Christian Union National Fast, August 2024, "America Returning to God"
by Dr. Marcus Buckley, Ministry Director at Christian Union Vita at Cornell
"Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way,and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." -Isaiah 55:6, 7, ESV
Prayer is a marvelous gift that the Lord has given to us, allowing us the privilege of entering into His presence for the purpose of thanksgiving, praise, and petition. As followers of Christ we know we can pray anywhere, anytime, and be assured that the Father is aware of our cries.
Many of us have, at some point in our lives, stood at the cash register and prayed. We have prayed that there was enough money in our bank account for the debit card transaction to be authorized, or for the credit card to go through. We have prayed that we, and our spouse or family, would be spared the embarrassment of “DENIED” flashing on the screen or, even worse, a cashier declaring the denied transaction for all to hear. We have felt the wave of relief when the transaction was authorized, and we were able to take our purchases and continue on with our day, our needs met and our shopping list satisfied. I can remember several such times when I was younger, and I learned important lessons on money management, stewardship, and provision.
I also learned that there were some needs I simply could not meet on my own. As a young pastor of a small country church, I was in no position to save enough money for a down payment for a house for my wife and I. After a year of marriage, however, my parents were able to provide such on our behalf. To say we were grateful is an understatement, and I learned another valuable lesson: some resources are beyond our capacity and must come from another source.
The prophet Isaiah plainly declared the offer of salvation from the Lord, the exclusive provision for our ultimate need. He also admonished those who were aware of this declaration to be alert and responsive, and not to be complacent and lazy. The time to obey the Lord is when he speaks, not when it is convenient or expedient for the hearer. Delayed obedience is disobedience, and God will never honor rebellion.
What He does honor, however, is humility and repentance. When we turn from our wickedness and turn to the Lord, we find ourselves in the position of blessing, forgiveness, and restoration. God is so gracious and merciful, His love showering those who turn from their wickedness and walk in His ways. There is nothing that compares to being in right relationship with Him; why would we settle for anything less?
My parents were able to provide for something beyond my means, and they did so willingly and joyfully. Why? Because I was their son. As their child, I was in a place of blessing to receive what they alone were willing to offer. When we enter into a relationship with the Father by faith in Christ, we become His child—joint heirs with Christ Jesus in all things. Why would we settle for less?
Father, thank you for the grace that you have offered through Christ and His sacrifice at the cross. Thank you for providing that which we could never attain on our own–right standing with You. Help us to walk in humility and repentance, relying fully and exclusively upon You for all of our needs, that we may glorify Your name in all things and at all times. We pray this in Jesus Name. Amen.
