Today’s Reading, Isaiah 28-30
Focal Scripture: Isaiah 30:18 “Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.”
The book of Isaiah has been filled so far with judgement on cities and people. We also know that those who choose not to believe in the Lord will also experience judgement at their death and in the last days. If we are honest nobody likes to be judged because it is uncomfortable and soul exposing. We often don’t view judgement as fair because the people who judge almost always have an ulterior motive. This motive often comes from a place of self promotion or to destroy others.
In today’s reading we see that God’s judgement is not only good but justified. Why, you may ask? Because God provides a way out of his judgement. He does this by showing mercy and compassion because he is just in his character. God’s desire is that nobody experiences his righteous judgement so he has always provided a way out for those who believe in him with all of their heart.
You might be feeling the weight of your sin and life today. You may even be experiencing consequences for your actions. However, if you are a believer you can have confidence that his judgement of your sin has been placed on Jesus on your behalf. He has shown you mercy and compassion. As believers we do not focus on this truth long enough. We should be in awe and amazement that the Lord treats us as well as he does.
For the unbeliever God wants you to know that he wants to give you compassion and mercy also. He doesn’t desire to punish you or separate you from himself for all eternity. This compassion and mercy is found when you acknowledge your need for a savior. You put your faith in Christ to forgive your sins and submit to him daily. Once you do this the punishment that you deserve will be placed on Jesus. You will know that God is full of compassion and mercy and it will change your life for the better.
This topic is important because sometimes you will run into people and churches that focus on nothing but God’s wrath. They miss the point that he provided a way out of that wrath. I encourage you today to think about what you have received. Then treat other people with that same compassion and mercy. If you want a test to figure out if you understand who God is it can be done by examining this truth, how do you treat others? Compassion and mercy or judgement and wrath?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Isaiah 31-35
