Catching Up

DAY 141-145
2-16-10
2 CHRONICLES 21-36


Good Morning!

I was out of town for four days and without an internet connect at my parent’s house. Actually, it was kind of nice to read without having to think about comments to write.

Since last Friday, God’s message about his sinful nation from 2 Chronicles has shown us the final downward spiral. The prayer of Manassah and God’s response is an important lesson for all of us.

(2 Chronicle 33:10, 13) The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention…And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea…Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.

Even after Manassah figured out that the Lord is God, it did not change the direction of the nation that ended up in captivity. I keep going back to the words, “God spoke…but they paid no attention.” How far does a person have to go from God, to pay no attention when God speaks? Even though God’s people rejected him, God, the good father, was not far off. When his sinful, fallen people did come to their senses and called to God – he was still there.

One of the ways God measures faithfulness is listening to him. A believer that is in tuned to the words of God is a person who is always aware that the Lord is God. It’s one thing to read God’s words; it’s another thing entirely to actually listen to them. Those who really listen and take God’s words to heart will be transformed and strengthened by those words.

So the nation of Israel that began with so much promise is done. But God will still be working his plan for the salvation of all people through his remaining faithful children. He will not forget his people in bondage.

Barry