February 8, 2022

Passage Read: 1 Chronicles 3-6
Meditation Verses: 5:25-26

Thought

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh were the first to lose their land and go into exile. They were the most remote part of Israel, and along with the other northern tribes had rebelled against Rehoboam son of Solomon. They were led astray by Jeroboam to worship golden calves, and we're willing to cross great distances to worship them. But they also took to other gods, gods of the nations around them. They apparently took more gods than their brothers or else took to other gods sooner than even they rest of Israel, because they were the first part of Israel to be exiled. The amazing thing is that the Lord didn't completely abandon them. They belonged to Israel, so He expected them to walk in His ways, and held them accountable when they went astray. He didn't just write them off.

Application

God doesn't give up so easily on those who should belong to Him, who should know Him. Whom He claims, He will discipline, even severely, because He wants them to understand how bad it is for them without Him, so that they would come to their senses and seek Him. But He doesn't turn His back on those who are called by His name, even when they seem completely clueless about Him. Paul didn't bother with anyone who refused the Gospel, he didn't chase after them or harangue them into believing. If God didn't open their eyes, he could do nothing. But if people did believe the Gospel, he didn't try to determine whether or not they're really believed, he took them at their word and taught and corrected and rebuked and pleaded with them to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. That's the pattern I too should follow.