The Lord Will Strike, Then Heal

God Loves Us
God's Pervasive and Sustaining Love

God's Love Preserved Jonah

Isaiah 19:19-22. The Message

19-22 On that Day, there will be a place of worship to God in the center of Egypt and a monument to God at its border. It will show how the God-of-the-Angel-Armies has helped the Egyptians. When they cry out in prayer to God because of oppressors, he’ll send them help, a savior who will keep them safe and take care of them. God will openly show himself to the Egyptians and they’ll get to know him on that Day. They’ll worship him seriously with sacrifices and burnt offerings. They’ll make vows and keep them. God will wound Egypt, first hit and then heal. Egypt will come back to God, and God will listen to their prayers and heal them, heal them from head to toe

For Reflection

Even the house of bondage, Egypt, will not escape God's attempt to reconcile humanity to the Lord of all creation.  Likewise, we who have turned away from God and then returned in repentance will fall under God's protection.  We are the work of God's hands.  We, who fear the Lord, receive God's inheritance, sharing the blessings with all who honor God.

God never allows us to face the folly of our invention without also offering a path to escape the consequences. When trouble calls, look for God's escape door.  Knock, and God will welcome you into the grace of God's mercy.

Pray

Pray to God to deliver you from human error.  Pray to God to deliver you from torment. Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation.  Pray to strengthen your repentance,