Day 68: Deut 29:29 - 32:2

Although most of this passage is more warning of how things will be if the Children of Israel turn from God, the first part of it is a wonderful picture of that recurring theme in the Bible - redemption. Although there were some pretty bad curses to come upon the people if they turned from God, He made sure to let them know that if they would repent and turn from their man-made gods and follow the True God, He would forgive them and turn everything around for them. I know I personally have a tendency to assume that if it's in the Old Testament, it's all going to involve God being mean and strict and not forgiving or redeeming them from their sins, but we have to remember that God is the same yesterday today and forever. He offered redemption in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, and He still offers is today to those who will take it.

- Lord, thank you for the mercy that You offer to those who have turned away from You. It's easy to think and to preach about Your wrath for those who disobey and Your blessings for those who are obedient, but just as important in the mercy and forgiveness that You offer those willing to accept it. Help me to know the words to say and the actions to do to help spread Your Word to a generation who needs forgiveness more than anything else. -