The passage for today explicitly portrays who our God is—the character of God. A.W. Tozer said, “What we know about God is the most important thing about us.” Paul E. Little adds “Our belief or lack of it inevitably translates itself into our actions, our attitudes, and our view of the world.” Knowing God intimately defines our own character; our perception of God is translated in our actions and attitudes.

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It is often intriguing for many to understand the character of God, though the Bible plainly portrays who God is. Let’s us look at some references in His Word itself: Romans 1:19 says “…that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.” A more precise description is given in Deuteronomy 32:3-4: “Ascribe greatness to our God! The rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.” God speaks in Exodus 20:6: “…showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” And in Leviticus 11: 44: “Be holy for I am holy.” Righteous He is, at the same time gracious and compassionate (Exodus 29:19). God is Love (1John 4:7) and God is light (1John 1:5) and God is Holy.

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Our God is Holy and Just and He is loving too. But He will not compromise on His standards of holiness and justice to love us. That is why He came in human form and took all our sins on the cross and made us holy forever (Heb.10:14) so that He can continue to love us while keeping His divine standards. John 1:18 explains to us that “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God [Jesus Christ] who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.”

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There is one key to tap into the character and thereby the blessings of God—it is the same in Old Testament and the New: that is –confess or repent. As stated in today’s reading, if God’s people would confess their iniquity and unfaithfulness, God would remember His covenant and remember the land. Their confession preceded God’s intervention in blessing their land- the land being symbolic of agriculture produce and in turn their livelihood. The same is true even now: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

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Today the word, ‘confession’ has many connotations- several seek to get rid of their sins and guilt by going to ‘holy places’ or ‘holy people’- saints, priests, etc. This is not God’s requirement- Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and man (1Timothy 2:5) and it is to Him confession is to be made. When we confess and truly turn from our arrogant and selfish ways, we open the doorway to the graciousness, loving kindness, mercy, protection and abundant blessing of God through Jesus Christ! 

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Invite Christ Jesus into your life! Then, you too can enjoy restitution in your life: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage.” (Ps. 16:6 NRSV).

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Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I confess my sin, my turning away from God

and His principles. Please forgive me and cleanse me with you precious

blood that I may enjoy a good heritage in my life this day and forever.

In Jesus’ name.  Amen