Today's readings are Deuteronomy 30.1-20 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Deut.+30.1-20 ) and Matthew 19.1-15 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+19.1-15 ).
We see today in Deuteronomy 30 a call to repentance. Our Lord has already told us that we are likely to be unfaithful to his commands, that we in fact can expect not to follow his commands and that we can anticipate receiving the penalty that he lays out for lawbreakers. And we see we are lawbreakers, unfaithful, easily enticed into following false gods and our own desires. But now see the mercy of our Lord and Savior who calls us to repentance and promises us restoration. He has put his word in our minds and our hearts. He has not revealed himself to us in a way we cannot hear and understand. He has made his mercy and grace accessible to us. He calls us to repent, and we can do it again and again, whenever we find we are wandering in a foreign land and acting as if our God is not who he is.
What commentary does Jesus make on this issue? Moses gave divorce because of the hardness of hearts. He has allowed us to do according to the hardness of our hearts, but it is still a bad thing. Jesus proclaims forgiveness and restoration as well. Who may come to him? Everyone who is of a hard heart or a tender heart may come to Jesus in repentance and faith. How much repentance do the very little children he welcomes have? It's hard to say. Are they welcome to turn to him in faith? Certainly.
Lord, grant us the faith of little children to turn to you and to know that you receive us. Give us your Spirit and enable us to trust that you will cleanse us from all sin.
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