I said, “I’m here for you when you really want to seek God. Although I’ve tried to help you to follow Jesus, our times together have simply become you recounting your continued sins and lack of spiritual interest.” Then, after praying for him, I set him free from my attempts to disciple him. Sadly, he’s never been willing to humble himself, repent of his sins, and follow God.
Much like that young man, the last king of the Old Testament also failed to listen to counsel that pointed Him to God and His Word. Zedekiah, king of Judah, had been placed in his position by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Judah, at that time, was a tributary to Babylon after Jerusalem had been invaded and conquered in 597 BC.
Zedekiah was an evil king who failed to humble himself before God (2 Chronicles 36:12). He also “rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, even though he had taken an oath of loyalty in God’s name” (2 Chronicles 36:13). Along with the king, the priests and the people of Judah also were unfaithful (2 Chronicles 36:14). But God “repeatedly sent His prophets to warn them, for He had compassion on His people” (2 Chronicles 36:15, emphasis added).
The prophet Jeremiah urged Zedekiah to follow God’s plans, but the king continued to rebel (Jeremiah 27,34). Finally, God’s promise to send rebellious Judah into captivity came true (Jeremiah 7:12-15). Babylon crushed Jerusalem in 586 BC, killing many and carting off others, along with anything of value (2 Chronicles 36:17-20). Zedekiah was forced to watch his sons being slaughtered in front of him. Then his eyes were put out and he was placed in chains and led away to Babylon (2 Kings 25:7).
Is someone compassionately warning you to repent of your sin and follow God? Listen, and turn.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 22:30–23:22
More:
Read Jeremiah 5:10-13 and notice how the people responded to God’s prophets and His compassionate warnings.
Next:
Why do we sometimes not want to hear God’s compassionate warnings? What do you need to turn from today as you turn to God?
BearPair on November 12, 2013 at 2:52 am
Well said Tom… we can be there, and be willing to share the Truth with others, HOWEVER it ultimately is up to them to step up to the plate! and for us to be faithfully praying for them!
tom felten on November 12, 2013 at 8:47 am
Agreed, BearPair. We can’t force them to follow God, but we can pray for them and be there when they’re ready to take some steps of faith!
Terry LaBrier on November 12, 2013 at 9:18 am
This has to be the saddest action any Christian takes. I can’t help myself when this happens to add the person high on my prayer list. I’m 51% optimist and keep praying that something will happen before the last heart beat.
jowend on November 12, 2013 at 9:12 am
The Lord stands at the door and knocks, but it is up to us to open the door
tgustafs on November 12, 2013 at 10:03 am
Tom, it must have been so painful for you to say these words to your friend. I pray that he will hit bottom soon and realize that he has only one satisfying option. Jesus is always ready to hear us.
tom felten on November 12, 2013 at 10:18 am
Tim, it definitely was not pleasant. But Paul described how important it is for us to speak the truth in love. I’m also reminded of what it says in Proverbs 27:6: “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”