2 Chronicles 36:15-16
The LORD, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through His messengers again and again because He had pity on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD was aroused against His people, and there was no remedy.
This second part is extremely scary, but as scary as it is, the Holy Spirit used it and the ones around it to show me something this morning: 2 Chronicles has 36 chapters, and only 8 verses on the exile and subsequent punishment for the Israelites disobedience and idolatry. He showed me that the 36 outweigh the 8. Let me explain.
He gives us 36 chapters on what to do and what not to do. How to repent, how to walk in obedience, the consequences for disobedience, His mercy and His grace, and so much more! But He only reserves 8 verses for the punishment. So, what does that tell me? That God is much more interested in us getting it right and serving Him wholeheartedly than punishing us at the end. Will there be punishment for disobedience and sin? Yes. But is that what God desires, or does He desire our full surrender and obedience to Him? He wants us to get it right, and the only way we can is by accepting Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Most of the kings in this book, which spans from Solomon to the exile, wouldn’t fully surrender and repent, which left the door open for their downfall. What amazes me is that some of the evilest kings (Ahab and Manasseh) humbled themselves one time, and the Lord took notice. How much more do you think He will pay attention to those of us who are covered by the blood of His Son? How we respond to sin can determine how we spend this life and the next. Look how King Josiah responded when confronted with the Law and their sin:
2 Chronicles 34:19 - When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes.
Could we be people like that? A people desperate for the Lord and the salvation that only He brings? Jesus was condemned for our sins so that our sins couldn’t condemn us, but we have to humble ourselves and turn to Him! Thank You, Jesus!
James 4:10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
God bless! I love you all! Glory, Honor, and Praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and the Holy Spirit who will lead us daily!
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