God's Arms Are Wide Open

“"Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” Joel 2:12-13 ESV

At a time of pending judgment the prophet Joel is calling God’s people to repentance. Even in spite of their backslidden condition the Lord appeals to them to return to Him with all their heart. The people had strayed from God and became complacent and given over to sin and compromise. The invitation to return was especially for those who had gone astray. God welcomed them to return to Him, meeting them with His grace and mercy and abounding love, not judgment or disaster.

The invitation to return to God for those who have gone astray is still offered today. God is making his appeal and welcomes us to return to Him. Our return will be met with His grace and mercy and abounding love, not judgment or disaster just as it was in the days of Joel. The Bible invites us to approach the throne of His grace, not the throne of judgment; where we will receive His mercy and grace to help in time of need. Although the believer will one day stand before the Judgment seat of Christ when we pass from this life we are instructed to approach the throne of grace while we are living. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 ESV. Return to Him, refuse to let sin, condemnation, guilt or shame keep you from His presence.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times when we have turned away from you and gone astray. We choose to return to you with all our heart. Forgive us where we have sinned. We approach your throne of grace where we will be met with your mercy to help us in our time of need. Thank you in Jesus Name.

God Bless,

Pastor Matt