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Today we will read Isaiah 44:22 which says “I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” and let’s parenthetically add the last part of Revelation 13:8 which says “…Christ slain from the foundation of the world”.

Have you ever avoided God? I have. What would cause us to do something like that?

Shame. A sense of shame and guilt. What if I did the same thing yesterday (or 2 seconds ago) that I’ve done a thousand times? Surely God must be done with me this time. Surely He doesn’t want me. Surely I need to clean myself a bit, or at least let a little time go by to let the dust settle before talking to Him again.

But doesn’t this knee-jerk feeling demonstrate that what you’re actually doing is depending on yourself for God’s acceptance?

And yet, look at those verses…God has ALREADY swept away your transgression and your sin. God has removed your gross rebellion (the worst of the worst) and even your rather mundane imperfections. Imagine that. He didn’t consult you. He didn’t get your consent. He simply did it. And when did He do it? Somehow, and I won’t pretend to understand…from the foundation of the world.

Your most disgusting rebellion and annoying imperfections were addressed by God long before you were ever born. It is simply not your responsibility to clean them up. You heard me right. It’s not your job - it’s God’s. Stop taking God’s job.

But you do have a responsibility. And that is to simply return to God. You’re actually doing that now. Go to God with your rebellion, imperfections and all. He has all the capacity to form you into the person you were made to be. Let Him do it. All you are required to do, is go to Him. Don’t ignore Him.

“God I believe You. You have accepted me. You’ve dealt with my guilt. I don’t have to bother with it. I return to You. Again and again. Unbelievable as it is, I believe You receive me as if I were perfect.”