17/06/2023 - THEY FOUND GRACE

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Thus says the LORD: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness— Israel, when I went to give him rest.” Jeremiah 31.2

The Israelites escaped from Pharaoh’s sword, but in the desert where they spent a long and painful time, they found God’s grace. It’s amazing how it supported Israel even in that very hostile environment to man. Although in that group there were people of all ages, including children, no plague occurred among them, except when they sinned (Deuteronomy 29.5). No matter where God puts you, live with joy and faith!

When Nazism took over Germany, Adolf Hitler, its leader, ordered the genocide of the Jews. An estimated six million lives were taken because of the madness of this man without any pity for the children of Jacob. However, God’s grace prevented the annihilation of the patriarch’s descendants, even though they refused to listen to the Lord, who wept over Jerusalem, saying that their house would be empty of divine power (Matthew 23.37,38)!

Only in Heaven will we know the reason for all that suffering, but the fact is that God did not allow the extermination of the Jews. Now, Germany, a great power, was determined to dominate the world, making sure that there were no Jews left on the face of the earth. The Lord, however, in His wonderful grace, acted wisely and showed His people how much He values them. So, while we don’t know for sure why the Jews faced such terror, it is certain to say that rejecting Jesus was the worst decision they could have made (John 1.11)

God’s grace is everywhere, ready to work in the lives of those who love Him with all their hearts. All we have to do is listen to the Most High and follow His commands, for since He rules over everything and everyone, He is wise. We cannot let the enemy divert our attention from the divine precepts. He who is wise does not think twice about acting as the Father has commanded. The Lord is the Commander!

The statement is Israel – it evidences that God’s commands are intended first and foremost for those called by His Name. The term “Christian” means Christ-like, like a miniature of the Master. Being like Him, why don’t we consecrate ourselves as the Son of the Almighty did? Jesus learned obedience through His afflictions (Hebrews 5.8), and yet we ignore His guidance as we enter seemingly endless battles.

The Word guarantees: “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. (Malachi 3.6). We can expect from the Lord the same treatment given to Israel, for that is how He teaches His people to fear Him. If we get away from the Scriptures, we will end up lost in the labyrinths of life: To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8.20).

We live in a different time than Israel did before Calvary. Now the end of the word that came to God’s people is fulfilled: When I give to him rest (Jeremiah 31.2c). There is no reason for us to struggle in order to obtain some divine promise, because Jesus consummated everything in His death and resurrection. Our struggle today is in believing, for Christ has already overcome the devil!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares