God shields us from iniquitiesSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: God releases us from all sorts of iniquities, our eyes and our hearts glance, quire often, at the past evil days of our life. But yet our Lord Jesus, to redeem us from the fierce wrath of God, the Lord of lords, intercedes for us. The people of Israel worked great provocations (against God) (Nehemiah 918). Yet, God showed them great compassion as He was to them 'God - who forgives (Psalm 99: 8).
Why did the Lord grant them pardon?
When the Israelites 'worked' horrible 'provocations' against God, almost rejecting Him out of their lives, Moses the servant of God proceeded to God's presence and interceded for them, "Yet now, if You forgive their sin - but, if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written" (Exodus 32:32). God's heart softened.
"So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people." (Exodus 32:14)
Yet, 'In their hearts they turned back to Egypt' (Acts 7:39). Even at that time of defiance, God did not forsake them, but pardoned them (Nehemiah 9:17). When Moses pleaded with God for the sinning Israelites persuasively, the Lord acceded to his request, "I have pardoned according to your word" (Nehemiah 14:20).
Let me tell you a humorous story, which I read in a magazine. In a Western country, a believer was seen relishing a cup of liquor by another believer, who questioned him, "Oh, why are you swilling this when God is watching you?" The liquor-tasting believer said, "Yes, I know God is watching me, but He will keep it a secret, as He is not as leaky-mouthed as you. My only anxiety is that you will be broadcasting this to all and sundry." Not withstanding this sense of humour what the liqour-imbibing believer had done was that he had back-slidden and has turned back to Egypt." He had forgotten that he belonged to the Lord.
Sometimes, when we observe people of sinful tendencies we delude ourselves, imagining -'He does not love God at all. He extracts bribes. He indulges in all kinds main practices. Yet he wallows in wealth and luxuries in his house. I love God and have been constricted from receiving bribes or doing pleasurable things. Had I too been leading a sinful life... had I gone back to 'Egypt'... I would have amassed a mass of wealth and comforts." With these illusions, we yield to evil temptations, sinful desires, status-loving ideas and sensual sensations synchronizing with our physical lusts. We are finally drawn towards our sinful life (Egypt).
Dear friends, even as prophet Moses pleaded with God for the Israelites, Jesus Christ, our 'Advocate with the Father'... 'Ever lives to make intercession' for us, sinners (Hebrews 7:25; 1 John2:1). Even though the Lord God releases us from all sorts of iniquities, our eyes and our hearts glance at the past evil days of our life. But yet our Lord Jesus, to redeem us from the fierce wrath of God, the Lord of lords, intercedes for us saying, "Father, please be patient this once. He has mistakenly allowed this inane evil thought into his mind because of worry and weakness. Kindly forgive My child." That is why we are shielded from any further iniquities crossing our life and we are enjoying His presence. How blessed are we! God will certainly prevent us from commission of sinful activities this New Year also.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Thank you for another day, within this life of mine. Give me strength to live it well, whatever I may find. Bestow from your abundance, whatever I may lack, to use the hours wisely. I praise You for interceding for me all the time at Heaven. Shield me Lord from all iniquities. Prevent me from committing sins. In Jesus' mighty name I pray.
Amen. |