God Keeps His Promises, Both for Good and for Judgment. — 1 Kings 16:34, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14
Reading through 1 Kings this morning, I was struck by the number of leadership changes in Israel. With phrases like ‘he sinned worse then his fathers before him.’ Then God sends a prophet. Then no one repents. Then you read about a revolt and the new king taking out all the family and friends of the previous king…
Then I read this:
1 Kings 16:34 (NIV84) “In Ahab’s time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid its foundations at the cost of his firstborn son Abiram, and he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord spoken by Joshua son of Nun”
And it hit me. We spend so much time focusing on the grace of God and His goodness. We encourage people to hold onto the positive promises of God. Don’t get me wrong, we should, and I do.
But what about the justice of God?
What about His promises He makes to those who go against Him?
What I know is that all those kings that did not repent, their lineage is no more.
Hiel lost two sons rebuilding Jericho.
Wisdom. Are we listening to you?
God, you are a promise maker, and you are a promise keeper.
You are not only merciful, but you are just.
Father, I yield to your justice and recognize I cannot stand on my own. So, I repent and confess my sin. I place my trust in your mercy as I know you keep all your promises.
I am hearing loud echoes of the justice and the mercy of God.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (NIV84) “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Lord, thank you for being just.
Lord, thank you for your mercy.
