Scripture:
Romans 10:21 But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.
Observation:
This letter is for Israel but it applies to the church today. Zeal can be a good thing, if it is directed toward the right thing. The Israelites were zealous of the wrong things for the wrong reasons. Disobedient people turn their backs toward God and having a relationship with Him. Stubborn people believe it’s our will versus God’s will and choose our will. Even though Israel rejected God, God continues to pursue them. Our God is a patient God. Our God is a forgiving God. Our God is a loving God.
Application:
God desires a relationship with me. He has his hands out for me all day long. I often take his love for granted and I don’t have the sense of urgency I often need. God is waiting for us. He is always there. However, I must act now. Too often, we think we have time and that God will always be there but we tend take God for granted. We think we will always have time to come to Him. Yes, He will always be there for us BUT we may not be able to make the choice to go to Him. I must act NOW. A day or night will eventually come when our abilities to make a choice will go away. I think of my grandmother who had Alzheimer’s. I telephoned her and had a conversation with her one day. The next time I called she didn’t know me and never remembered me the rest of her life. Her day had come. Thankfully, she was a believer.
I must be accepting to others. God has given me the example of how I am to love. God knew the Israelites were disobedient and stubborn yet he still loved them. I guess that means I must still love my sister even though she has made horrible decisions and continues to frustrate the family. God provided the example of how I am to love knowing that He is perfect and we are not.
Prayer:
Thank you for being a God that seeks me. You seek me even though I am not worthy. Thank you for being a loving God. Loving me first and showing me how to love others.