The worst thing that could happen to the people of God is turning away from their God.
This is a very unfortunate situation because one who is backsliding puts himself in a very
dangerous
position. A backslider is like a sheep that strays away from the fold
and is vulnerable to many dangers. Those who turn away from God may
encounter many dangers and misfortunes in life. Instead of blessings
there will be curse and sickness in place of health. They will
experience trouble and sorrow.And finally they pass on the curse to the
future generations.
The history of Israel reveals there were times when people
turned away from God and as a result they went through bondage and
oppression .It is not a wise thing to turn one’s back on God. One who rebel against
God will never find a refuge anywhere. There is no place to hide from
God. Prophet Jonah was running away from God. The storm was a result of
his disobedience. Finally he was found out eventhough he was
sleeping in the lower deck of the ship.His attempt to run away from
God’s presence did not work out. God brought a storm and frustrated his
plan.
The message of God through the prophets to Israel,whenever they
went on backsliding was to repent and to return. Even though the Bible
says” it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened and then fallen away”Heb;6:4, It
is better to try than to give up completely because it is very terrible
thing to bear the wrath of God. God is merciful and might still have
some compassion left. Repentance have caused God’s mercies to come upon
those who turned back to him and it saved them from their destructions
.Jeremiah;6:3says,” Return, unfaithful Israel. I will not look on you with anger. for I am unfailing in My love.I will not be angry for ever”.Isa:55:7 says,” Let the wicked one abandon his way, and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive”.Hosea;14:1, says like this,” Israel, return to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled in your sin. Take words Ps 145:17 [of repentance] with you and return.Micah also says ,” He does not hold on to His anger forever, because He delights in faithful love He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities.Micah;7:13.We read, “He brings back the captives of Jacob and restores their fortunes.” The Lord will once more comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem”.Zech;1:17. The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel” ”.Ps;147:2.” Israel will [again] blossom and bud”Isaiah;27:6 When
considering the works of the Lord, the scriptures reveal that He is the
God of restoration .He will have mercy on His people."The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,"Isaiah;59:20
If you have strayed away from God and want to come back repent of
your backslidings and turn to God with all your heart.
How To Return ! "Return To Me And I Will Return To You !"
The
first and most important thing about returning to God is that one
should do it with whole heart.”Return to me ,I will retun to you.”
Malachi;3:7 It is a promise of God that if one returns to God God also
will return to that person.Turning away from God is a great sin, Not
returning to God is even a greater sin “They do not return to the Lord their God,.”Hosea;7:10 They return
but no to the Most High.”Hosea;7:16. Returning to God is quite
impossible if one doesn’t do it with his or her whole heart.They return
but not to Me, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works,”Revelation;2:5 Hosea says.“Take words with you and return.”Hosea;14:2 The Psalmist says ,” Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You will provide atonement for them..”Psalm;65:3 Moses prayed.”
Return, O Lord! How long? And have compassion on Your
servants. Make us glad according to the days in which You have
afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil.” 90:13.15 “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.” Psalm; 86:5 “O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption. “Psalm;130:7
When
one return to God with his whole heart God will repent of the evil he
brought upon his people.When repents and confesses He will receive
pardon from God. “O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”130:7 .”The Scripture says,”If My people who are called by My name will humble
themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their
land.” 2 Chrinicles;7:14
When this happens what the Psalmist said comes true.”
Lord, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the
captivity of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people;
You have covered all their sin. You have taken away all Your wrath; You
have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.” Psalm; 85:1-3
