06/01/2019 - GRIEVOUS TIMES IN SAMARIA

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Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him; and Hoshea became his vassal, and paid him tribute money. 2 Kings 17:3

The people that should be the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13) saw their king be made a servant of the enemy and him presents at the appointed times.  All this came to pass because of the sins committed by the people of Israel.  That which was right before God was simply ignored. Sin makes the sinner be a slave to the devil, and unless there is repentance, the end to be faced will be terrible.  Never be “a little” or “a sort of saint” because He who sanctifies us never works partially.  (Philippians 1:6).

Samaria revolted against the house of David, but kept the title of Israel, that Jacob had received when he had fought with God and prevailed (Genesis 32:28).  This kingdom did not proper and consequently lost the blessing of the Lord.  Now the kingdom of the North was no longer the holder of the promises but was under the condemnations that overcame it.  Shalmaneser arrived and conquered resulting in  Hoshea becoming his servant, having to pay heavy annual tribute to him. 

This is a good example for what happens to anyone who despises divine correction and does the devil’s will.  How sad!  Israel should have remained on top but came under the yoke of Satan.  Consequently the glory of being the victor was no longer Israel’s and became that of the evil kingdom of Assyria.  This is what will become of those who opt to fall into temptations.  Remember the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

During many years, the Israelites from the north were enticed and convinced by the evil propositions.  They went against the warnings of the Most High, doing everything wrong.  Then, when the time for tribulation came, they did not have the Lord to be their Help.  Anyone who does not observe the commandments will prevent the Almighty from keeping His alliance.  He can only be God to the faithful who keep His Word (Deuteronomy 7:9).

Those who exalt themselves will be humiliated and those who withdraw from the Life will end up suffering.  Man can only reap what he sows.  Beware! No one mocks God (Galatians 6:7).  Being Holy, the Almighty cannot be with and for those who obey the devil.  The order from Above is that people who are separated must withdraw from error and deception, maintaining distance from midst of sinners.  Otherwise there can never be any help from the Almighty.

Examine yourself! Have you remained firm in your faith in Christ or have you been of no value as a Christian.  The Word states clearly that only those who love the Omnipotent are loved by Him (John 14:21).The Scriptures declare: But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you,

So that He will not hear (Isaiah 59:2). Therefore, the sinner cannot count on help from Heaven.  They who lie to the Holy Spirit will suffer the same fate as Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:9). Whoever sins must confess their transgressions.

To turn and face the Lord with all your heart will make Him to be your God again, your Shield and Salvation (Psalm 18:2).  Have you suffered attacks by the works of darkness? Are your prayers without answers? Hasn’t the Lord fulfilled what He has promised? Answer this: is now not the time to seek Him, confess and abandon your sins?  What will you do now?

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares