Backsliders Restored (updated from the '90's and revised)

I wrote the first version back in archaic times (the '90's) before research on the internet was available for me. Please let me introduce you to this NEW and revised version!

Backsliders Restored: The Divine Do-Over

Micah 7:18-19 in the Hebrew text gives us a beautiful glimpse of God's heart: מִי אֵל כָּמוֹךָ (Mi El Kamokha), “Who is a God like You?” Here, Mi means “who,” El is a common biblical name for God, and Kamokha means “like You”, expressing the uniqueness of God’s mercy. This isn’t just any god; it’s the God of unmatched compassion. He נֹשֵׂא עָוֺן (Noseh Avon), “bears or pardons iniquity.” The verb noseh literally means “to carry” or “to lift up,” portraying God as carrying the burden of our sins, not just ignoring them. He also וְסָלֵחַ (V’saleach), “forgives.” This word comes from a root meaning “to forgive” or “to pardon,” a deliberate choice showing God’s willingness to cancel our debts. These actions apply to לַפֹּשְׁעִים (Laposh’im), “the transgressors,” specifically the לִשְׁאֵרִית (Lish’erit), “remnant” of His people, those who remain faithful despite failings. God doesn’t hold His anger forever, חֶסֶד (Chesed), His “steadfast loving-kindness” compels Him to mercy. This word, chesed, is rich with meaning, often translated as covenant love or faithful kindness, reflecting God’s unbreakable loyalty. He will turn back, יָשׁוּב יְרַחֲמֵנוּ (Yashuv Yerachameinu), “He will have compassion on us again.” The root racham is tied to the womb, evoking a deep, tender mercy. He יַכְפִּיר עֲוֹנֹתֵינוּ (Yakpir Avonotenu), “completely covers our sins,” from a root that means “to atone” or “cover over,” much like the Day of Atonement ritual. And finally, וְתִטְרְפֵם (V’titrefem), “He will throw them into the depths of the sea,” a vivid image of removal so complete it’s like our sins are swallowed and lost beyond reach.

"He will take us back in love."

That’s where my heart finds hope every time I stumble. I say, “Lord, I really messed up, didn’t I? Please forgive me again.” Because, honestly, sometimes I feel like I should have a doctorate in missteps! Romans 3:23 reminds us plainly: πάντες ἥμαρτον καὶ ὑστεροῦνται τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ (Pantes Hemarton kai Husterountai tēs Doxēs tou Theou), “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Pantes means “all,” leaving no room for exceptions; hemarton is the verb for “to miss the mark,” like an archer missing a target; and husterountai expresses “falling short,” like failing to reach a prize.

But here’s the beautiful gospel truth: God’s faithfulness means He’s ready to welcome us back again and again. He calls us home like a loving parent who never tires of us, no matter how many times we leave without a coat on a cold day.

His mercies are freshly brewed each morning, awakening our weary souls.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says: חַסְדֵי יְהוָה כִּי לֹא-תָמְנוּ כִּי לֹא-כָלוּ רַחֲמָיו (Chasdei Adonai ki lo tamnu, ki lo kalu rachamav), “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your (God’s) faithfulness.” Chasdei is the plural of chesed, emphasizing God’s countless acts of loyal kindness. Tamnu and kalu come from roots meaning “to cease” or “fail,” underlining that God’s compassion never fails or runs out.

So if you find yourself off track, don’t run away from God. That’s like running from a field of matches into a blazing fire. Fear often tells us to hide, but God stands always at the ready with open arms and a warm hug.

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to lay aside every weight, all those regrets and heavy burdens, and run with perseverance, eyes fixed on Yeshua HaMeshiach, the author and finisher of our faith.

And here’s the promise from 1 John 1:9: ἐὰν ὁμολογῶμεν τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν, πιστός ἐστιν καὶ δίκαιος ἵνα ἀφῇ ἡμῖν τὰς ἁμαρτίας καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀδικίας (Ean homologōmen tas hamartias hēmōn, pistos estin kai dikaios hina aphē hēmin tas hamartias kai katharisē hēmas apo pasēs adikias). If we confess our sins, He is faithful (pistos) and just (dikaios) to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Homologōmen means “to confess openly,” showing the power of honesty. Katharisē means “to cleanse,” like washing away dirt, making us pure again.

