Bro. Eddie Ministries: The Word Gives InstructionHalimbawa

Tragedies do not come without us being warned. These are not like the wind that no one knows where have come and will go. The signs are given to warn us about the coming of certain troubles. And that means to protect us from being destroyed. Sadly, people often ignore them.

Judah had its own share of national tragedy. This nation fell into idolatry and gross wickedness. Until God’s judgment came upon them and brought them to captivity.

God spoke to Jeremiah, “Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the Lord’s house, all the words that I command you to speak. Do not diminish a word.

“Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his evil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them because of the evil of their doings. And you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: If you will not listen to Me, to walk in My laws which I have set before you, to heed the words of My servants the prophets whom I sent to you, both rising up early and sending them (but you have not heeded), then I will make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.’” (Jeremiah 26:2-6)

The Temple of Jerusalem was the center of attraction and place of worship in Judah. When God told that it would be destroyed if they will not heed His warning, the people thought Jeremiah as a man to betray the government of Judah.

God had already judged Israel. Yet He still gave them the chance to repent and turn back to Him. For in His heart, He would not want them to be destroyed. Yet, they still listened to the false prophets who kept telling that Jeremiah’s words were untrue.

So God caused Babylon to war with Judah. They conquered Judah and burned the Temple of Jerusalem. They killed many of the people, young and old. They also took many of them as captives.

The Babylonian captivity, which lasted for about 70 years, teaches us great lessons.

God assures us that He will protect us from all forms of tragedy or calamity. He promises to deliver us when they come. He surrounds us with hedges of protection. But when we return to sinful living, He allows the coming of destruction to wake us up. But He first sends us series of warnings. He makes sure His messages of grace are sent across without fail. For when we take warning, He shall withdraw the judgment He thought of sending.

It is God’s grace that stands in the way of destruction. But it is our stubborn spirit that will pave the way for it.

If God sees that we have already gone too far, surely He will warn us for our own safety. Thus we must listen to the series of warnings He gives, which need not be His audible voice. We must listen to the truth that hurts rather than to lies that leads to ruin.

This is the truth that God wants every man to heed. “…Know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; and He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face.” (Deuteronomy 7:9-10)

Reflection:
1. Are there sins that try to lead you away from God? Are there signs that warn you? Take time to think things through. Then pray about them.
2. Is it possible for God to completely reject those who are unwilling to repent? Why or why not?

Never attempt to pump out the grace of God.