iCrucified

[22MAR2012] Lent 2012: Day 30—Reflection and Meditation

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought. Sheltering God,, we pour out our hearts before you, because you are a refuge for us.“

♦ Zechariah 1:3-4

♦ Ezekiel 18:30-32

As I live, says the LORD God, I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather in their conversion, that they may live.

For the past couple weeks I have been studying and reflecting over the work of God in our lives… trying to understand the vast and deep brokenness that eats at the nature of humanity. Subsequent to that idea comes the heart change that is repentance. When I consider how broken and rebellious that man is, I am amazed at the grace and love of God that is directed toward and poured out upon mankind. It matters not that man, at his core, despises God and has nothing but wicked thoughts and deeds toward Him…God Almighty, the Loving Father, loves that rebellious and wicked man anyway.

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Do not be like your wicked ancestors, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil way and from your evil deeds.” But they did not hear or heed me, says the LORD. Zechariah 1:3-4

Repent and turn away from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions you have committed against me, andget yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the LORD God. Turn, then, and live. Ezekiel 18:30-32

Amazing. Absolutely. Utterly. Amazing.