2 Kings 12-14

"Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz. But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence."

People of Israel keep going around in circles. This has been the case from the time of Moses (and even earlier). I remember sharing with you, when I was reading through the story of Moses, how frustrated I was at the Israelites for their inability to learn from their mistakes. They would sin, be punished, repent, praise God, and then go back sinning again not too long after. And I remember telling you the main reason I was so frustrated was because I am exactly like the Israelites.

But I was reminded this day that God knew all this. He told Moses that the Israelites would fall away from God after entering the land of Canaan. But God made a promise with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that he will never leave his people. And we see God's compassion and mercy over and over again toward the Israelites in the old testament.

Another reminder this day. God knew of all our shortcomings when he sent Jesus to die for us, just as he knew that the Israelites would fall away from him. And in Jesus, we have a whole new covenant with God.

If we find ourselves today distressing over the sins we have committed (perhaps the same sins over and over again), don't be fooled in thinking that we cannot come before God anymore. There is nothing hidden from God. He knows our ways and even the way we are going to be. That is precisely why Jesus died for us. Let's repent of whatever sins that may be blocking our communication with God, call out the name of Jesus this day, and fully take hold of all his wonderful promises:)