2 Kings 23:31-25:30; Acts 22:17-23:10; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 18:13
The City of Jerusalem and the Temple were built to honor God and His Name. When Israel and Judah continued in their persistent disobedience and rebellion against God, they were exiled into foreign lands. If that were not enough, the invading armies dismantled and destroyed all of the sacred objects and buildings. How would God allow all of His possessions and buildings be treated like that?
Because those buildings were nothing more than symbols of something deeper: God’s relationship with His covenant people. Those buildings were only as good as the people who filled them! And when the hearts of the people turned away from God, those non-living structures had no meaning because the living witnesses had failed. Israel had been banished from before God’s presence because they rejected His way.
Each of us has to make a decision if we will accept or reject God’s way. If we accept it, we will spend our days and eternity in His presence. If we reject God, we will spend our everlasting days separated from Him. We do the choosing not God. Remember that God does not want the things we dedicate to Him more than He wants to be in real relationship with us!
Tomorrow’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17; Acts 23:11-35; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 18:14-15