2 Chronicles 11:16-18
“Those from all the tribes of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD God of Israel followed them to Jerusalem, to sacrifice to the LORD God of their fathers. They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam the son of Solomon for three years, for they walked in the way of David and Solomon for three years.”
The northern 10 tribes broke away and had their own king. He established religious practices that were idolatry. He also banished the levites. Today’s verses show how those whose hearts were after the Lord went south.
This is indicative of what it’s like to follow the Lord. We often have to separate one’s self. I can recall the summer after coming to Christ. I was out on a Friday night with my friends partying. I recall sitting on the tailgate of someone’s truck thinking I’m done with this. I’m still friends with them, but I had to break away.
Jesus calls us away. Matthew 7:13,14 says, “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.”
If God’s way is narrow is it difficult to find? No. He is a merciful God and He listens to sincere prayers. He will show them the way. My mom was ensconced in a religious system that was burdensome. She loved God and prayed constantly. He led her and us out.
We have to listen to His voice. It’s not always there. I’m mainly speaking to the unbeliever. It may not come in a convenient time. Give heed. It may come again, but maybe not. Hebrews 3:15 says, ‘As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion.”’ The classic person in the Old Testament who hardened his heart was Pharaoh. Moses was assigning the plagues and Pharaoh would acquiesce. But then he would harden his heart again. After doing this half a dozen times God hardened his heart.
If we continue to ignore God He will respect that choice. He seals it. That’s why the Hebrews passage warns that if we hear His voice today, we should listen. We don’t have to understand it. Just pause and say, “Yes Lord”.
He makes the roads straight and He gives understanding. I can recall the anxiety at some of those times. That was self imposed or may from the evil one. He is freeing us. Even though we may not understand it.
Matthew 11:29-30 says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” I have learned this to be so true.
As a christian we don’t have to wait for His voice, we are to seek it. How do we do that? Prayer is one way. A huge avenue is the bible. It’s called God’s Word. It’s for us. As we read the bible we are taking in His Word. Sometimes they jump off the page, other times not. Psalm 1:1-3 says, “Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, And on His Law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.”
Lord, Help us to heed Your voice. Help us to seek it.