The Promise of Life Deut 30:1-10 SS Lesson for 08/30/2009

The Promise of Life Deut 30:1-10 SS Lesson for 08/30/2009 Devotional Scripture: 2 Chron 7:11-22 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS LIFE THROUGH RESTORATION (DEUT 30:1-5) Restoration through repentance (1-2) A repentance that results in sins being forgiven and a refreshing of the spirit (Acts 3:19) A repentance that has as it foundation godly sorrow (2 Cor 7:10-11) A repentance that causes one to forsake evil thoughts and ways (Isa 55:7) A repentance that is a return to God (Hos 14:1-2) A repentance that will be preached in Jesus' name to all nations (Luke 24:46-47) A repentance that is offered to all (Acts 2:37-38) Restoration through God's compassion (3) God's compassion through His covenant (2 Kings 13:23) God's compassion through His unchanging loving heart (Hos 11:8-9) God's compassion through His desire to protect His children (Luke 13:34) God's compassion through His graciousness and righteousness (Ps 116:5) God's compassion through His desire to vindicate His people (Ps 135:14) God's compassion through His goodness to all (Ps 145:9) Restoration through God's drawing (4-5) No one comes into a relationship with God unless he is drawn (John 6:44) Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him is drawn to Him (John 6:45) God draws with loving-kindness (Jer 31:3) Those to look to Jesus are drawn to Him (John 12:32) No one comes to God unless God enables him (John 6:65) LIFE THROUGH NEW BIRTH (DEUT 30:6-8) Birth through God's transformation (6-7) Transformation through being born again (John 3:3-8) Transformation through God's Word (1 Peter 1:23) Transformation into a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) Transformation that is a renewal day by day (2 Cor 4:16) Transformation into a new self (Col 3:10) Transformation by the renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2) Transformation into a pure heart and a steadfast spirit (Ps 51:10) Transformation of the attitude of the mind (Eph 4:22-24) Transformation accomplished by the washing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) Birth that results in obedience (6) Results in obedience because God is faithful (Deut 7:9) Results in obedience because God promised that obedience prolongs life (Prov 3:1-2) Results in obedience because obedience is pleasing to God (Prov 16:7) Results in obedience because God promises to make obedient believers His people (Jer 7:23) Results in obedience because God will forgive and heal based on obedience (2 Chron 7:14) Results in obedience because God does not allow obedience to be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) LIFE THROUGH OBEDIENCE (DEUT 30:9-10) Obedience that results in replenishing (9) The Promise of Life Page 1 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

A replenishing that continues until everything is full (2 Kings 4:2-6) A replenishing that completely satisfies (Matt 14:17-21) A replenishing that always leaves some left over (2 Kings 4:42-44) A replenishing that is eternal (John 4:10-14) Obedience based on commitment (10) Committed to obedience by being a slave to righteousness (Rom 6:15-18) Committed to obedience by living a life that proves obedience (2 Cor 9:13) Committed to obedience so that we will know God (1 John 2:3) Committed to obedience by living in God (1 John 3:24) Committed to obedience by being ready to do whatever is good (Titus 3:1) Committed to obedience by not giving up (Heb 12:1-5) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Israel's restoration (Deut. 30:1-5) God's blessing (Deut. 30:6-10) The Promise of Life Page 2 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The concept of the lesson outline came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. The lesson examines God's Promise of Life. The study's aim is to make us aware that God has a permanent love for His chosen people that will find ultimate fulfillment in the final regathering. The study's application is to urge everyone to accept God's saving grace and prepare to enjoy the blessings of God's covenant. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The history of ancient Israel reveals a pattern of apostasy and rebellion, with sporadic repentance and reform woven in. Apostasy eventually led to the exiles of 722 and 586 BC. But all that is many centuries in the future from the standpoint of today s lesson (about 1406 BC). By the time apostasy and rebellion come in those centuries of the distant future, it will be nothing new. The Israelites of Moses day have already proven their eagerness in that regard (compare Exodus 32; Numbers 14, 16). They are indeed a stiffnecked people (Exodus 32:9). Yet God knows how forgiveness and restoration will happen, even many centuries before those exiles occur. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Have you ever been disappointed because someone broke a promise? Sadly, this is an all too common experience. While sometimes the promise broken may be considered trivial by the one who made it, the person on the receiving end of a broken promise can be devastated. This is especially true with children. But adults also experience great pain when those they love deeply break a promise to them. Concerning God's promises, however, we must be careful not to appropriate for ourselves promises that were never made to us! Some promises were made to specific people for a limited time, such as some made to the apostles (cf. Mark 6:7-13). On the other hand, there are promises of a general nature that extend to all people. For example, God promised never again to destroy the entire world with a flood (Gen. 9:15). This week's lesson contains just a few of the many promises that were made to God's chosen people. At 120, Moses was conning to the end of his life, but his vision of what would eventually happen to Israel extended far into the future. The introduction of the renewed covenant begins in Deuteronomy 29:1 and concludes in 30:20, but its implementation was distant. We are closer to it today as we see events moving forward toward the end times. The nation of Israel became a reality in 1948, fought several wars against its Arab neighbors, and has prospered in many ways. However, more Jews live outside of Israel than in it. The dispersion that began in A.D. 70 is still largely in effect. The survival of this tiny state is constantly under threat, but God has given His people this land, and He will preserve them in it. His program will reach its apex with the establishment of the future covenant. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Life Through Restoration (Deut 30:1-5) 1 "Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God drives you, 2 and you return to the Lord your God and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, 3 that the Lord your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you. The Promise of Life Page 3 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

