2 Kings 23:26
“Nevertheless, the LORD did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath with which His anger burned against Judah, because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked Him”.
This verse follows the description of king Josiah as a good king. It says that no king turned to the Lord with his whole heart. It says that he took down the high places. Then the book of the Law was found and he commanded that the nation conform their behavior to it. He removed the spiritists and all who were leading the people astray.
Even though Josiah was a good king and brought the nation back to God, todays verse remains. Judgement will come to the nation. It’s not the kings fault, yet judgement is coming.
This reminds me of today’s times. I can’t say I know anything about God’s judgement upon our nation and/or world. However, I know that the bible has standards and our leaders are enacting legislation against it. Abortion is legal and promoted. I know there is a debate about when life begins, but I would error on the side of caution. If we aren’t sure, it shouldn’t be done. It appears lives are being sacrificed for the sake of convenience.
The bible says that sex is to be in the context of marriage. That is not being honored. It also says marriage is to be between a man and a woman. It also speaks against men wearing women’s clothing and acting like the opposite sex. This is being pushed with intensity.
Justice isn’t being done. Sides are enraging people groups all the while promoting practices that keep those people in poverty. It appears homelessness is being allowed and hard work isn’t promoted. Drugs are allowed to be smuggled into our land and being disseminated to our young people. Getting them addicted and often ruined.
All of this breaks God’s heart. How can He allow a country to go on without judgement? Some may say there has always been abuse. True, but time will come to an end and He will return to establish a righteous rule. It seems like we aren’t far from that.
We are to live according to God’s ways as individuals, regardless if our government doesn’t. We need to vote and do what we can civically, but as individuals we are to honor and walk with God. We are to spread His good news as much as we can. God smiles on us, even though He frowns against our nation.
Our lives are in contrast to that promoted by our culture. All the things mentioned in previous paragraphs aren’t to be engaged in. The show, The Chosen, has an icon of fish swimming one way, while two fish swim the opposite way. Our culture flows in a different way than what God promotes.
2 Peter 3:11 says, “All these things being dissolved in this way, what kind ought you to be? In holy conduct and godliness”. He is referring to how judgement will come and all will be burned up. So, how shall we live? In holiness and godliness. The jews modeled how to do this all throughout the centuries. They had their own diets, rules and traditions.
Part of me would like to be a separatist, but I don’t think that’s God’s way. He says we are like lights that are to shine in the darkness (Matthew 5:15). We are to be joyful, forgiving and to share His Word. People are attracted to the light. I Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord, always ready for a defense to everyone asking you an account concerning the hope in you; yet with gentleness and fear”.
Lord, thank You that You love us. Even though You are greatly grieved by our world, You have saved us and love us. Help us to walk with You in joy. Help us to share Your Word to the thirsty.