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May 8, 1999, Saturday
Is freedom in any country a right or privilege, or is it a
responsibility? What dangers would any country face if the
people did not understand what could happen to them if they
were not acting responsibly? What rewards are there for any
country of people that uses sound reason and acts with sound
responsibility?
The Scripture tells us that God brought Israel out of the
land of Egypt to free them from the bondage of sin and
slavery. He brought them out to bless them with a country
and land of their own. He brought them out to separate them
from all other peoples so that all the peoples of the earth
would be blessed through them. With such rich blessings He
instructed them of their responsibility and He warned them-
"Watch yourself, that you don't forget the Lord who brought
you from the land of Egypt, out of the bondage of slavery"
(Deut 6:12). The land that flowed with milk and honey was
an abundance of all things and they ran into luxury. They
had prosperity, a purpose and reason to remember God for
all the good things that come from Him; not to forget Him.
The Prophet Hosea preached to his people in Israel of those
severe dangers that will come to His people that forget Him-
"When they had pasture, they were filled; They were filled
and their heart was exalted; Therefore they forgot Me. So I
will be to them like a lion; Like a leopard by the road I
will lurk; I will meet them like a bear deprived of her cubs;
I will tear open their rib cage, And there I will devour them
like a lion. The wild beast shall tear them. (Hos 13:6-8). An
abused God of goodness and justice who has been aroused in a
righteous vengeance will severely punish those that forget.
Hosea and Isaiah were prophets that called their people to
be filled with the God's Holy Spirit. They called them to
know that He is forgiving and that they should repent from
their sins. He is capable to liberate one from sin's power-
"Yet I am the Lord your God Ever since the land of Egypt,
And you shall know no God but Me; For there is no Savior
besides Me" (Hos 13:4). "I, even I, am the Lord; And there
is no Savior besides Me" (Isa 43:11). Many scholars believe
the prophets spoke trembling at revelations given to them
by God, by reason of knowing there is no other God and that
He alone is One to make happy. However His reputation is one
of kindness and mercy that rewards the one who humbly loves
Him with all of his heart!
Let us remember who is the God that sanctifies us as a
holy people. God's Name is Jehová Mekaddesh, He is the
Lord that sets His people apart. He completely cleanses
us from all unrighteousness. He completely liberates us
from the power of sin. He completely fills us with His
Holy Spirit. Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today
for His mercy, purpose, and will to sanctify us!
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