4 If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you. 5 Then the Lord your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. Restoration through repentance (1-2) A repentance that results in sins being forgiven and a refreshing of the spirit (Acts 3:19) 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, A repentance that has as it foundation godly sorrow (2 Cor 7:10-11) 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. A repentance that causes one to forsake evil thoughts and ways (Isa 55:7) 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. A repentance that is a return to God (Hos 14:1-2) 14 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! 2 Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. A repentance that will be preached in Jesus' name to all nations (Luke 24:46-47) 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. A repentance that is offered to all (Acts 2:37-38) 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Restoration through God's compassion (3) God's compassion through His covenant (2 Kings 13:23) 23 But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. God's compassion through His unchanging loving heart (Hos 11:8-9) 8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. 9 I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath. The Promise of Life Page 4 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

God's compassion through His desire to protect His children (Luke 13:34) 34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! God's compassion through His graciousness and righteousness (Ps 116:5) 5 The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. God's compassion through His desire to vindicate His people (Ps 135:14) 14 For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. God's compassion through His goodness to all (Ps 145:9) 9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Restoration through God's drawing (4-5) No one comes into a relationship with God unless he is drawn (John 6:44) 44 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him is drawn to Him (John 6:45) 45 It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. God draws with loving-kindness (Jer 31:3) 3 The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Those to look to Jesus are drawn to Him (John 12:32) 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." No one comes to God unless God enables him (John 6:65) 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." Life Through New Birth (Deut 30:6-8) 6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. 7 "Also the Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. 8 And you will again obey the voice of the Lord and do all His commandments which I command you today. Birth through God's transformation (6-7) Transformation through being born again (John 3:3-8) 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to The Promise of Life Page 5 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." Transformation through God's Word (1 Peter 1:23) 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. Transformation into a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Transformation that is a renewal day by day (2 Cor 4:16) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Transformation into a new self (Col 3:10) 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Transformation by the renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2) 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. Transformation into a pure heart and a steadfast spirit (Ps 51:10) 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Transformation of the attitude of the mind (Eph 4:22-24) 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Transformation accomplished by the washing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Birth that results in obedience (6) Results in obedience because God is faithful (Deut 7:9) 9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Results in obedience because God promised that obedience prolongs life (Prov 3:1-2) 3 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Results in obedience because obedience is pleasing to God (Prov 16:7) 7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. Results in obedience because God promises to make obedient believers His people (Jer 7:23) 23 but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you. The Promise of Life Page 6 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

Results in obedience because God will forgive and heal based on obedience (2 Chron 7:14) 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Results in obedience because God does not allow obedience to be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Life Through Obedience (Deut 30:9-10) 9 The Lord your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land for good. For the Lord will again rejoice over you for good as He rejoiced over your fathers, 10 if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Obedience that results in replenishing (9) A replenishing that continues until everything is full (2 Kings 4:2-6) 2 Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?""your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil." 3 Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." 5 She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one." But he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing. A replenishing that completely satisfies (Matt 14:17-21) 17 "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. 18 "Bring them here to me," he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. A replenishing that always leaves some left over (2 Kings 4:42-44) 42 A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha said. 43 "How can I set this before a hundred men?" his servant asked. But Elisha answered, "Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: 'They will eat and have some left over.'" 44 Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord. A replenishing that is eternal (John 4:10-14) 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." 11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" 13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The Promise of Life Page 7 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

