JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in Isaiah 1, verses 16 to 18.

The LORD said to a nation in need of repentance: “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Come now, let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

The message of the Gospel urges us to turn from our sins and follow Jesus. God reasons with us on the basis of conviction. He points out where we are wrong, shows the right way, and urges us to change direction. The Gospel is also a message of forgiveness. Through Jesus, we are cleansed of sin and have a fresh start in God’s grace.

The cleansing effect of God’s grace reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com