All settled
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool (Isaiah 1:18b).
How are you with God right now in your life? Is it time to settle some matters with God? For today, he speaks to you. He says, ‘Come now, let us settle the matter’.
What matter is God talking about? When you hear those words, what do you think? What do you understand and believe about God? He wants to settle the matter of sin in all of us.
Do you feel ashamed when you ponder what God has seen you do? Or are you defiant, standing firm and saying there is no sin in your life? Do you turn to run or look to another god to help you?
The most amazing thing about our God – the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – is that he doesn’t want to destroy you; he wants to save you.
You may know the verse John 3:16 by heart. But do you know what John 3:17 says? ‘For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him.’
God’s heart is one of deep love and long suffering when his chosen people, including you and me, sin. When we suffer because of sin – our own and others’ – he suffers with us. He is patient and had a plan when sin first came into the world through Adam and Eve.
Now to settle the matter of sin. God sent Jesus to die in our place. To become sin for all so whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. Jesus came to save sinners, not to point the finger at you and say you failed, have missed out, or have no hope. No – Jesus says, ‘Come to me, and I will give you rest. I have forgiven you all your sins, and I will give you peace the world cannot give. Today, I give you hope and a future in me’.
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Know that the matter is settled between God and you. In Jesus, you are washed clean, and when God looks at you, he doesn’t see your sin. He sees Jesus in you. You are forgiven.
O God, you are a loving God. You turn no-one away. Thank you for settling the matter of sin once and for all on the cross by Jesus, your only Son. My guilt, shame and sins have all been removed, and you have made me your child. Help me walk each day as your forgiven child in your eternal love. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus is currently serving in Brisbane, Queensland, as a Lutheran college pastor. He has two beautiful girls aged six and nine and enjoys hiking with them, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
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