I spent some time reflecting on my journey through this world the other morning in light of the wanderings of Israel on its way to founding Jerusalem. It was interesting that the nation was never referred to as “aliens.” It was the Gentiles that were called “resident aliens,” the Hebrews were always called “sojourners.” In Hebrew the word is toshwab and it implies one who is a temporary inmate or dweller; just passing through. And that’s what the bride of Christ is today… we are just temporary inmates of this world looking forward to our release to our permanent home in the New Jerusalem.

What got me thinking about this was the fact that as sojourners in this world we are constantly coming up against the “world’s system” that is foreign to ours and is constantly attacking who and whose we are. And, at least in my case, there are those times when I fall short of being who God created me to be and reflect His image to the world around me. That, in a nutshell, was the very issue that Israel faced throughout their historical journey through the wilderness, which follows them today.

But as we look at God’s relationship with Israel throughout their history we find that it is being mirrored with the bride today. And underlying that relationship was the incredible “grace” that God has always had and continues to have for His people. The problem that both Israel and the bride have, however, is that we sometimes have a tendency to take that grace for granted. This is especially true for the bride as she is witness to the sacrifice God paid for that grace… Probably a good place to remember what grace stands for… God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. That is a good reminder that our relationship with God (based on grace) is a two-way relationship, and our part is wrapped up in confession and repentance. For Israel, repentance was the issue they were forced to deal with over and over as their hearts fell into sin and away from God… sound familiar?  A great example of true repentance can be found with King Hezekiah, who sent out the word to all Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom) that they were all to come to the house of Lord in Jerusalem for the Passover… for a time of national and personal repentance. And that is where I got focused on 7:14…

2 Chron 7:14 If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and will turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

For Israel, God’s favor was always measured by the “land.” In times of prosperity it was believed that God was blessing Israel but in times of sin, the land suffered. And it was true that God often expressed both His grace and His judgment and wrath in the land. For Israel, as it is for the bride today, our responsibility in our relationship with God is founded in confession and repentance. That’s the higher principle of grace that is expressed in 7:14. God always “graciously” gives His people a second chance when the first one is missed with true regret that is expressed in repentance (metanoia; reformation, reversal). And, if you will, today’s counterpart to 7:14 is 1 John 1:9…

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Let me wrap this thought about “relationship, confession, repentance, and grace” by going back to a lesson I learned from one of my life verses…

Isa 40:31 but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

In the reign of Hezekiah, it can be said that with a couple of relapses, he always “stuck” to his guns with respect to what it meant for Israel to stay committed to the promise they had been given from God. And for me that promise is so clearly laid out in the prophetic promise from God that was delivered by Isaiah. It is the same guidance that He has given to the bride of Christ regarding her walk with Him: Mount up; run; and walk. Underlying that guidance is the promise that if we will mount up, run and walk, He will provide all the strength that we need. I like one translation of the word “walk” as used here… keep on going. God will be there with us, to keep us going on in everything that He calls us to do… in the slower steady pace of our daily “sojourn.”

The key is for us to never forget nor take for granted the unending grace that God has for us. It is that grace that keeps us on track and provides the path back to Him when we have broken our fellowship through sin. Paul put that in perspective for us in his letter to the Colossians…

Col 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard.