03/11/2021 - WALKING AFTER GOD

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Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “I remember you, The kindness of your youth, The love of your betrothal, When you went after Me in the wilderness, In a land not sown. Jeremiah 2.2

Because He is merciful, the Lord insists that people who turn away from Him return to His fold. Outside the fold, they will be swallowed by the wolf and his devouring pack. One cannot live away from God and be kept by His power. Those who fall into sin find themselves in the enemy’s hands, but the Lord wants the transgressor to return to His arms as soon as possible (Revelation 2.5), for the days are evil (Ephesians 5.16).

To attract those who stray, the Most High speaks of the memories that still remain in their hearts, of their affection for Him, using poetic language about the love of the bride and groom, who are eager for the wedding to take place. Meanwhile, the bride and groom speak tender words to each other. The Almighty cites the fact that the Hebrews walked by His side for 40 years in the desert, when He wonderfully provided for their needs.

Do you remember the “first love” toward God in your heart (Revelation 2:4), when there was pleasure in being in His presence, attending wonderful services, and praying for hours? This is what He was saying to the Israelites: “Return, and you will be forgiven”. At Jesus’ return, those who are in sin will remain in that position forever (Matthew 24.42-51). That is the danger! So watch out!

Just as Jeremiah was to go through the streets of Jerusalem warning those who had transgressed but not repented, we must remind everyone of their wrongdoing, because eternal damnation will never be cancelled. Not even an opportunity will be given to those who have been condemned. Loving the world only makes the situation of the wicked worse (1 John 2.15,16). Mercy!

Throughout 40 years, Israel walked after the Lord and no plague troubled them – except when they sinned. That is the difference for those who are in God, and God in them: If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15.7). It is worth considering all that He pronounced, so that we may escape suffering in Hell. Pray!

Return to being led by your heavenly Father, letting Him move you from your place when He gives the sign – changing the position of the cloud of His presence ahead of you (Exodus 13.21; Numbers 9.17). By doing so, your entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven is guaranteed. Do not walk according to the prince of the power of the air. Now, all he wants is to lead you to the precipice. Only he who denies himself can follow the Master (Mark 8.34), but he who walks blindly stumbles!

The Lord reminded the Israelites that one time, they followed Him into a barren land – unable to sow. Yet, day after day, He sent the manna for them to eat, and among them, there was not a single invalid: He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes (Psalm 105.37). He wants to do this for us!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares