“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” ( 2 Peter 3:9).
When the Lord “said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing'’ ( Gen 12:1-2), history would prove over and over again this prophetic truth. Since then the direct descendants of Abraham- the Jews- have been a tremendously blessed people. In almost every field, but most particular in business and academic world, the Jews dominate.
But just at the same times Jews have had their share of sorrows. Much as they would be blessed; there was also a caveat. For the Lord God said, “However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you” ( Deuteronomy 28: 15).
In later times, not only would many reject Christ as the Messiah but also turn away from God! In 1940-5 scattered from the land God gave Abraham they suffered a holocaust, with certain intent to wipe all of them out!
And how does this speak to us presently. What God says will come to pass, no question. The God who blesses us also is the God who withdraws favors when we disobey him!
But what is comforting is even in our disobedience God is merciful. For He says, “For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy” (Romans 11:30-31).
Today, whatever may be troubling you as separating you from God, know that he is a merciful God, eager and ready to receive those that come to him in repentance.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, not only does your word never go out in vain, through it we find mercy, from which all your blessings follow and which I receive as your child, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
