The Reasonableness of God

September 08, 2018

God is a God of perfection in every dimension. He is a holy and just God—therefore He must punish sin. But, He is also a God of perfect mercy, giving us every opportunity to repent and return.

When Isaiah the prophet was speaking for God to the people, He showed them that their relationship with God was a mere show. They were offering religious duties, but their hearts and lives were far from God. They had received so much from God, yet they were not following Him and truly worshiping Him. They deserved judgment.

But listen to the heart of God in Isaiah, Chapter 1.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. Truly, the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1:18-20)

God is pleading with them (and us) to repent and return. If they did, He would cleanse and forgive. If they would simply ""consent and obey"" they would be blessed with the best of the land."" And, that offer stands today for us.

""God is easy to live with,"" said A.W. Tozer. Why is this so?

God is CLEAR

There is no ambiguity with Him. If you will listen, He constantly lays out the plan in simple, direct language for us. There is no double-speak with God—promising one thing and delivering another.

God is MERCIFUL

Although there are certain and sure consequences for our rebellion, if we will turn to Him in humility and surrender we never get what we deserve.

God is FORGIVING

He always provides a path to forgiveness and cleansing if we will turn to Him in humility, dependency, and surrender.

Today would be a good day to evaluate where you are with Him.

• Are you humbly seeking Him?
• Do you have a soft heart of continual repentance whenever you see your sin, or a hard heart that will not admit your sin or constantly blames others, even God Himself?
• Are you coming to Him, not to make a religious show, but to follow Him with a sincere heart?
• Are you willing to obey the promptings of His Spirit and the illumination of His Word?
• Do you love Him in ways that drive you to draw near to God?
• Do you trust Him? Are you leaning hard on God, understanding your own inadequacies and need?

If so, you will find a God who is easy to live with, showering you with blessings only He can afford. He is the God who is waiting to send revival to your life, your family, your church, our nation, if only we will consent and obey.

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