In Isaiah, God says to His people, “Come, let us reason together.” That means, “Come, let’s talk. Let’s discuss your sins and my holiness, and how we can have a relationship. Even if your soul is as red as scarlet, I can make it white as snow” Isaiah 1:18.
God is merciful. He wants to forgive and restore. He invites us to come to Him in our sorrow and find mercy.
Hosea contains a similar passage. After listing Israel’s terrible sins and the terrifying judgment to come, God stops and speaks of mercy.
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel? I have had a change of heart; My compassion is stirred! I will not vent the full fury of my anger. FOR I AM GOD AND NOT MAN, THE HOLY ONE AMONG YOU. I will not come in rage. They will follow the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west. … Then I will settle them in their homes.” Hosea 11:8-11.
Read this again—WHY does God choose compassion? Why does He withhold some of His wrath?
Because He is GOD AND NOT MAN. Men become angry and lose control, but God is stronger than men. God has compassion we will never understand.
GOD still ROARS. But what happens? When God roars, His children do not run away, but return to Him because He is their father.
Does God have to roar to get your attention? Have you allowed a weakness or a “secret sin” to take over your life? Is God roaring, crying out for you to return? Turn to Him while He is offering mercy. Don’t wait for consequences. “Seek the Lord while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6). Get down on your knees and beg God for forgiveness. Surrender to Him your actions, beliefs, thoughts. Give Him full control of your mind and heart.
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