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It Didn’t Have To Be Like This - 2 Kings 24-25
It Didn’t Have To Be Like This - 2 Kings 24-25
I find it hard to read this section of the Scriptures! Knowing even a little bit about siege warfare makes one cringe at the thought of Jerusalem having to suffer through this. Reading about the harshness of the Babylonians in their war tactics makes you cry over their defeated adversaries. Seeing how the king of Babylon treated the captured rulers makes you sick in the stomach.
While most respond by crying ‘WHY?” Why this? I think more often of the simple fact it didn’t have to be this way! God did NOT desire this end of their nation/city. Indeed, God has been warning them of this from the time of Moses (cp. Deut. 28-30). God himself has stated that He sent prophet after prophet to turn them from such an end. God has been more than patient in His long-suffering over their sin and unfaithfulness (admittedly, you and I would have brought such an end much quicker than did the LORD).
IF they would have listened. IF they would have repented. IF they would have seen and acknowledged the good things the LORD had done for them. IF… IF… IF… but they did NOT.
Peter gives an all-encompassing viewpoint of God and judgment: “ 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2Peter 3:9). We will stand before God to answer how WE have responded unto Him. He WANTS us to be saved from our sin. He WANTS to forgive us. He DESIRES that we would repent and live. Unfortunately, many of us will refuse God’s invitation and choose for ourselves eternal death. On that day, we will with great tears remember that it didn’t have to be this way! What will it be for you?
Hugh DeLong
