From Splendor to Shadow

The Lord Will Receive You

The call to repentance was clear, and all were invited to return. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found,” the prophet pleaded; “call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6, 7. SS 168.1

Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast on the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? And now, your plans thwarted and your hopes dead, do you sit alone and desolate? That voice comes to you distinct and clear, “Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you.” Micah 2:10. Your Father invites you, saying, “Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” “Come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 44:22; 55:3. SS 168.2

Do not listen to the enemy's suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come. Repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own: “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7. SS 168.3

The exhortations of the prophet to Judah were not in vain. Some turned from their idols. They learned to see in their Maker love, mercy, and tender compassion. And in the dark days that were to come, the prophet's words were to continue bearing fruit in decided reformation. Many were to behold the One altogether lovely. Their sins were to be forgiven, and they were to make their boast in God alone. They would exclaim, “The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; He will save us.” Isaiah 33:22. SS 168.4

The messages borne by Isaiah to those who chose to turn from their evil ways were full of comfort and encouragement: SS 169.1

O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me.
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions,
And, as a cloud, thy sins:
Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.
Isaiah 44:21, 22

You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord,
For though Thou wast angry with me,
Thy anger turned away, and Thou didst comfort
me ... .
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 12:1-6, RSV