WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO KEEP HIS PRESENCE

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2 Kings 24:3-4,9,20

These disasters happened to Judah because of the Lord’s command. He had decided to banish Judah from his presence because of the many sins of Manasseh,

who had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. The Lord would not forgive this.

Jehoiachin did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, just as his father had done.

These things happened because of the Lord’s anger against the people of Jerusalem and Judah, until he finally banished them from his presence and sent them into exile.


God chose the people of Israel as His people, the link to bring the world back to Him. Abraham was the first link:


Genesis 17:1-2,8-9

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.”

And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”

Then God said to Abraham, “Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility.


The relationship was based on obedience!


The covenant was passed down through Isaac then Jacob and from him came the twelve tribes of Israel.


As prophesied they people of Israel went in captivity for more than four centuries then the Lord brought them out using Moses and they began a journey of laws.


God wanted to relate directly with the people, he was raising a family, however, the people couldn't stand this:


Exodus 20:18-20

When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.

And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”

“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”


The covenant was given and right there they already began to rebel, they went ahead to make a calf as an idol to worship!


Recall that even when they were in the wilderness they had already began to revolt and God wanted to wipe them out but for the plea of Moses.


The rebellion of the people continued after Moses and Joshua had gone to rest.


It continued while they had judges and even after the demanded a king they kept rebelling this continued till the nation was divided into Israel and Judah.


After this they just kept doing evil. All the kings of Israel after Solomon fell, all worked in evil, they sinned against God. Judah seemed to be doing okay till after the passing of Hezekiah, Manasseh chose to walk in evil.


Israel was the first to get judgment, they went into captivity, then finally Judah was taken captive by Babylon.


What happened?


God wanted them out of His presence thus they became open prey for the enemy.


Can we learn from this?


Can we not play the harlot like they did?


It is a terrible thing to be removed from God's presence.


Christ said while He was here:


John 8:29

And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.”


The criteria for His presence is obedience.


Walk in obedience.


Help us Good Lord.


PRAYER

Loving Father keep me in Your presence, may I please You always. I cannot live without You Lord. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher.

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