Mark Sorensen The “check engine light” recently popped on in my Toyota 4 Runner. With that car quickly approaching the 200,000-mile marker, it’s bound to happen on occasion. I know this. Yet, with the warning comes the “uh oh, this could be super costly.” So, I’m not ashamed of this. I lay hands on my dashboard and pray for a mechanical healing and mercy from the mechanic. Honestly? I think God loves random weird prayers like this one. Long story short, the problem wasn’t huge and the light has returned to it’s dormant, non lit-up stage. Though I hate that light, if I don’t heed that warning, things could be much worse.
I was recently reading in Isaiah and came across a header at the top of chapter 30 that read, “Woe to the Obstinate Nation.” How’s that for a warning? In it, God is speaking to His chosen people who have allowed sin to separate them from Him. In the opening words of this chapter, God says that the people’s sin is very much like a high wall, “cracked and bulging, which, if not addressed, could collapse suddenly and without warning” (Isaiah 30:13). Isn’t this what sin does in our lives if it’s not addressed? Slowly, methodically, it builds to the point of breaking.
God warns His people of the destruction of sin. [pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]He’s calling them in for a check-up and, greater, it doesn’t end with the warning. It actually ends with an invitation and blessing.[/pullquote]
He’s calling them in for a check-up and, greater, it doesn’t end with the warning. It actually ends with an invitation and blessing. God continues with the following words: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion” (Isaiah 30:15,18). Isn’t that amazing?
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. It was a day where believers gathered around the world to receive the mark of ashes on their foreheads. It’s a reminder that we are not defined by our sin. Listen. You are not your sin. You are not your mistakes, your failures or your bad choices. You are not your brokenness. You are a child of God, passionately loved and patiently pursued. I love the assurance found in the words in Isaiah, “The Lord longs to be gracious to you.” It’s His desire to reach you where you are. To comfort you. To forgive you. Scripture says, “He will rise up to show you compassion.”
As we begin this Lenten journey, can I encourage you? Walk slowly in your study of the Word. Pray more. Dig in deeper to discipleship. Don’t run ahead of God; simply walk with Him.
