2 Kings 24:8-20
The Exile of Judah Begins

Way back in 1 Samuel 8, the people of Israel asked Samuel to appoint a king over them. The Lord instructed Samuel to warn them solemnly about what a king reigning over them would do, and Samuel did, in detail. Pastor Dave’s paraphrase was, “It will not go well.” In this week’s passage, God brings consequences for His people’s sin. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, carries off the treasure from the palace and the temple in Jerusalem, as well as 10,000 high-value captives, and appoints a puppet king, Zedekiah, who would be Judah’s last king.

Dave said that, as parents, he and Carrie asked themselves if their instruction had been clear before they administered consequences for a child’s disobedience. Was God’s instruction to Israel clear? Dave gave a lengthy survey of evidence that yes, it was clear, starting with Moses’ exposition of the blessings for obedience to God’s Law and the curses for disobedience in Deuteronomy 28 and ending with the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah. For God’s people then and God’s people now, the problem isn’t having enough information. The problem is rebellion and a stubborn unwillingness to obey.

Sin and consequences is not a fun topic. We want to push it away entirely or apply it to someone else. (I hope so-and-so is listening to this sermon!) Instead, let’s be like David and pray, Search me, O God, and know my heart … See if there is any offensive way in me. (Psalm 139:23-24) What does the Holy Spirit bring to mind? What clear instruction of God’s am I disobeying? The first hint that there’s something that needs dealing with might be a reluctance to call it sin. In your mind, it’s a mistake, a poor choice. Unpack it with complete honesty and in full detail. We often need help from our brothers or sisters to do that. They may see more clearly than you when your flesh intrudes with excuses, justifications, exceptions. A brother or sister can recognize when your flesh twists consequences into victimhood or plays the cheap-grace card. Confronting sin is hard. Thank God for the body of believers He has placed you in to help.

The good news of God’s redemptive plan is sweeter when we’ve faced up to the bad news of our sin. When God’s people turn to Him in sincere repentance, He forgives and restores. Praise God that He knows us and our sinful bent and that He loved us enough to send His Son to bear the wrath that would destroy us, though we deserve it. Take time this week to meditate on this amazing truth; praise and thank your Father in heaven.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

* This is an abbreviated version of our weekly prayer blog. For the full version, including congregation prayer requests, subscribe  .