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(Reading: Isaiah 1:24-31)
"Zion shall be redeemed by justice and those in her who repent by righteousness"_ *_Isaiah 1:27 (ESV).
In a story told by Billy Graham, a man was charged with and convicted for murder. But before his execution, he was handed a paper with the word "PARDONED" written on it. The convicted man, however tore the note and was therefore sent to prison awaiting his execution. When granted the opportunity to say his last words, he said, "Tell the world, I am not dying for my crime, but because I rejected pardon." Many people argue that if Christians claim that Jesus died for the world, why then should anyone go to hell? In Isaiah 1:27, God made a promise of redemption by justice and that he would redeem those in Zion who repent by righteousness. Our redemption is therefore not only a function of the cross but also based on our own decision to accept to come to God through Christ and accept what God offers to us. Only those who repent, according to the focus verse, will be redeemed by righteousness. By Jesus' death, divine justice was served and when we repent and come to God, his righteousness in Christ is imputed to us. Until we make the choice of repenting and coming to God, his redemptive work will not benefit us. What choice have you made concerning your redemption?
Key Lesson: Christ died for our redemption, but only those who willingly accept his pardon will receive it.
Meditation and Prayer: Lord, I pray that our loved ones will choose to come to you as I choose to remain in you.
Further Reading: John 1:10-13.
The Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 8-12.