2 Chronicles 34:26-28
“But to the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the LORD, this is what you shall say to him: ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: In regard to the words which you have heard, “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and its inhabitants, and because you humbled yourself before Me, tore your clothes, and wept before Me, I have indeed heard you,” declares the LORD. “Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, so your eyes will not see all the evil which I am bringing on this place and its inhabitants.”
God keeps His promise. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” This promise is seen all throughout the Bible. Here he does it once again. The awesome part about this is that He is forgiving the king. Many of his subjects will also repent. Faith and mercy will go to thousands.
I am a receiver of this same mercy. He saved me as a teenager. He has kept me my entire life. He is blessing my children. On and on and on. He encourages us to share His message with others so they can receive that same mercy.
That’s been His plan all along. Even at the original sin in the garden, He gave a way. He slaughtered the animals and covered the nakedness of Adam and Eve and promised a future sacrifice. They didn’t know it at the time, but God Himself would come down and be that sacrifice.
It’s Christmas morning as I’m writing this. Over two thousand years ago Jesus came into the world as a vulnerable child. Coming in the humblest ways. Raised in humility and came for the all of us.
All throughout His life the devil sought to destroy Him. At first through Herod’s command to put all children to death who were two years of age and younger. Then when He came to preach in His home town they sought to push Him over the cliff. Next when His ministry began the devil dared Him to demonstrate His power by jumping off a high building. He finally succeeded in putting Him to death at the cross. Little did he know that it was God’s plan all along. This death would free all the devil’s captives who wanted to be free.
The king was forgiven and the punishment pushed off to the next generation. Judgment is coming to all those who don’t repent. There are billions on our planet at present. They each have to decide if they will bow the knee and accept His forgiveness and His lordship. It’s the best deal ever.
Unfortunately most don’t. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13,14, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” This is sad. I’ve had friends enter a Christ-less eternity. If they knew when they would die, I’m sure they would have gotten right. Some don’t believe and wouldn’t have.
God is reaching out to everyone. Jesus said in John 12:32, “And I when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.” Then in Revelation 22:17 it says, “the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And the one hearing, let him say, “Come!” And the one thirsting let him come; the one desiring, let him take freely the water of life.’ Thank You for seeking us out. You are good and merciful.