When Did God Swear?
God swore an oath that He would never be angry with us again!
“To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:9-10 (NIV)
It’s true! You can find this in the book of Isaiah. What passion so moved the heart of God that He actually swore an oath?And why?
Have you ever felt like you let God down, or wondered if you needed to hide from Him in shame? Have you ever wondered if He’s just in a bad mood, ready to toss lightning bolts if you put another toe out of line? Those ideas can come from a misreading of Scripture, or from deep personal pain and disappointment. Wherever they come from, they’re wrong! Our wonderful God knew that, in our own strength, we couldn’t measure up to His perfection— no matter how hard we tried. That’s why He literally ambushed the devil at the Cross with His outrageous plan. And He wanted us to know that we don’t have to be afraid, because we are secure in His redemption and love.
That’s what moved God so much that He swore an oath: it was His great love for us.
We can count on God’s love. It’s secure, unfailing, and unshakeable. He doesn’t love us because of what we do; he loves us in spite of what we do. Whatever we have done, and whatever has been done to us, God’s compassion and love are reaching out right now. He is the faithful one, the great Promise Keeper, and He’s inviting us to come into His presence right now without fear and be wrapped up in the warmth of His love.
Prayer
Lord, we’re dancing in the joy of Your amazing love. We want to know it as more than words on a page, but as the reality in which we live. We lay aside all mistaken human ideas about You and embrace the wonderful truth of who You are. Come, Holy Spirit. Reassure us and fill us with even more of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
