f we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

— 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations,

— Deuteronomy 7:9

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world.

17 The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

–1 John 2:15-17

18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion?

19 He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.

— Micah 7:18-19

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Through the Old Testament story we understand God’s faithfulness despite the failings of His people. This gives us hope. The Bible honestly reveals Israel’s history. In so many ways, the Israelites’ failures reflect the sin that infects our own hearts, presenting many lessons we should ponder. Enticed by the world and blind to our own sinfulness, we so easily wander away from God. We grow complacent and self-focused. We neglect God’s gracious gifts, distracted by this world’s fleeting pleasures.

We know God’s enemies war against those who commit themselves to God. Believers today face these same conflicts. Though our battles often rage over different issues, the same sinful tendencies of pride, greed, envy, lust, and idolatry rear their ugly heads over and over. Instead of relentlessly pursuing God, our hearts easily grow cold, and our own interests blur our vision of God’s best for us. Despite our tendency to sin, God’s grace abounds, and He does not give up on us.