Backsliders Restored: The Divine Do-Over
Micah 7:18-19: Who is a God like unto thee, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retains not his anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will turn again; He will have compassion upon us; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
The Hebrew Tanakh gives us a wonderful rendition:
Who is a God like You, forgiving iniquity and remitting transgressions? Who has not maintained His wrath forever against the remnant of His own people, because He loves graciousness! He will take us back in love; He will cover up our iniquities, and guess what? You will hurl all our sins into the depths of the sea—perhaps hoping they’ll drown in an aquatic sadness far away!
“He will take us back in love”… “Well, I really messed up, didn’t I, Lord? Please forgive me… AGAIN!” Because let’s face it, I must have a PhD in missteps!
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. And here’s where the good news kicks in: God is faithful to us over and over again! Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly tells Israel to come on back to Him—like a loving parent calling for a wayward child—because He just can’t help but bless them, instead of giving them the heavenly equivalent of a timeout!
Whether you feel like you’re getting “tested by God” or tempted by the devil, remember: His mercies are as fresh as that juicy peach you pick right off the tree.
Lamentations 3:22-23: It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. Let’s face it; that’s better than morning coffee!
If you realize you’ve strayed from the path, whatever you do, DO NOT run away from God! Instead, turn to Him! With humans, running away often feels like the natural response—thanks, fear, for always being so helpful. Fear of what? Of having to face our sins, of course! But here’s the twist: when we run back to God, He’s already got a big ol’ hug waiting for us.
Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to lay aside every weight—and that includes those heavy burdens of regret—while we patiently run the race before us, always with our eyes on Jesus, the original finisher of our faith.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness—like washing a smudge from a favorite shirt – only cleaner!
If you’ve stepped on someone’s toes—figuratively or literally—apologize! Ask for forgiveness and don’t just sit there like a bump on a log! Be bold—after all, God is bigger than your awkward moments.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, of love, and a sound mind. You know, the kind that says, “I can face this!” instead of “Why is my life becoming a soap opera?”
Sin hidden in secret? Well, here’s a spoiler: God sees it all! You can’t bury it deep enough for Him not to find it; it’s like trying to hide vegetables from a parent who’s made it their life mission to see you eat greens!
Mark 4:22 and Deuteronomy 29:29 remind us there’s nothing new under the sun that God doesn’t already know. You can’t hide anything from Him, so don’t even try.
When you choose to walk with God, hold tight: He’s got your back. When you accepted Christ, you became part of His forever family, the kind that doesn’t let you go—even when you leave to explore the proverbial wild side… just like that kid who insists they can manage all of life’s curveballs without help (spoiler alert: they usually can’t).
John 10:27-29: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me… And my Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. It’s like trying to steal a cookie from the cookie jar that’s padlocked—ain’t gonna happen!
You are always going to be His child. But, just like parents sometimes need to sharpen their parenting skills, God does too. It’s all part of the love package.
Deuteronomy 8:5 gently reminds us that the Lord disciplines those He loves—like when your mom told you she loved you while making you eat your greens.
Now let’s take a whimsical stroll through the parable of the “Prodigal Son.”
So here’s the scene: Jesus, talking to the judgmental Pharisees who thought they were too good to mingle with “those types.” You know, the tax collectors, fishermen, and everybody’s favorite—prostitutes. Yet, Jesus knew they were the ones looking to grab that abundant life by the horns.
Luke 15:11-32 tells us about two sons, one of whom decided to cash in his father’s wealth before it was even ripe for the stealing—it’s like asking for dessert before dinner! This younger son went off into the real world—partying with friends who vanished faster than a magician’s rabbit when the cash ran dry.
Next thing you know, our boy ends up tending pigs, which, for a Jew, is like winning the lottery only to have the check bounce. In his desperate state, he finds enlightenment (probably over some pig feed) and thinks, “Even the hired hands at my father’s house have bread to spare!” Off he goes, rehearsing his apology: “I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.”
But here’s the kicker: His father, who likely had been scanning the horizon with a homemade binocular—hoping for a glimpse of his boy—ran to him, threw his arms around him, and threw an impromptu feast. Nothing says “welcome home” like a fresh pair of sandals and a party!
This is precisely how God welcomes us back with open arms.
Isaiah 55:6-7 beckons us gently to seek the Lord while He may be found because He is not only ready to forgive; He’s eager!
As we determine to return to the Lord, much like the prodigal, remember: He will scoop you up in love, cover over your mishaps, and toss your sins as far as the East is from the West—or into the ocean, where they would totally disappear under the waves.
And let’s say it again: being saved doesn’t mean you can do a free-for-all with sin. It’s like thinking you could treat your portfolio like confetti—just because it’s fun doesn’t mean it’s wise!
John 10:10 reassures us that Jesus came to give us the abundant life—and it’s not just overflowing cereal boxes we’re talking about here; it’s spiritual richness too!
So let’s cheerfully put our hearts and lives back in God’s hands, grateful for His unending grace and love.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are truly our Savior. Please forgive me for falling back into the snares of the world. I need You to restore me—to get my footing right and to keep my heart in rhythm with Your grace. Thank you for welcoming me back with open arms. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen!
Now go—step back into that abundant life and maybe, just maybe, try not to trip over those shoelaces of temptation again! And, while you’re at it, keep your wicks trimmed and your lanterns filled with oil. THE KING IS COMING!