Settling the Matter

Today’s Insight in the Word-
Isaiah 1 – Forgiveness.  Sometimes the very word can be hard for us to say.  Many of us go through trials in life where we are wronged by another person.  We justify why the other person should have to apologize to us instead of us going to them.  Bitterness can seep in and it may be weeks before we ever come to a settlement…or maybe never.  However when the other person forgives first we are instantly healed and embrace them or if we were really hurt we at least start to work on the process of putting it behind us.  After someone asks for forgiveness it is our part to rightly forgive and move on never to bring it up again.  The Lord God approaches us first, forgiving us where we are.  He does not wait for us to come to Him or for us to be “clean” enough to have a relationship with Him.  The Lord God beckons us asking us to come to Him as we are so that we may be made clean and dwell with Him.  What amazes me is that God met us where we were in our lives.  We never had to reach some hidden bar to be accepted.  He accepted us from day one.  So we should accept others in this way, no matter what they are going through.

Vs 18 – “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

Walking in the Word – I am going to “settle the matter” when I feel angry or I need to forgive.  I am not going to wait for someone to come to me, but rather go to them and be humble.  The Lord took me covered in dirt and made me clean.  Therefore I must tend to my brothers and sisters as well.

Prayer Response to the Word – Lord God, our Father, I thank You that You have taken me as scarlet and made me white as snow.  You came to me where I was in my life, entangled in my own sin, dirty, unsightly, and impure and gave me new life.  You washed the dirt from me and cleansed me.  You took my empty cup and filled it.  You wiped the tears from my eyes and annointed my head with oil.  You softened my lips with honey, straightened my path to make it easy for me, brought me into shelter from the storm, and gave me a new name.  I thank You for this Lord.  You have restored my soul.  Please help me to restore others and bring them to You.  Why would anyone not want such joy in their lives?  You give me peace in the toughest of storms.  Thank You.  I pray that others may see what You have done for me and that You have mercy on them as well.  I praise You Lord with joy in my heart!  In Jesus name, Amen and Amen!