I cannot read verses 6&7 without thinking about Christmas and the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. What a gift God bestowed on humankind! Jesus, the way of salvation, the Lord of glory, who gave His life for mine and all people.
And yet, the wonderful words of life and hope and salvation in verses 6&7 are a future promise from God. However, in the present moment, God’s anger rages against these stubborn and rebellious people. Such is the message of 8-21.
Processing all of this, I realize that although God is loving and gracious toward us, God doesn’t take sin lightly. Sin has consequences and we must not take God’s graciousness for granted. If I am living in sin and rejecting God calls to repent and return, then I should not expect to get off scot-free.
I need to think about this some more…
Lord, tomorrow at worship we will celebrate communion. The bread and the cup are reminders of Jesus’ life and blood given so that we can live. Lord, I am reminded of Peter, when asked on Pentecost what must we do to be saved, replied that people must repent and be baptized. Baptism signified that they believed and worshipped Jesus as Lord…
Thank You, Lord God, for Jesus, the Way of Salvation… Amen.
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