Today, we read of the Northern Kingdom of Israel falling to the Assyrians, and the Israelites are exiled to Assyria. The king of Assyria resettled the land with foreigners he conquered from other nations. What the prophets said would happen came true.
Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah: “Turn from all your evil ways…”But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the Lord their God. They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves … until the Lord finally swept them away from his presence, just as all his prophets had warned. (2 Kings 17:13–15, 23, NLT)
One of the thoughts that stood out to me was that God repeatedly warned Israel, generation after generation, to turn from their wicked ways. God’s patience is truly amazing! At the same time, God’s patience did not overlook sin, and judgment did come. What faithfulness of God to keep His word! Israel chose to defy God’s patience and mercy, and God kept His word to them.
Herein, mankind has a choice: to obey or disobey. To heed God’s patient warnings and receive mercy, or reject and despise God through stubbornness and unbelief. Which does God prefer, judgment and destruction or patience, mercy, and forgiveness? The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9, NLT) While, as saints, we look for Christ’s return now—He is busy being patient with sinners!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17.