Topic: Judgment On Backsliding [Friday March 31, 2017]
Text: 2 Kings 17:9-23
Key Verse: “And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. “(2 Kings 17:16).
Though God is compassionate and merciful to mankind, He does not allow any form of sin. God had been sending prophets and preachers to the nation of Israel from time to time to warn them of their wickedness and evil ways. But they would not take to any of His warnings. They became obstinate and turned their back to every reproof and correction of God.
They resorted to the use of divination and enchantment and wrought wickedness to provoke God. They took undue advantage of God’s faithfulness to His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Backsliding is a great sin. These fifteen verses under consideration present to us some areas of great importance: The children of Israel abused the privilege of being God’s choice as a nation. They also wasted God’s resources upon them. Anyone who misuses this great opportunity will pay dearly for it. Israel also had the highest spiritual teaching through the word of God.
But they became wicked, rejected God and romanced with idols. They neglected His word, rejected His worship and disobeyed His directives on how to do His appointed feasts. They backslid causing God’s anger and judgment to come upon them as punishment for their sin. God’s longsuffering should never be taken for granted. As loving as God is, His eyes are too holy to behold sin. Israel was rejected because they backslid. God is not a partial judge. The same judgment awaits all who wantonly abuse His kindness, and take for granted His forbearance and deeds of mercy.
Thought for the day: As loving as God is, He is also a consuming fire.
Bible Reading in one Year: Micah 1-4
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
