S) "20 Those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, 21 to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete."
2 Chronicles 36:20-21(NASB)
O) This is the final chapter of the books of Chronicles, recording the events of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Throughout the prophecies and warnings given to the respective kingdoms, there are references to the land itself, almost personifying the territory. In Leviticus 25, before the people ever entered the Promised Land, they were commanded to give the land a Sabbath of its own, every seventh year. In the very next chapter, God's people were warned that they would be exiled for rejecting God's ways, and that the land would receive its Sabbath, just as He ordained (see Leviticus 26:34).
A) The prophecies serve two important purposes. One, is to prove that the LORD is God. He declares what will happen, and when it comes to pass, that glorifies His name. He is revealed to be true, omnipotent, and eternal, because what He declares will happen, happens. The second purpose prophecies serve, is to warn and direct people to repentance. For me, reading this warning, I am reminded that God is sovereign. When He intervenes, no one will stop His hand. His warnings were heeded in certain periods throughout the history of Israel and Judah. There were times when various kings read or heard the warnings of His law, and saw the prophecies against the people in their land, and they changed course and were spared judgment. However, there could be no doubt, that this final exile was God's doing. The LORD is exceedingly patient, but eventually He will judge. I also must be careful to heed every warning He gives me. Throughout Scripture, I am warned against sin. In my spirit, my conscience is warned against sin. If I do not heed those warnings, I am inviting God's judgment. In repentance, I have forgiveness, because Jesus already paid the penalty for my sins. However, I truly love Jesus Christ, I am truly submitted to the LORD, and I will continue to pursue righteousness, and invite the discipline of my Father God, so that I will heed His warnings.
P) Father, discipline me toward obedience. Your ways are good, and You are holy, and I want to be a reflection of Your goodness and holiness. Despite that will, You know that I am still prone to sin. I know that the sin in my life will prevent me from glorifying Your name and declaring Your goodness. Let me continue to hear Your voice, to see all of the warnings You give me. Do not let me ignore You, Lord. You are worth it all; all obedience, deference, and submission. Have Your way in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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