As you have gone through life, you have dealt with punishment. Whether it was from your parents or some other authority, you have been restricted for a while after doing some sort of wrong. What happens after a while? Are you sentenced to life in the “Prison of the Grounded”? The answer simply is no. What really happened was that you eventually got your privileges back (not necessarily all at once). You really didn’t deserve to regain your privileges, but you deserved, honestly, hell. However, you didn’t receive anything close to hell; you got mercy. As humans, we were born into sin, and we have been making mistakes which result in consequences, but because of the love of Christ, we as Christians have received liberation from wickedness.
Recently, I read the book of Micah, and I observed how the book of Micah was written. First, the children received judgement and punishment because of their sin. The first point of the book was to declare that Israel were going to fall for greed, false prophesying, and much more. Similarly, when we have rebelled against God and those that He has put in authority over us, we have received punishment for our wrongdoings.
The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
Nahum 1:3
Before I move on, I want to point out that punishment for our transgressions is necessary. God does not let the wicked go unpunished, and when we act out, we are being wicked, and we must be punished (see Micah 2:1-11). If you look at the character of God, you will find that he is faithful and just (see I John 1:9). While He will forgive of our sins if we confess them, He will also bring the judgement we deserve, and the judgement is for our benefit and good (see Romans 8:28).
Secondly, this judgement isn’t permanent. When we realize that we have sinned and repent of it, we can reclaim the blessing of being gathered with Jesus and the believers. Micah 2:12-13 explains how Jesus will gather His people – the remnant of Israel. Similarly, Jesus will gather and bring us back together with our brothers and sisters in Christ for communion with Him. To get this blessing, we must turn to Jesus and confess all our sins. Afterwards He will hear us and ultimately, we will be forgiven (see II Chronicles 7:14 and I John 1:9). Remember, God wants us to be with in communication with Him, and He will never leave us in destruction if we repent. So, let’s all pass through the gate from death to life!
I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men. The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.
Micah 2:12-13
Today, I encourage you to trust in the Lord and repent of which you are guilty. I encourage you to remember that this year is the year of relying on the Lord. Rely on God for all you do, and you will see the mercy and blessing talked about in this blog post. So, no matter how wicked your past deeds are, remember that the punishment is only temporary if you bring your reliance back onto him and disown your prior behavior. In conclusion, never lose sight that your necessary punishment after your sin will be forgiven when you repent, and you will receive the mercies of God.
Have a great week, and God bless you!
PARA LA GLORIA DEL SEÑOR,
Jeremiah Yonemura
