Today you should read: 1 Kings 14:1-31
What an incredibly convicting passage! It’s almost hard to read. God isn’t messing around with king Jeroboam.
Has God changed? Is He still the same God we read about in this story pronouncing judgement on those who rebel against and reject Him? Yes, as much as God is loving, God is just. He’s the same God, He never changes.
Today, in this time of grace, God is reaching out to lost men and women saying,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
But this will not always be the case. Someday, He will sit on a throne of judgement and things will be different for those who have rejected Him. He will say,
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Mathew 7:21-23
This should motivate us to receive Jesus and to share Him with a lost world around us. But what about those of us who have come into a relationship with God through Jesus? Can we live however we want?
Sin has the same penalty (Romans 6:23a) and consequences it always has. That never changes. Because of the cross, our sins (as Christ-followers) are forgiven and atoned for. AMEN! But our loving Father still desires our hearts and our lives to obey Him. If we choose not to, He will lovingly discipline us.
The LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:12
Although God’s discipline is never vindictive or punitive, it is effective to get our attention and lead us back to a heart of obedience. The things we do have consequences, both good and bad.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7
- Take a moment and evaluate your life. Has God been trying to get your attention about any areas of your life?
- Are there any things in your life that although you know they go against God’s Word you continue to do them? Repent and confess that today.
- Thank God for His patience, grace, and love that He shows to you.
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 