The Lord’s Willingness to Forgive 

Zephaniah 2.1-7

        The people were infested with sin; the Law of the Lord had been put aside to worship meaningless, yet captivating, idols; the desires of the Lord were forgotten as they made room for the fulfillment of their selfish desires. Judgment was coming; the prophecies against Judah would soon be fulfilled; the people who once enjoyed the blessings of God would be devastated and dispersed. Yet, the Lord was willing to draw men to Himself; He was still willing to forgive the repentant. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD (Zephaniah 2.3). The LORD was clear that His mercy would override His anger toward sin when honest repentance was present. This was not a repentance which simply mouthed words which sought to appease God, but those coming from heart-rooted repentance, producing change in life and actions.

        The Lord’s mercy has not changed; He is still ever willing to forgive. No matter the depth of sin, the ugliness of actions, the misery of life, the wickedness of the heart, or the bondage of the enemy, there is hope. Our Lord is willing to forgive, to cleanse us of all sin, and to draw us to Himself. He calls us to do His just commands, for He never asks us to do anything but what is in harmony with His holy will. He calls us to seek righteousness, to make the true effort to do what is right in His eyes. He calls us to seek humility, to know we are nothing, we can do nothing, and we have no ability in ourselves – for all we are, are able to do, and all we have is a gift from God. As we seek Him, He gives the assurance that on the day of judgment we will be hidden; not hidden from God but rather hidden by God in the depths of His steadfast love and abundant grace. He will keep us for Himself and protect us from His just judgment, not because of who we are, but because of who He is and His sovereign, redemptive work.

Resting in God’s mercy – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry