I Will Never Leave Thee, nor Forsake Thee
God's faithfulness extends to our mistakes and failures, and He remains committed to us, always ready to pardon and deliver us on humble repentance and supplication.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's unwavering presence and compassion, even when we stray from His path and face the consequences of our mistakes. He reassures us that, like the Israelites during their forty years of wandering, God remains by our side, ready to forgive and guide us back to Him upon our repentance. Simpson encourages believers not to lose faith despite their shortcomings, as God's promise to never leave or forsake us stands firm. He highlights the importance of humility and supplication in seeking God's grace and restoration. Ultimately, God's patient love and support are ever-present, waiting for us to return to Him.
Text
It is most cheering to know that although we err and bring upon ourselves many troubles that might easily have been averted, yet God does not forsake even His mistaken child, but on his humble repentance and supplication is ever ready both to pardon and deliver. Let us not give up our faith because we have perhaps stepped out of the path in which He would have led us. The Israelites did not follow when He called them into the Land of Promise, yet God did not desert them.
During the forty years of their wandering He walked by their side, bearing their backsliding with patient compassion, waiting to be gracious to them when another generation came.
In all their affliction he afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; . . . he bare them, and carried them all the days of old (Isaiah 63:9). So it is today, while our wanderings bring us many sorrows and lose us many blessings, to the heart that truly chooses His, He has graciously said: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Sermon Outline
- I. God's Faithfulness in the Face of Mistakes
- A. God does not forsake even His mistaken child
- B. God is ever ready to pardon and deliver on humble repentance and supplication
- II. The Israelites' Experience of God's Faithfulness
- A. God did not desert them despite their backsliding
- B. God walked by their side during their wandering
- III. God's Promise of Faithfulness
- 'A. God has graciously said: I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee'
- B. This promise is for the heart that truly chooses God
Key Quotes
“God does not forsake even His mistaken child, but on his humble repentance and supplication is ever ready both to pardon and deliver.” — A.B. Simpson
“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — A.B. Simpson
“In all their affliction he afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them;” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should not give up our faith even when we make mistakes and stray from God's path.
- God's faithfulness is not limited to our successes, but also extends to our failures and wanderings.
- We can trust in God's promise to never leave us nor forsake us, and seek His pardon and deliverance on humble repentance and supplication.