Text: 2 Kings 17:1-8
Memory Verse: “For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods” (2 Kings. 17:7).
Israel, God’s beloved nation, was daily showered with blessings (Psalm 68:19). God, against all odds, had led them out of Egyptian bondage, and into the Promised Land through His mighty power, signs, and wonders. Despite receiving such extraordinary mercies, Israel repeatedly
fell into sin, repaying God’s love with disobedience.
To repay God’s mercies with disobedience is the greatest disservice to Him; one that inevitably incurs His wrath and judgement. The best way to honour God is to never frustrate His grace and mercy, but to live in full obedience. Scriptural examples where disobedience to God attracted severe punishment include:
1. Adam and Eve, made in God’s image and likeness, and the first recipients of His uncommon mercy. They were placed in the Garden of Eden with every provision for their well-being but were chased out and subjected to a life of hard work for eating the forbidden fruit.
2. Samson was given the gift of incredible strength. He received grace to become the strongest man who ever lived, but he wasted this privilege by lusting after strange women. His disobedience led to a tragic downfall, as his destiny was cut short, and his life ended prematurely.
3. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen by God’s mercy to lead His people. Through repeated disobedience to God’s commands, he lost his kingship and suffered a tragic end. His reign was marked by missed opportunities to honour God (1 Samuel 15). Beware of the sin of disobedience!
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, have mercy, forgive me for dishonoring You through my acts of disobedience.
2. O Lord, please help me to appreciate every benefit and blessing You have lavished on me.