Friday, August 23, 2024
Good Morning “Changed By Mercy and Grace.” Today we are 2 Kings 17. In this chapter we see a summary accounting of the 10 Tribes of Israel, their rebellion, decent, and Gods judgment upon them. It’s truly heartbreaking. “All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” 2 Kings 17:7 NIV The text goes on to explain that they “worshipped other gods”, and followed the practices of those that The Lord had them drive out when they took possession of the land. They even practiced child sacrifice. Occasionally someone will tell me something like “I would be all in with God if He would just bless me.” Ummm He already has! He’s given us breath and life through the Blood of Jesus - there is no greater blessing. We live in a place and at a time HEAPED with blessing. It’s never enough with that attitude. Israel was not changed by Gods mercy and Grace. Let’s not forget He miraculously got them out of Egypt with so much wealth they couldn’t hardly carry it all! He proved Himself faithful again and again. Oh they worshipped Him… well kind of, in their own distorted way - but He alone wasn’t enough in their eyes. They adopted a mongrel religion made up of a buffet of practices that fed their flesh, while still expecting blessing from The Lord. He warned them again and again. “Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.” They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.” 2 Kings 17:38-41 NIV The last sentence in that passage is perhaps the saddest for me. How we live and lead matters. The next generation is watching. “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV That corruption shouldn’t come from us as parents, and grandparents. Love you all! Dig in!
Good Morning “Changed By Mercy and Grace.” Today we are 2 Kings 17. In this chapter we see a summary accounting of the 10 Tribes of Israel, their rebellion, decent, and Gods judgment upon them. It’s truly heartbreaking. “All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” 2 Kings 17:7 NIV The text goes on to explain that they “worshipped other gods”, and followed the practices of those that The Lord had them drive out when they took possession of the land. They even practiced child sacrifice. Occasionally someone will tell me something like “I would be all in with God if He would just bless me.” Ummm He already has! He’s given us breath and life through the Blood of Jesus - there is no greater blessing. We live in a place and at a time HEAPED with blessing. It’s never enough with that attitude. Israel was not changed by Gods mercy and Grace. Let’s not forget He miraculously got them out of Egypt with so much wealth they couldn’t hardly carry it all! He proved Himself faithful again and again. Oh they worshipped Him… well kind of, in their own distorted way - but He alone wasn’t enough in their eyes. They adopted a mongrel religion made up of a buffet of practices that fed their flesh, while still expecting blessing from The Lord. He warned them again and again. “Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.” They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.” 2 Kings 17:38-41 NIV The last sentence in that passage is perhaps the saddest for me. How we live and lead matters. The next generation is watching. “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV That corruption shouldn’t come from us as parents, and grandparents. Love you all! Dig in!