I’m sick today. I have acute bronchitis, also known as a chest cold. It’s pretty awful.
So when I read today’s verse my first thought was, “Yes, please God! Replace my heart. And don’t stop there. Give me new lungs and sinuses while you’re at it!” One can always hope.
God is talking to His people in today’s verse — the people called by His name. They have been terribly sick. Sick with sin. He punished them for it with exile from their homes and homeland.
But now He’s planning on restoring them and their land to health. His reason has nothing to do with their improved behavior though. They didn’t earn their way to this blessing. They still have stone hearts after all.
So why? Why did God decide to restore His people?
The verses before today’s verse explain that He is tired of these cold-hearted people using His name. They are giving Him a bad reputation!
God is a good God. A loving God. A patient God, but a perfectly holy God. But the other nations would never know that by observing the people who call themselves by His name. He’s decided it’s time to give His people another chance. (Thirtieth? Fortieth? We’re way beyond second.)
I call myself a follower of Jesus. I use His name. Anyone who calls themselves a Christian uses His name. Are Christians giving God a bad reputation? The answer is a resounding yes.
So does God plan a period of exile for us until one day He decides it’s time to heal our stony hearts?
Dear God,
Oh God, I’m sorry for my stony heart. My hard heart. Please accept my humble repentance and teach me how to love with your healthy heart. I’m grateful to be allowed to use your name. I’m sorry for misrepresenting you to the people I encounter. Please forgive me. Heal my heart (and lungs and sinuses) now. Thank you!
CamDevo 