This chapter briefly describes the final four kings of Judah – Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. They all performed evil in the sight of the Lord, and refused to listen to the multiple prophets God sent their way (examples include Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel).
“The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place. But they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord rose against his people, until there was no remedy.” (v15-16)
I can’t help but think history keeps repeating itself. Everywhere I look today I see people of God (eg. pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders, artists, etc.) trying to tell everyone around them the good news of God’s grace and mercy, yet many refuse to listen. It seems the human race really hasn’t changed much in the last 2600 years.
The Bible says that there will come a time ‘where there is no remedy’ and ‘the wrath of the Lord will rise against the people’. We are promised there will be a final judgement on this earth and those who remain unfaithful (see 2 Pt 3:1-12).
The Bible also promises that those who remain/become faithful will experience the New Heaven and New Earth (see 2 Pt 3:13).
I encourage us to not only remain patient and diligent in our own personal walks, but also continue being voices in the wilderness, proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ our King. Let’s also pray that those who hear the good news will have their hearts softened by the Spirit, and not be stubborn like the kings of Judah/Israel. Let’s proclaim our Lord’s grace and mercy until He takes us home, and hopefully we’ll bring a few extra souls with us.
Father God, our Glorious Lord and Awesome King, we praise Your holy name. Heaven and earth proclaim Your sovereignty and works, and so do we. May we be Your messengers of the good news throughout all the earth, and may those who hear be made ready through Your Spirit. Would their hearts be fertile ground for the seed of Your word, and may we be light and living water to nurture their growth. We do this in the name of Jesus, the one who called us into action for Your name’s sake. May we be Your humble servants, each and every day, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training