This odd chapter follows an unnamed prophet from Judah who interacts with King Jeroboam in Israel.
“Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make offerings. And the [Judean prophet] cried against the altar by the word of the Lord and said, ‘O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: “Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.” ‘ …Jeroboam stretched out his hand… saying, ‘Seize him.’ And his hand… dried up, so that he could not draw it back to himself. And the king said to the man of God, ‘Entreat now the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.’ And the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it was before. After this thing Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way, but made priests for the high places again from among all the people.” (v1-6 abr, 33a)
This prophet foretells the coming of a Davidic descendant, Josiah, who will destroy the false religion Jeroboam has devised. The king isn’t happy, and gets a pretty severe wrist slap from God. He has that altar torn down, and then his arm is restored. Yet, he does not turn from his evil ways and his sin will ultimately result in his entire lineage being wiped out.
There are numerous passages in scripture where God relents from destroying those who truly repent. God also gives people ample opportunities to repent – He sent many prophets and Jesus with messages of repentance. I also believe there’s a large span of time (2000+ years) between Jesus’ first and second coming, because God wants as many people as possible to choose repentance and obedience over sin and evil. God is withholding ultimate destruction until His appointed time.
The whole reason we celebrate advent each year is to remember God relenting from destruction – He sent Jesus to this earth to save us from our sin so we wouldn’t have to be destroyed. We also remember that Jesus is coming back to remove evil from this world once and for all, so we need to have prepared hearts that are ready for that day.
I encourage us to continue preparing for Jesus’ second coming – let’s repent and accept the forgiveness made possible through His first coming. By living lives out of God’s grace, and proclaiming that grace to those around us, we are preparing the way for Jesus’ return. Given our current rate of economic, ecological, and moral decline in this world, I’m hoping Jesus comes back soon, and we are ready when He gets here.
Father God, our Glorious and Gracious Lord, we praise You for Your hand of mercy is upon us. Thank you for sending Jesus to pave the way for our repentance and forgiveness. Thank you for the gifts of grace and mercy. Thank you for preparing the way for Jesus’ return by readying our hearts and the hearts of those around us. Jesus, please do not delay in Your return, for this world is in desperate need of redemption. We honor, praise, and glorify You Father, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training