my daily delight,

Draw me my Savior, and I’ll run after Thee,

Into Your chambers, this is where I long to be,

Resting in Jesus, forgiven and set free.

 

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Return to Me,’ says the LORD of hosts, "and I will return to you" Zechariah 1:3.

 

“’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land’” Isa 1:18-19.

 

This is the call and promise of God.