TURN, TURN, TURN

When I was a very little girl, I bit my brother in the back and would not tell him I was sorry. I cannot tell you just how old I was, but I assume I was old enough to know better.  Now, I was punished, naturally, for not saying I was sorry, and that's OK. by my book.  But, what I can't understand to this day is....why would a small child refuse to be sorry?  What kind of thinking was going on in my little mind that I would refuse, and refuse, and refuse?  No amount of spankings changed my mind!  What stubbornness was I born with?  Why did I not care if I was labeled "naughty"? Later on, when I was considerably older, I did not want to be called "naughty" for any reason!


I mention this because the scripture lesson for me today spoke of God's view of people who have offended him through sin.  Ezekiel 33:10 says, speaking of the exiles in Babylonia, "Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them.  How then can we live?  The Lord says, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but (would) rather they turn from their ways and live...The righteousness of the righteous man will not save him if he disobeys, and the wickedness of the wicked man will not cause him to fall when he turns from it."  And verse 33:20, "I will judge each of you according to his own ways."


Study/ "The exiles in Babylonia were discouraged by their past sins.  This is a turning point at that time as until now the people had refused to accept their sins.  Now, they have heavy guilt for rebelling against God for so many years. Therefore, God assured them of forgiveness if they repented.


God wants everyone to turn to Him!  No matter how many times we have to make and remake that same turn! God looks at what we are and will become, not what we have been.  God gives each of us an opportunity to turn to Him, but each of us must be willing to make that turn to Him when it is offered.  Sometimes it will be necessary for us to make restitution for our wrongs and God will lead us to that place when it is necessary.


Once we turn to God and obey His direction, there is no longer heaviness or the feeling of being soiled...there is a new feeling of cleanliness and oneness with God, and a distinct lightness of heart.


Oh, for the ability to say, " I am so sorry, my sweet brother!  Forgive me.  Please forgive me!" My brother has been dead now for 12 years, and I hope someday to meet him in the Heavenly Places and give his neck a hug!


Turn to God, my Friend, and confess to Him whatever is in the way of His perfect Friendship!


Jo in MN