What are the wicked & evil man to do?
What does the following verse say to you?
Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD and he will have mercy on him, and to our God for he will freely pardon.
2 comments:
Maybe I can connect the two verses, but by just reading the text the following points come out for me.
In verse 1 there seems to be a universal 'everyone' call, in that the call of God is not restricted to racial, ethnic, financial status, heritage qualities. Also there is nothing we can use to purchase the favour of God.
The passage then speaks of those from an unknown nation who may will be called (Gentiles - Pentecost - Cornelius etc) vs 5.
Does then verse 6 and 7 speak to the covenant people of God at that time, how can a person 'return' if they have never been there before.
This fits in light of Isa 56 and 57, the call of the Gentiles against the futile idolatry of Israel (Matt 23:37-39)
So what does this say to me...If those who are Gods covenant (new or old) people worship idols then God will take the richness of his word and Spirit to a people who have not yet heard it. For the call of the gospel is universal and past heritage counts for nothing, though the window of grace is always open to those who will return to him.
Given that you have both probably comment on both verses together I will follow the same pattern. I have posted comments on both places. What do these verses say to me
In the first verse there is the word “seek” & call words we may use to speak about prayer. But these verses talk about a salvation. At first glance these verses the phrase “call on him while he is near” really stand out. These verses have a real sense of “today is the day of salvation”. So we have to be ready for when the Lord will return and therefore all men and women need to prepare themselves for His return.
Brian, think your analogy about it is really smart:
“This is a limited offer which runs out.! Do your transaction now while offer remains.”
This means that there has to be a real change for the wicked &evil man – they have to forsake their way and thoughts respectively.
Lets pray that men and women would take this invitation that this gives and seek the Lord.
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