Do we see Israel, God’s people, threatened – not in unity over religious thought – back-slidden; challenged again with extinction?
Or do we see Israel as being chastened and pruned: God’s workmanship?
Throughout a reading of the prophets to Israel, a new day is coming that will eclipse anything Israel has ever known. Abraham’s promise is soon to be happening and Israel’s enemies are soon to receive the fate they wish on others.
What about the church – its members in particular – loved and therefore being chastened: bearing little fruit but being groomed: pruned for the harvest that has to come. Both are God’s workmanship. We will have failed – not completely – but Jesus never!
He can wait. He is waiting perhaps for you dear reader. In love, He is longsuffering, not wanting any to perish, adding daily to the church those who are willing: honest enough to turn to Him.
The enemy will say, “I never saw it coming.” But he should have, could have – wouldn’t, but not couldn’t: blind by choice. Evil, already beyond the reach of mercy: completely evil. Guilty but not interested: the hypocrite who sees not the filth of his own heart: the “mote in his own eye: another Accuser.
What about that we all sin, his fault? Accusing others – perhaps thinking to make himself look good if he can look down his nose at them – not considering the consequence of his own sin. He misses the vast mercy of God. He is not himself merciful. He doesn’t care – literally and honestly – he does not care.
The accuser cries about injustice; taxes others to deal with it, criticizes, —solves nothing, and is all for programs for helping but denies the power of God’s personal salvation. He hates the term: being saved; says it is hypocrisy, nonsense.
He is boastful, selfish, self – centered and thinks himself — self-sufficient. And what about death and beyond? He is willing to take his risks; after all, his view of himself is exalted above his brother.
God’s workmanship does not look like this. His are those with “a broken and contrite heart” of whom Jesus says, He “will not turn away.
He speaks of “those who mourn that (by Him) they will be comforted.
He speaks of “those who hunger for righteousness” and promises, “they shall be filled.”
He speaks to those who are so accused by so many, telling them “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Are you heavy laden? Are you burdened down with care? Is your burden heavy? Do you suffer with despair?
Do you feel defeated? Do you think that no one cares? Dear friend please do listen to those lies. Your God is very near.
Listen to His message. It is not that you are wrong. He will in no way leave you: turn to Him who for you long.
Come to me, He tells you. I will take your wrong on ME. Tenderly I love you, let me carry you.
Then I said dear Jesus, I’ve no right to come to you. But won’t you please come help me: so much has gone so wrong.
Now I sing His praises. He means so much to me. He reached right down and touched me: His love has set me free,
There has been seen two: The arrogant critic and the humble believer. God’s workmanship has always been visible on earth; His help has always been promised to us. Yes, we have all sinned; but some of us have been saved from our sin.
“Name Him Jesus,” the angel told both Mary and Joseph, “For He will save my people from their sins.” This is the truth.
“His people” are His workmanship. Oh how He loves you and me.
Buddy.