Forsaking God

Readings:
II Chronicles 24
Acts 27:9-26

Focus:
II Chronicles 24:24: "Although the Arameans had invaded with a small force, the Lord delivered a very great army into their power, because the people had forsaken the Lord the God of their forefathers; and Joash suffered just punishment."

As long as Jehoiada the priest is alive, King Joash of Judah remains faithful to God, but after Jehoiada dies, Joash drifts away, and leads the people astray into worship of other gods.

After this happens, a small foreign army invades and wreaks a great defeat upon Judah. God no longer protects them against other countries, because they are no longer loyal to him. When Judah turns away from God, God lets them suffer the consequences.

God is more interested in our devotion to him than he is in showing his power. God could have continued to show how great the God of Judah was, and he could have continued to give Judah military victory every time. But instead, he wanted the hearts of the people of Judah. When their hearts turned away, and he let them feel the consequences of their decision, it might be that they would realize their need of God.

God deals with us in the same way. He does not force us to love him and give ourselves to him. When we choose him, we have his love and hope for the future. But if we turn from him, he lets us take the consequences of that decision. We have only ourselves to thank for that.