ESOCS Devotional 28 September 2021
TEXT: JONAH 3:1-10
MEMORY VERSE: “If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them” (Jeremiah 18:8).
God cherishes brokenness and contrition. David understood this aspect of God’s nature and said, “… a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Ps. 51:17 NIV). God Himself gave us a clue into His desire for true repentance in us to make it possible that our sins would be forgiven us. He said, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
The people of Nineveh showed true repentance; and the willingness to seek the face and mercy of God to obtain pardon. The king and all his people, including the animals and beasts, humbled themselves and clothed themselves with sackcloth. They fasted, prayed, and cried to God for the forgiveness of their sins. God saw their repentant hearts, and that they turned from their evil ways. He forgave them and cancelled the punishment He had intended for them (Jonah 3:1-10).
The same is true of us in our time. If we truly repent from our sinful ways and turn to God sincerely, we would experience His forgiveness, love, and compassion. He will cleanse us from all sins and unrighteousness; and He will make us pure to the extent that we would be holy as He is.
True repentance helps us to move closer to God and dwell in His presence. He would forget our sins better than a nursing mother would forget the broken glass by her cuddling child. He would cuddle in His warm embrace too, just like the prodigal son.
- To experience God’s forgiveness and love, repent from all sins and wrongdoing.
- Lord, please turn away from anger from us and forgive us.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Matthew 12:38-50; Daniel 12:1-13; Revelation 12:5-11
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ESOCS Devotional 28 September 2021
