Some of the people of Israel, well aware of their sins, were saying, “Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we are rotting away in them; how then can we survive? (vs. 10). An honest, self-awareness, is the first step to healing and health and hope. It was admirable on the part of the people to take this first step. To this step God responded, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live” (vs. 11). God took the initiative then and said, “Turn back, turn back from your evil ways!” (vs. 11).
Truth is that our God is a reaching-out God. He brings renewal to anyone and everyone who will turn away from sin and turn to God. God is not a hard taskmaster, but a Shepherd who loves the sheep of His pasture. God is always reaching out in redemptive love to bring people into the place of safety and healing and wholeness. God is more ready to forgive than we are to ask for forgiveness.
Do you want to change your life, maybe your part of the world? The first step is to turn to God. If you are reading this, then most likely you have already taken this step. The second step is to start living out the meaning of the first step. God says of the person who turns to Him, “None of his sins that he has committed will be remembered against him. He has practiced justice and righteousness; he shall surely live” (vs. 16). “He has practiced justice and righteousness.” That’s how you change your life and your world, “Practice justice and righteousness.”
Spiritual things are very personal, aren’t they? Yet, in a very real way, they are social. To turn to God is to turn to justice and righteousness. It’s not simply about personal piety; it is also about works of mercy. It is about being an ambassador of Christ in the world. In the economy of God, others matter deeply. Years ago, the Salvation Army was holding an international convention and their founder, Gen. William Booth, could not attend because of physical weakness. He cabled his convention message to them. It was one word: "OTHERS."
Others! Jesus said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind…You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39). He also said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). To know God is to love God and others. It is to “treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (Matt. 7:12).
In this Season of Lent, may God help us to examine our hearts so that our love for God will be expressed in our love for others. The world needs a good dose of justice and righteousness. God help us to be His ambassadors in the world.
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