February 1
Conversion
“Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments.” —2 Kings 17:13
Read 2 Kings 17:1-16
In this section of biblical history, we are shown one of the many wicked examples from the lives of the children of Israel. When we read the Book of Judges and the two books of Kings, we come across the repeated refrain, “And they did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.” In 2 Kings, the goodness and kindness of the Lord shone brightly upon the children of Israel. It was remarkable that the Lord had led His people out of the house of bondage, through the wilderness, brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey, and delivered them from surrounding enemies. But what was the result of all the Lord’s care? In verses 9-22 we read a whole list of Israel’s vices, summarized in verse 22: “For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them.” After reading about all these sins, we might ask, “Why didn’t the Lord abandon His people?” When we compare our own days to Israel’s, however, there is a similarity. We also have idols and are prone to go our own way. Do we not take the Lord’s name in vain in both word and deed? How is it possible that the Lord puts up with us? It is only possible because the King of kings hung on the cross on Golgotha, where He shed His blood and was faithful unto death. In our text chapter the Israelites were called to repent of their sins. The Lord did not leave them to themselves, but called them to turn back to Him, to His ways and statutes. This same call also comes to you.
How is God’s patience revealed in your life?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.