Unconfessed sin in a believers life separates us from the peace of God. God is so willing to restore us when we admit our wrongs and accept His forgiveness and help. As believers we can come boldly to the Throne of Grace confessing our sins.
When we know better, we strive to do better.
One metaphor is that of a vineyard, representing God's people, and based on this imagery, there are a few specific promises from God to His people in Isaiah 27:3-4.
The first promise is that God will tend to His people like a vinedresser or "keeper" (Isaiah 27:3). The job of a vinedresser in the Ancient Near East was to maintain, cultivate and prune the vine to make it as productive as possible. When we think of God investing in His children to make us spiritually productive, it brings a whole new understanding of how God truly cares about each person individually.
The second promise is that the Lord, the vinedresser, waters the vine continually. Isaiah 27:3 says "every moment I water it." This promise is a sweet reminder of God's continual care and provision for His people. God is not going to leave His people without the nourishment they need every single day. Not only does He provide water as a physical resource, but He provides us with access to Himself, the true source of life.
The third promise is that the Lord, the vinedresser, will defend the vine against danger or theft (Isaiah 27:4). God Himself will watch without interruption to be sure the vine is safe, secure and protected. God's watch over His children is constant.
Faith in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection offers us the secure hope of a future in heaven with Him. First5
This week, we embrace—and are embraced by—the gift of grace.
A Prayer for Resting in God's Love
God of Goodness, I come into your presence
so aware of my human frailty
and yet overwhelmed by your love for me.
I thank you that there is no human experience
that I might walk through
where your love cannot reach me.
If I climb the highest mountain you are there
and yet if I find myself in the darkest valley of my life,
you are there.
Teach me today to love you more.
Help me to rest in that love
that asks nothing more
than the simple trusting heart of a child.
Author Unknown
Sabbath Moments
Luke 12:57–59
57 “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? 58 When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.” The New King James Version
Jesus rebuked His audience for being able to discern the weather but not what God was doing through Him. The picture here is of a magistrate who functions like a bailiff bringing a debtor into prison. Since the context of this passage is Jesus’ mission, the judge likely represents God. The message of this parable is to become reconciled to God before judgment comes. The NKJV Study Bible
Christ would have the people to be as wise in the concerns of their souls as they are in outward affairs. Let them hasten to obtain peace with God before it is too late. If any man has found that God has set himself against him concerning his sins, let him apply to him as God in Christ reconciling the world to himself. While we are alive, we are in the way, and now is our time. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Matthew 5:25–26 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
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