Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Returning to the Lord

Isaiah 55: 6-13
v. 7b – “let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. This is often done with animals, toys, and inanimate objects. But in the Bible, Yahweh is portrayed similarly, especially in thought and mindset.
Verse 8 of this passage says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord”. This is a verse that is often connected to anthropomorphic theology. However, we often forget the verse leading up to it. It is a call for us sinners to seek God and call upon Him. It specifically addresses the thoughts and ways of the wicked and unrighteous. He provides pardon for unrighteous ways and thoughts. The passage clearly points out that the return to the Lord is because of His mercy towards us.
In my Sunday School class, we recently discussed the concept of grace. We defined grace as unmerited favor, a gift given to us that is not earned, or something God gives us that we do not deserve. Grace is getting something you do not deserve, and mercy is not getting something that you do deserve. The foundation of salvation and the life, death and resurrection of Christ is grace.
We as Christians understand the necessity of grace in our lives and are always so thankful when shown grace by our Lord. Yet the irony is how selfish we might be with showing grace to others. How often do we become upset and angry when someone we deem as unworthy, wicked or unrighteous is shown grace? These are moments for us as believers to celebrate. Just as the amazing grace of God saves a wretch like me, it has the same redemptive power for anyone and everyone that seeks Christ. This return to the Lord is the submission to Christ which John the Baptist cried out for.

PRAYER
Thank you Lord for Your grace, mercy and allowing sinners like us to return to you. AMEN

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
 “‘He must increase, but I must decrease.” - John the Baptist

Dr. Ron Jacob, Long Island MTC

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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