Our God, who is all-wise, knew before the foundation of the earth that man would fall. He made arrangements for Jesus to trade place with us. Our Father knew that our heredity tendencies would be sinful but we could be nurtured into righteousness. We can be nurtured (through teaching and loving) back to Him. So He sends Jesus to show us how. This is so assuring, it’s not who I am now but who I can become through Christ.

Like David, God’s children live among men set on fire. Their hatred of Christians burned like fire in their hearts. They are malicious people who are like man-eating lions, carrying a whole armoury in their mouths to kill and destroy. Their destroying acts are sometimes so final - and to think that the tongue, sharpened on the devil’s grindstone, is more terrible than any weapon raised against God’s people. But we need not fear.

Have you ever felt regret for wrongful acts you did; and did you change your mind about repeating those actions? In speaking with some listeners, Jesus advised them that no one was good as all people were sinful. He then informed them that unless they repented, they would all perish. No matter how good we think we are or how others sees us, unless we acknowledge, confess and turn from our evil ways, we will perish. It doesn’t matter what you believe or who you worship. Redemption is impossible without repentance. Without repentance, it is a clear indication there is no desire to change, or to surrender to the God of Heaven.