From Everlasting to Everlasting the Lord, God, is Forever Forgiving

From Everlasting to Everlasting the Lord, God, is Forever Forgiving

Forever is God even before he created you or I; Yet the admonishment we received seems to fall on deaf ears.  There are warnings found throughout the Sacred Scriptures advising his creatures to listen to his words of advice and return to what he has given to all of mankind.

In addition to that he never hesitates giving accolades when a nation bows to his commands as they receive the blessings that will make them the apple of his eye and they become blessed for all time. 

From the prophet Haggai we read; I struck you in all of your hands with blight, searing wind, and hail, yet you did not return to me, says the Lord.  Indeed, the seed has not sprouted, nor have the vine, the fig, the pomegranate and the olive tree yet borne.  From this day I will bless!  Tell this to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah:  I will shake the heavens and the earth; I will overthrow the thrones of kingdoms, destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations.  I will overthrow the chariots and their riders, and the riders with their horses shall go down by one another’s sword.  On that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, my servant, says the Lord, And I will set you as a signet ring; for I have chosen you, says the Lord of hosts.   (Hg 2: 17, 19, 21 - 23).  

The oracles from Haggai and other prophets show without a doubt that the Lord, God, will bless his people if they adhere to his promise of being there for them once they understand his generosity and see that his people will turn back to righteousness. 

And the angel who spoke with me said to me, Proclaim:  Thus says the Lord of hosts; I am deeply moved for the sake of Jerusalem and Zion, and I am exceedingly angry with the complacent nations; whereas I was but a little angry, they added to the harm.  Therefore, says the Lord: I will turn to Jerusalem in mercy; my house shall be built in it, says the Lord of hosts, and a measuring line shall be stretched over Jerusalem.  Proclaim further; Thus says the Lord of  hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity; the Lord will again comfort Zion, and again choose Jerusalem.  (Zec 1: 14 - 17).

Could we in this year of anger, frustration, and fear of another World War, take the advice of Israel where the prophets Haggai and Zechariah gave a word from God as he was about to bring forgiveness and his love upon the nation he so loved?  Is it possible that enough people would reach out with the same belief in a Creator that wants nothing from us but to trust in him?  

Ralph B. Hathaway