Enough is Enough
2 Kings 17:6, "In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes."
I am thankful that through the revelation of the Word of God we come to know our God, His character, His power, His wisdom, His love, etc. And it cannot be denied that He is a God of longsuffering filled with mercy.
Historically, the LORD divided Israel after the reign of Solomon because of his spiritual adultery. The ten tribes (called Israel), and two tribes of Judah and Benjamin (called Judah), went their separate ways following different kings. EVERY KING OVER ISRAEL IS DESCRIBED IN THE SAME WAY, "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD." Their sin continued to follow after the sin of Jeroboam who had made two golden calves and proclaimed them to be the God's of Israel. One was placed in Bethel, and the other in Dan. Jeroboam's proclamation is found in 1 Kings 12:28, "...behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt."
The sin of idolatry was seeded by Jeroboam and continued to be cultivated by every king of Israel in the northern kingdom. FINALLY IN THE EYES OF GOD ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH, and we read in today's verse, "In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes."
Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, became God's tool of judgment upon the children of Israel. Why? "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing. Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets."
Will the United States of America listen and turn back to God? It doesn't appear as our nation will ever turn back to God, it doesn't appear that it will listen to the warnings of Bible preachers. This doesn't bode well for our country. Because one day God will say, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH."
Individually, will you turn to God and brighten the world where you live? We are told to occupy until Jesus comes. Let's be His lights shining brightly in a dark world.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. Why is it difficult to change the habits of our lifestyle?
2. Evil influences seem to be everywhere. What can you do to improve this reality?
3. Are you aware that one day God will judge America if it doesn't change? Will you pray to make a difference?