February 2, 2012 (Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.” Exodus 34:7 NLT
Observation: Here, the Lord is speaking to Moses. He tells him of His mercy and unfailing love to multitudes of people. He forgives their iniquity, rebellion, and sin, but He does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of parents upon their children and grandchildren, the entire family is affected. We can clearly see the favor of God on those who repent and seek forgiveness of their sins. We can also see clearly the results of walking in sin and rebellion, refusing to repent and turn to the living God. The wages of repentance is life everlasting and God loves to give this gift to all who call upon His name. The wages of sin is death and the devil never fails to pay.
Application: The importance and necessity of repentance can never be stressed enough. Without repentance there can be no forgiveness. Without real repentance one will continue to walk in ways that are not pleasing to the Lord. To repent is more than just a thought. True repentance is a complete change of opinion, attitude, and actions. When we cry out to God in true repentance, seeking forgiveness of our sin, God shows His mercy and unfailing love toward us. He cast our sins as far as the east is from the west and remembers them no more. But before we can enjoy this lavish unfailing love, we must repent and surrender to Him daily.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your lavish unfailing love! You have forgiven my iniquity, rebellion, and sin and filled me with Your Holy Spirit. You have made the wrong in me right. You have cast my sin of yesterday far away and You remember it no more. Your unfailing love embraces me daily, showing me Your way and will for my life. Through Your Son, Jesus, I’ve been pardoned and my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have been spared. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your unfailing love that offers us an opportunity to repent. In Jesus name, Amen!