“. . . the people of Israel and the people of Judah shall come together, weeping as they come, and they shall seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with faces turned toward it, saying, ‘Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten’” (50:4,5). “. . . declares the Lord, iniquity shall be sought in Israel, and there shall be none, and sin in Judah, and none shall be found, for I will pardon those whom I leave as a remnant” (50:20).
In the midst of the judgment passages against Israel and Judah are these encouraging texts. Here is yet another reminder that, when we sin, if we will turn our faces to the Lord and seek his forgiveness, we will have it. Never, never, never stay away from the Lord because of our sin. Rather, when we sin, let us run quickly and straight to the Lord! He will be gracious, and he will forgive!
Enquire, ye pilgrims, for the way,
That leads to Zion's hill,
And thither set your steady face,
With a determin’d will.
O come, and join your souls to God
In everlasting bands.
Accept the blessings he bestows,
With thankful hearts and hands. --Philip Doddridge (18th century)
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