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“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I had the incredible opportunity to walk where Jesus walked—the Holy Land of Israel. Along with picturesque scenery, it was heartwarming to see a remnant of the Jewish people who have held fast in prayer; praying for their nation, their families, and the preservation of their land. I saw young Hebrew children playing kickball within the walls of Jerusalem, while orthodox mothers pushed their infants in strollers as their husbands— muttering prayers by their side— were careful not to look upon us, the Gentiles.
I felt compassion for them— love and affection, too; but, also, a certain amount of discontentedness was stirring. I was moved by their devotion to God, community and faith…and yes, to their “TRADITION!” I was convicted and challenged to live a deeper and more holy life than I ever have before. No, not so that I might be saved and earn a free pass to Heaven by my “good works” as many of the devout mistakenly think. Scripture clearly indicates that we are saved (i.e. forgiven of the penalty of our sin) by His grace, given to us through faith, not by any “good” thing we have done to earn it. (Eph: 2:8-9). Thank goodness! How many “good things” would I need to do to be “good enough” for a most holy God if this were not the case? Think about that!
So, then, I do the things that I do (and avoid doing other things) to be a witness: a good example of one who believes in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah, in order that I might lead people to a consecrated life. Still, upon visiting Israel, my thoughts turned to repentance, both personally and nationally. I became increasingly mournful of the state of our nation. One could clearly see just how far we have all been led astray from God and His will for our lives…
These last few years, I have been reading through the Bible very intentionally: studying every footnote, chart, graph and cross reference in order that I might balance out the teachings of the “new” testament with that of the “old.” I especially enjoyed reading through the prophets and was utterly distressed by the waywardness of God’s people! Yes, God’s people! Throughout Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel and many other texts, God sent His loving warnings and admonitions for the sake of His people, yet they wouldn’t hear and change their wicked ways.
Does this not happen today? Are there not “voices crying out in the wilderness,” calling people into a deeper relationship with Him? Are there not evangelists, prophets, teachers, pastors and apostles building the kingdom of God… or at least trying to? Be advised, I am not necessarily talking about high-profile personalities—some with a knack for financial marketing and/or other agendas. I am talking about godly people living godly lives and sharing the good news of the gospel that proclaims liberty to captives and sets free those who are bound. (Isaiah 61:1)
It was an apostle, Paul, who warned us to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Gal: 5:1) Further, we are to come out from the world of unbelievers and be separate. (2 Cor 6:17) Simply put: we are not to do what everyone else does! We have been called to be set apart: to follow the standard for which others may grow in their relationship with Christ and their community. Let it be understood that there are, in fact, consequences for not following this standard.
Countless times, Scripture records destruction; however, I have never seen it apart from God’s love. Proverbs 3:12 tells us, “For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” God allows destruction out of His love for His people, to preserve them, redirect them, and lead them back. The Jewish people of Israel are well aware of this. Lest anyone think this is “Old” testament prophecy shattered by grace, the “New Testament” tells us in Hebrews 12:6, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
I have been chastised and disciplined along my walk–painful indeed! At times, it seemed more than I could bear. Yet, I know I am loved and a child of God. I am fully convinced that God’s chastisement is out of love. Imagine the day when the impact of this pain will be felt on our nation/world as a whole as God executes His righteous judgments, motivated by love and tempered with justice and mercy, in order to accomplish His will for His people: leading us back to Him. Please don’t wait. Start walking in renewed faith today.
I do not know what will happen in the ensuing weeks, months, years ahead. Much like the apostle Paul said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) Thus, as I fight of the good fight of faith, along with you, and do not succumb to fear, I can only say: let us cling to the hem of His garment and, I pray, to each other…
By Sherry Anne
First published by SGN Scoops digital magazine in June 2014. For current issues visit SGN Scoops mainpage.