And if you’ve stepped on someone’s toes, apologize boldly! God’s love covers your awkwardness.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: οὐ γὰρ ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ θεὸς πνεῦμα δειλίας, ἀλλὰ δυνάμεως καὶ ἀγάπης καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ (Ou gar edōken hēmin ho theos pneuma deilias, alla dynamēōs kai agapēs kai sōphronismou), God gave us not a spirit of fear (deilias means cowardice), but of power (dynamēōs), love (agapēs), and self-discipline or sound mind (sōphronismou).

Sin hidden in secret? Nope... ain’t gonna happen. God’s eyes are everywhere; no secret is safe from Him.

Mark 4:22 reminds us, “There is nothing hidden except to be revealed,” and Deuteronomy 29:29 confirms the secret things belong to God, but what is revealed belongs to us and our children forever.

When you choose to walk with God, hold tight. When you accepted our Savior, you became part of His forever family, the kind that won’t let go, even if you wander off like a kid who thinks they can do life alone (spoiler: they usually can’t – and they come back prodigal).

John 10:27-29 says: τὰ πρόβατά μου τὰ ἐμὰ ἀκούουσιν μου τῆς φωνῆς, κἀγὼ γινώσκω αὐτά, καὶ ἀκολουθοῦσιν μοι· καὶ ἐγὼ δίδωμι αὐταῖς ζωὴν αἰώνιον, καὶ οὐ μὴ ἀπόλωνται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀρπάσει αὐτὰ ἐκ τῆς χειρός μου (Ta probata mou ta ema akousin mou tēs phōnēs, kagō ginōskō auta, kai akolouthousin moi; kai egō didōmi autais zōēn aiōnion, kai ou mē apolōntai eis ton aiōna, kai oudeis arpasei auta ek tēs cheiros mou), “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life; no one can snatch them from my hand.” Probata means sheep, symbolizing God’s people, and cheiros means hand, showing the power and security of God’s protection.

You will always be His child. But God disciplines those He loves, just like any good parent. Deuteronomy 8:5 says: כִּי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מְחַנְּךָ כְּאִישׁ אֹבֵד בְּנוֹ (Ki Adonai Elohecha mechannecha ke’ish oved beno), “The LORD your God disciplines you as a father disciplines his son.” Discipline (mechannecha) is an act of loving correction.

Now, for the parable of the prodigal son. Yeshua HaMeshiach tells this to the Pharisees, those judgmental religious leaders who thought they were too good to hang out with “those people”, tax collectors, fishermen, and even prostitutes, who were actually the ones seeking real life.

Luke 15:11-32 tells how the younger son demands his inheritance early, like asking for dessert before dinner, and then wastes it all partying. When the money runs out, he’s left feeding pigs, the ultimate low for a Jew as it was considered an unclean animal), realizing even his father’s hired servants have food, and to spare. So he decides to go home, rehearsing his apology: “Father, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But his father sees him from afar and runs to him with open arms and throws a feast, sandals, celebration, and all.

This is exactly how God welcomes us back.

Isaiah 55:6-7 says: דִּרְשׁוּ יְהוָה בְּהַמְצָאוֹ; קְרָאוּהוּ בִּהְיוֹתוֹ קָרוֹב (Dirshu Adonai b’himatzo; Qrauhu b’hayoto karov), “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” God isn’t just ready to forgive, He’s eager!

So when we turn back, He scoops us up, covers our mistakes, and throws our sins as far as the east is from the west, or maybe right into the ocean, swallowed by the waves.

But being saved isn’t a free pass to treat sin like confetti at a party. John 10:10 reminds us Yeshua HaMeshiach came to give us abundant life, not just overflowing cereal bowls but deep spiritual richness.

So raise those wine glasses (see that teaching too!) Here’s to putting our hearts and lives back in God’s hands, thankful for His unending grace and love. (clink)

Prayer:

Lord Yeshua HaMeshiach, You are truly my Savior. Forgive me for falling into the snares of this world. Restore me, steady my steps, and keep my heart tuned to Your grace. Thank You for always welcoming me back with open arms. In Your holy name, Amen.

Now go, step back into that abundant life. And maybe watch those shoelaces of temptation a little closer this time!

Be it unto us according to your Word.