2 Chronicles 36:5-23

Jan 26, 2023    Pastor Daryl Zachman

“The LORD, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people and his Temple. But the people mocked these messengers of God and despised their words.” (2 Chronicles 36:15–16a, NLT)

 

We are told in the Bible that judgment is God’s strange work (Isaiah 28:21). Only after He has exhausted all avenues of compassion does He bring judgment. God’s heart is one of continual mercy. After all, He keeps His covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 7:9).

 

Why then do people resist Him? Why do they despise His good words and wonderful counsel? Why do they persist in doing evil, knowing that it is harming them? Why do people lie rather than telling the truth? Why do they binge eat knowing that they will regret it tomorrow?

 

The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:

 

“For the mystery of lawlessness (that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority) is already at work in the world…” (2 Thessalonians 2:7, AMP)

 

It is human nature that when told not to do something, it suddenly becomes the most desirable thing. It is our hidden rebellious nature and the consequence of the Fall.

 

“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” (Romans 7:15, NKJV)

 

It is easy for us to point the finger at the sins of others, but do we acknowledge our own sins? Or do we cover them up?

 

There is a fountain of mercy, grace and forgiveness for everyone who humbly confesses his or her sins to God. The blood of Jesus is more than sufficient to cleanse us from all sin. Let us not make the same mistake as the people of Judah who heard the Word of God but would not obey.

 

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22, NKJV)

 

It isn’t what we don’t know that hurts us, but what we do know and fail to practice that blinds, deafens and hardens the heart.