Usually when we think of reconciliation we think of relationships and more specifically relationships between husbands and wives. Unfortunately, we often don’t hear the positive stories of reconciliation between husbands and wives but we usually hear the negative stories.
Whenever we hear that someone is getting divorced, it is stated that it is for “irreconcilable differences.” Irreconcilable differences – that means they believe there is nothing that is going to happen that will being them back together – it is over for good. That word irreconcilable is so sad but often it is many people’s reality.
Now the reconciliation that I want to share about in this post is not between people but between God and people. You see, there is enmity between God and us (because of our sin). Isaiah 59:1-2 states: “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
Can you imagine if God was like us and claimed irreconcilable differences between us? That is not a pleasant thought! Yet the gospel proclaims how God has taken the initiative to reconcile us back to Himself. We should note this fine distinction. God is not reconciled to us, as though He were partly to blame, for the enmity. Rather, we are reconciled to God, for it is we who moved away from God!
When people need to be reconciled to one another, it normally involves a situation where fault lies on both sides to some degree. This was not the case between us and God; we have moved away from God, and it is we who need to be reconciled back to God, not God back to us!
This reconciliation is only made possible because of the initiatives that God took first! It is only made possible through Jesus Christ, in particular, His death for our sins! Reconciliation comes through Jesus and Jesus alone (2 Corinthians 5:18a; Colossians 1:19-20a). Reconciliation comes through Jesus’ death on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:20b-22a).
In other words, God took Christ, who knew no sin, to represent our sin and receive the punishment due for sin in His death on the cross. God did this, so that we, who were His enemies, alienated from Him by or sins, might be reconciled back to Him!
The truth is: God was under no obligation to do this! He could have rightfully left us to die in our sins but He didn’t! He chose to love us despite our sin and send His Son to die so that we could be reconciled back to Him.
God’s love for us is great and and He has gone to great measures to reconcile us back to Himself!
I am so thankful that God took the initiative to reconcile us back to Him!
I am so thankful that God did not claim irreconcilable differences between us!
The challenge is to live our lives in light of this incredible reconciliation that we have received.
Recommended reading: The Grace of God by Andy Stanley
***** This post is part of the blog carnival on “Reconciliation” that is taking place over at Bridget Chumbley’s blog.
A Few Related Posts You May Find Useful:
My security in Christ
For the people tell me so . . .
True Love
Sermon Synopsis 4/6 – I AM . . . the way, the truth and the life
Are you an attender or a belonger? Part 6 Belonging helps us fulfill our life mission
Why would they want what we have?
3 ways to experience joy in our lives
2 ways our hope can bring us joy
Amen Kevin. This is very well put.
Excellent, Kevin. Just like Jesus' story of the prodigal son, he had to come to his senses and return to the Father. The Father eagerly waited for reconciliation, but it was the son's choice whether he would exercise it or not. 'Blame God' doesn't work. He's made a way and we only have to humble ourselves to walk through the doorway He already provided. Great post.
My recent post Opposites Attract
Yes, Yes! Amen. Awesome Kevin. Thanks for blessing me with this today. We can't seperate God's wrath and God's love – they are joined together at the cross – the gospel – the story of reconciliation. Amen.
In our Sunday School class on Sunday, we talked about how the 10 Commandments are less a list of do's and don'ts and more like a marriage contract — a contract that one party had already broken even before they saw it. And yet he still provided a means of reconciliation — to do what we couldn't do — because he loves us that much.
Good post, Kevin.
Thanks Michael!
Thanks for sharing Jason!
My recent post Faith is an amazing life-giver
Thanks Ryan!
My recent post Faith is an amazing life-giver
Great point Glynn!
Thanks for sharing!
My recent post Faith is an amazing life-giver
Yes sir, well done. Thank you Jesus.
My recent post Reconciled
Great post. About marriage conflicts… I think this is all caused by both people expressing their sexuality too much. It's a taboo subject, but having too much sex can cause damage to a relationship, and potentially cause both to start to get bored of each other. If we exercised more restrain, and showed more affection rather than craving for sex, perhaps there'd be less conflicts.
My recent post Colon Cleanse – Day 1
Thanks Doug!
My recent post Who takes care of the pastor when they are hurting
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
My recent post Who takes care of the pastor when they are hurting
Yes we have!
Thanks for sharing David!
My recent post Who takes care of the pastor when they are hurting
I didn't read all the comments so I hope I am not repeating but I would like to add that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18).
My recent post Top Posts For October 2010
Hi Kevin, this is a rather nice post. I’m very thankful too that God has taken the liberty to reconcile us back to Him, even if we were always the ones at fault.
My recent post High Stakes- Erik Sagstrom lost 112k to Brian Townsend
Amen! Me too Felicia!
Thanks for sharing!
My recent post What goes around doesnt always come around
I suppose we were irreconcilable to God, until we were blessed with the message to come to HIM, and as we made that CHOICE and decision to follow Christ, we were reconciled at that moment to Him.
My recent post LA LA LA LA LA
The opportunity to be reconciled to God came through Christ's sacrifice but we still need to choose to accept it.
Thanks for sharing Hazel!
My recent post Faith is an amazing life-giver
In other words, God took Christ, who knew no sin, to represent our sin and receive the punishment due for sin in His death on the cross. God did this, so that we, who were His enemies, alienated from Him by or sins, might be reconciled back to Him!
I really enjoyed the way you put this, Kevin. Such an amazing story of grace and love. Thank you!
My recent post Fun Friday…Dating
Yep! That's why they call it amazing grace!
Thanks for sharing Bridget!
My recent post Would Jesus be welcome in your church
Amen! I've never liked that "irreconciliation" word when used for divorce. Sounds like a fake excuse. And I always thought that anything could be worked out, really, really… and then I ended up divorced 26 years ago. I knew God was bigger, but sometimes the people don't go that way. However, I'm so blessed that my Father has His heart focused on whatever is necessary to bring forth reconciliation. A wonderful sharing bit from your heart.
Thanks for sharing part of your story Joanne!
God is good!
My recent post Are you willing to open your heart and life to others