But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. – 2 Chronicles 36:16
“I love my job,” said Maggie, a young nurse, “but it’s so frustrating when I tell people what they need to do to stay healthy and they don’t follow my advice.”
Then I realized the spiritual implications. “If you and I feel frustrated when people don’t follow our professional advice, imagine how God feels when we ignore His”. He’s the only One with perfect knowledge of what’s good for us, yet we often behave as if we know better.
This was the case in ancient Israel. Thinking that they knew more than God did, the people followed their own way (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). As a result, Jerusalem and the house of God fell into the hands of Babylonians.
This is also the case with us when God’s instructions seem difficult. We may conclude that He had exceptions in mind for our particular circumstance.
God graciously teaches what is best (Isaiah 48:17-18) but doesn’t force us to do it. He patiently presents what is right and good, and allows us to choose it.
What freedom lies with all who choose
To live for God each day!
But chains of bondage shackle those
Who choose some other way.
God’s teaching may not always make sense, but it’s always senseless to think we know better.
