The Messengers of God
We’ve all been both messengers and receivers of messages. If you’ve ever experienced relaying a message the receiver didn’t want to hear, you know how discouraging it can be. If you’ve received an unwanted message, you can probably admit to scorning the messenger. Throughout the Bible, we see God use people to relay messages. God still speaks through people. A believer is always in position to either relay, or receive, a message from the Lord.
Earlier in this chapter, we read more about Zedekiah, the son of beloved King Josiah. Josiah restored Israel back to worship, but Zedekiah did not follow in his father’s footsteps. His pride ruled him. As king, he allowed the most vile of practices back into the temple. Israel fell in line with Zedekiah, as they always seemed to do with any leader. The entire nation again became wicked, performing abominations beyond imagination in the House of God.
God is so patient. He is so merciful. Even through the repeated slips back into debauchery, He continued to send messengers to Israel, warning them of the consequences they faced and offering a way out. But, from the commoners, to the priests, to the chiefs to the king, Israel rebelled. They mocked the messengers. They despised the messages, all of which came from God. There came a point when hearts were so hardened that there was no remedy.
While Israel reaped what they’d sown, coming very close to complete destruction, we constantly read about God’s unending mercy. He always restored Israel, eventually. Through messengers, through the few humble servants He finds, He relieves Israel of their tormenting consequences, escalating them higher than before.
If you are the messenger in the story, don’t give up! Whether you’ve brought the message to loved ones who rejected it and then turned on you for bringing it, or to strangers who listened and appreciated it, don’t ever give up. God is using you, sometimes when you don’t even realize it. He doesn’t want anyone to perish, and He’s using His faithful servants to bring His truth to those who are in the dark.
If you are the receiver, take heed. Don’t let your heart be hardened by what you see in the world. Without the truth of God, things appear hopeless. But, He’s sending people to show you the truth. Whether you’re already a believer or have refused to submit your pride to the Lord, He’s concerned about you. God wants you under His wing of refuge. Things may seem bad now, but this is just the beginning. The day of the Lord is near.
Reach out with the message of God’s love. Tell people of the hope we have for the day with no more pain, no suffering, no disease, no death, no hate. God is faithful. Sow the seeds He gives you in His Word, because the harvest is approaching. Rejection comes from pride, it’s not personal. So, no matter what, don’t give up!
We love y’all and we’re praying for you! We’re always saving you a seat at Community Family Church!
Pastor Tom
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