Rejected Accusations

My journey through the minor prophets this time has been amazing.  God's unending faithfulness to a persistently unfaithful people... here's a story: A Memoir . Then in Zachariah's book he tells us about a vision he had.  The Accuser, Satan, is standing before the LORD making accusations against Jeshua the high priest.  The LORD looks straight at him and says, "I reject your accusations.  Further more, I rebuke you for these accusations.  This  man was going down but I have snatched him from the fire."  He goes on to replace the priest's filthy clothes, a picture of his sins, and gives him fine new clothes.  Yes, he is made new.  This scenario cultivates hope as we contemplate our place before our LORD.  The accusations are rejected.  We stand clothed in Jesus' righteousness alone.  Furthermore, as the LORD proclaims of this priest, we are symbols to the world of things to come.  The task is before us.  Let us be faithful as we stand acquitted.

In My Valentine Box

I found this in my valentine box this morning. The box has 962 pages of messages...messages of love, hope and encouragement. "Who is a God like you, who pardons all our guilt. You overlook the sins of your people. You will not stay angry with us forever because you delight in showing us unfailing love. Once again, you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean. You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised those who lived before us." (Micah 7:18-20) I rest secure in my God's love.

Firm Faith

Ahaz is king of Judah and an attack from Israel and Syria is looming on the horizon. Isaiah says that the king and his people were like trees shaking in a storm. They were stricken with fear. I'm not always that afraid, but there certainly are many times that worry and fear dominate my thoughts. God tells Ahaz, through Isaiah, that the invasion will not happen and He finishes His proclamation with an interesting statement, "Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm." Is my faith firm? Is is wavering, doubting? There's no room for that. I must not look to the left or to the right. I must hold fast to my faith firmly planted in God, my Savior. It is only then that I allow Him to make me stand firm. Oh that I don't cause a hindrance.