22“As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the LORD, “so will your name and descendants endure.”
Have you ever put yourself on the line, matching your reputation with an action, so that if the action doesn’t happen your reputation gets tarnished? Not many people do this. It is easy to try to live a life where we make not real commitments. We use words like “If I can” or “I’ll let you know” or “I’ll get back to you on that,” and all the while we have no intention of committing. We can’t even say “No” when we need too. And sometimes our “No” is refused and we end up having to do something we said “No” to. The LORD matches His promise of the new heaven and new earth with his commitment to His people. His reputation is on the line. He will make the new dwelling place and His people will be there. Period. The LORD is committed to His people. Even though discipline is heading there way, the LORD is still committed to them. Just as a good parent does not abandon their child who goes astray, but holds out a “welcome home” sign, so the LORD does not permanently reject His people. The temporary rejection is only for disciplinary purposes. He never withholds His love. He is always ready to receive a repentant child. When His people repent, He has always been there for them, bringing restoration and forgiveness. His reputation is at stake. Our reputation as believers is at stake when we bring discipline. We must never let our pride get in the way when true repentance takes place, repentance that results in changed attitude, actions, and follow through.
The Arnold Journey 