Notice that Moses begins this passage with the words, “In the future, when..” God knew that the people would turn from him, that they would stumble, that they would be distracted. Notice he doesn’t say “if you mess up.” What happens to people who turn their back on God and endure the curses we’ve read about? Does God shut them out completely? Forever? These verses would seem to suggest to the contrary. “If at that time you and your children return to the Lord your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you.”
Our God gives second chances. God’s mercy is unbelievable. Even if these people walked away from God, did every despicable thing God warned would end in a curse, he would still take them back. And there’s more, God would see that they were even more prosperous than before.
Jesus tells a story that illustrates this beautifully. I’m sure the memory of it has flashed through your mind, too. The story of the wayward “prodigal” son. You can read about it here.
Are you feeling separated from God by your own sin? Do you question how God could possibly love you? No matter how far you have wandered, God is still waiting for you. God promises a fresh beginning if you will turn to him. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
It’s hard for us to fathom such love because of trust issues we have with people who have wronged us. When we have been hurt in some way, it’s hard for us to want to let that person back into our lives. We put up walls to protect ourselves. Once trust has been broken, it’s hard to restore it. When we place our trust in God he welcomes us back.
We have seen this story as a lesson God taught his people, Israel. God shows us what it means to be blessed by him. It’s not about what we do. We can’t do enough to earn God’s blessings. Neither could the Israelites.
Being blessed is about what God does for us. He sent Jesus. Jesus is enough. Even before we were born and before we sinned, Jesus was there offering salvation for us. He is our solution for sin. We will sin, but Jesus will wash us clean. Do we trust that? Believe that?
Let’s pray. Forgive me for when I question you or what is happening to me. Help me to find peace in the situations around me that seem out of control. Bring comfort to those who are struggling with loneliness, boredom, feeling worthless, feeling hopeless. Give energy to those feeling depleted, unsure, overwhelmed. Help me be stronger in my faith, Lord, and send your blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
