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“A Word for this Week” - Pastor Bill Mugnolo
Week of March 20-26, 2023: “To Look the Other Way” … Isaiah 42:18-21
“To look the other way”: There are times when this should be done. There are other times when it shouldn’t happen. There was grave idolatry and other wrong-doing in Israel in the days of the Prophet Isaiah. But the people of Israel, who had been designated as the “Servant of the Lord”, continually looked the other way at this evil. God, in His justice, so often had to punish them for this—He could not look the other way for too long (Isaiah 42:24-25).
But the “Servant of the Lord” in Isaiah also refers to one specific, unique individual. This servant, Our Lord Jesus Christ, took all our sins upon Himself—“the righteous for the unrighteous” (2 Corinthians 5:21). When we believe in Him, and in what He has done, God “looks the other way” at the eternal punishment that our sins had deserved. Even if we incur a certain amount of earthly conse-quences for our wrongdoing, as Israel once did, the Lord does not treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:8, 10).
Yes, in Christ, “God was reconciling the world to Himself , not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Thanks be to God that, for the sake of His Son, He has “looked the other way” and bestowed upon us His favor, mercy, and love.
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Replace today's negative thoughts with God's eternal truths
The world says: "Its impossible." God says: "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)
The world says "I'm too tired." God says: "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)
The world says: "Nobody really loves me." God says: "I love you." (John 3:16, 34)
The world says: "I can't go on." God says: "My grace is sufficient." (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)
The world says: "I can't figure things out." God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
The world says: "I can't do it." God says: "You can do all things." (Philippians 4:13)
The world says: "I'm not able." God says: "I am able." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
The world says: "It's not worth it." God says: "It will be worth it." (Roman 8:28)
The world says: "I can't forgive myself." God says: "I forgive you." (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1)
The world says: "I can't manage." God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Philippians 4:19)
The world says: "I'm afraid." God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7)
The world says: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: "Cast all your cares on Me." (1 Peter 5:7)
The world says: "I'm not smart enough." God says: "I give you wisdom." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
The world says: "I feel all alone." God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)