Obedience based on commitment (10) Committed to obedience by being a slave to righteousness (Rom 6:15-18) 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Committed to obedience by living a life that proves obedience (2 Cor 9:13) 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. Committed to obedience so that we will know God (1 John 2:3) 3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. Committed to obedience by living in God (1 John 3:24) 24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. Committed to obedience by being ready to do whatever is good (Titus 3:1) 3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, Committed to obedience by not giving up (Heb 12:1-5) 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The same choice that confronted Israel confronts us today. Will we wholeheartedly commit ourselves to obey God s commandments to yield the hope of blessing, or will we ignore his voice and invite his wrath? If we commit ourselves in obedience to him, we know that he has enabled us in Christ Jesus to be faithful. We have an advantage: we have the record of history to warn us. Various kings instituted idolatry in northern Israel (1 Kings 12:28 30; 16:30 33; 2 Chronicles 11:14, 15; etc.). For these sins the northern kingdom was sent into exile. Likewise, kings of southern Judah practiced idolatry and broke the commandments (2 Kings 8:16 18; 21:1 18; 2 Chronicles 21:5 7; etc.). The southern kingdom too was sent into exile. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did (1 Corinthians 10:6). To shun God invites being shunned by God in return. When we decide for God, we decide for blessing. The Promise of Life Page 8 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The call of God to His people is to see how wonderful and precious life as His child can be and to choose that life. The Lord promises life to those who will trust in Him and love Him with their entire being. In the New Testament Jesus mentions this as a reason for His coming. In reference to those who believe in Him, He says that He came so "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). The promise of life the way Lord intended lies at the heart of this week's text. It is the result for those who desire the Lord to do a work in their lives that needs to be done. In the context of a future time when Israel would depart from the Lord and then be brought back into fellowship, Moses talked about a circumcision of the heart. The innermost part of a person is so important. The heart, rather than the outward person, is what God emphasizes. Worship can become so routine and ritualistic that it simply expresses a dulled heart that is far from the Lord. People may fool other people, but they do not fool the Lord. He sees the heart of each person with clarity. God is the God of second chances; He is willing to forgive and take back the penitent sinner. He pursues His People, as He did with Adam (cf. Gen. 3:8-9). The great promise to Israel was that the Lord would not leave His people in permanent rebellion and captivity but would seek them out and restore them to a right relationship with Him. This promise needs to be seen for what it is and not for what it is not. It is not a license to backslide in one's faith and devotion to the Lord. It is not permission to do whatever one wants because God will effect restoration. Instead, the promise is to offer hope. When a person finds himself away from the Lord he can recall there is forgiveness for him. God will bring him back to where he should be. Moses talked about a circumcision of the heart. This is not a physical surgical procedure but rather a spiritual cutting away of the callouses sin has put on a person's heart. It is a spiritual removal of unbelief and the binding nature of the sin that is plaguing his heart. When a person becomes a believer in Christ, he experiences a similar procedure by the Lord. It is the beginning of a new life in Christ. The person sees sin for what it is, and he finds his heart turned toward the Lord. When someone's heart becomes hard because of sin, it is not possible to worship the Lord as he should. A person in that condition loves sin more than the Lord. When the Lord operates on the heart, however, it is possible for the entire person to love and worship God as he should. The result of this spiritual surgery, as mentioned briefly before, is life and not just ordinary life, but the abundant life Jesus has for those who love Him. As this study about God's call to His people draws to a close, may we remember our exodus from sin and our commitment to the Lord so that we may have abundance of life. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. The promise of restoration to full fellowship with God is one that never expires (Deut. 30:1-3) 2. No matter how far we stray, God can bring us back to Him (vs. 4) 3. The promise of land was for Israel; the promise of a divine work in the heart is for everyone (vs. 5-6) 4. Evildoers who are prospering now are on borrowed time (vs. 7) 5. No matter what trials or difficulties we may go through, in the end there is no better life than what is offered to us by the grace of God (vs. 8-10) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Have you ever had to forgive someone who sinned against you? Perhaps she said something behind.your back that hurt you. Perhaps he reacted angrily to the advice he requested. Maybe you were quick to forgive because it was the first time this had ever happened in your relationship. But what if you had to forgive your friend almost daily? It would not take long for you to wonder whether this person was sincere about seeking forgiveness or was even interested in being your friend at all! God is ready to forgive us when we repent of our sins to Him. Since He knows our hearts and our motives, He is aware when we are sincere about our failings. Sadly, we give Him many opportunities to forgive us because of our many sins. He does not give up on us, though. The Promise of Life Page 9 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09

Israel's restoration (Deut. 30:1-5) God had bad news and good news to give Israel. He knew their past and also their future. Even though they did not totally understand, He told them what was going to happen to them if they did not live obedient lives and follow His commands. Because He knew their hearts, God knew they would not be obedient. He knew they were sinners in need of a Savior. God told the people they would lose their land and go into exile. He knew their future. However, He did not leave them dangling. God was ready to give hope to those who felt hopeless. He promised restoration beyond the curse of exile. God's redemption program would never fail. He gave hope of a new covenant with Him. If the people turned to God during their time of exile, He promised compassion and restoration. They would enjoy even greater blessings. The people would be dispersed away from their land, but God promised to restore the land to them. They would have their land and homes once again. God would give them a new heart and a new spirit as restored people who would again have joy. God's blessing (Deut. 30:6-10) God would carry out this internal renewal of His people by circumcising their hearts. From the time of Abraham, God had ordered His people to be circumcised as a sign of being set apart from the heathen nations around them. Now God would cut away the selfish condition and the stubbornness that were causing their lack of devotion to Him and resulting in an insensitivity toward spiritual truths. God expected His people to love Him with their whole hearts. Then He would allow them to live. Those curses God had placed on Israel in the past would now be transferred to the nations who had brought about Israel's destruction and exile. They were ungodly, idol worshiping people who lived evil lives. God desired His people to obey their sovereign Lord and keep His commandments. From this obedience would come blessing and healing as well as God's delight in them. God promised new prosperity even greater than what they had experienced before this time. God never gave up on His people, even when they showed themselves to be unfaithful to Him. He disciplined them to bring them back to Himself, but He did that out of His unfailing love. There is always hope of renewal and restoration, because God is always there, ready and waiting to forgive. He is truly the God of second chances! God has promised life to those who love and follow Him. He is the Giver of life. The Promise of Life Page 10 of 10 SS Lesson for 08/30/09