Observation: The word of God continues to pronounce the salvation of all people. Though using the restoration of Judah as the context, this is a messianic prophesy that includes all elements of salvation. The Lord pronounces that he will deliver us from death ... he promises to save all people who choose to come to the place of safety and thus seek hope, and this is a promise sealed with blood. This promise is a promise of great mercy and blessing, as all will receive two mercies for each woe.
It is important, though, to recognize this two-for-one promise. Those who are saved are not promised to be spared from woes and hardships. In fact, the existence of such issues is effectively guaranteed. It might even be said that it is by the hardships of life that mercy is measured.
In understanding God's promise of salvation, this math - two mercies per woe - proves out. If our woes are our sins that deserve death, then every time we sin God's mercy is that he both forgives us, and restores us. If our woes are earthly hardships, God's mercy manifests as restoration of better circumstance, and opportunity to grow deeper in faith and service. Under any model, it is true that the Lord gives to us two blessings for every hardship we endure. Yet it remains important to understand that he does not promise to help us avoid all hardship.
Application: The blessings of my life can only exist in the context of a bleaker alternative. In many cases, I have lived through those alternatives, and I therefore know the love and blessings that have been given me by God.
This has been a year of hardships, and yet I know throughout I have been blessed to a ridiculous degree. In fact, most of my "hardships" are barely issues in truth ... they are more aptly described as personal inconveniences, and many have produced even better outcomes. The true 'woes' - like the death of my dad - have been simply the normal aspects of life, and themselves even cause to celebrate the glory of God.
I should truly be more focused on the Lord's great blessings, than on the anger stirred up in me by poor public policies and depressing news. These are generated from a source of evil, and thus should not be forefront in my mind. Instead, I embrace the Lord's promise ... and I will celebrate the two mercies I receive for each woe, rather than lament about the woe.
Prayer: Lord, your promises are great, and your love is profound. Yes, I know there are hardships, but your blessings that flow in response to those challenges are amazing. Thank you for your love and mercy. May I forever and ever celebrate and worship you. Amen.
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