03/04/2018 - THE PRICE OF FALLING ASTRAY

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For indeed, because of this our fathers have fallen by the sword; and our sons, our daughters, and our wives are in captivity. 2 Chronicles 29:9

It is very serious to abandon the Lord, for the wages of sin is death – separation from God (Romans 6:23). There is no neutrality in the spiritual life: those who walk away from the Most High become servants of the devil. On the other hand, those who remain firm in the faith, though they may have fallen and repented – will always be answered in their prayers. Never despise the gift of God, which is the eternal life through Jesus (John 4:10).

When King Hezekiah prayed, he recognized that the ancestors of the Jews had transgressed. Now, those who sin and do not make things right with God lose His protection completely. Thus, the enemy finds an open door to enter into this person’s life, and in some cases, to oppress the family as well. If you despise the Lord, you will renounce all that is good and will embrace the power of evil. If you have fallen, repent!

According to Hezekiah, they had fallen so terribly that they had shut up the doors of the vestibule – the entrance to the Temple. Those who refuse to return to the house of God turns off the divine light in their lives. According to the king, his ancestors did not care about keeping the light lit and stopped burning incense in the house of the Lord, which means the lack of praise and worship.

Falling astray has a high price. For the devil, you are only a tool to be used by him on his filthy purposes. Then, afterwards, he will try to destroy you so that you do not convert or return to the Lord. Those who fall astray are filled with disturbances, desolation, and mockery. Unfortunately, many who have been a light in the work of God are now turned off. 

There is no one who can get involved with the evil one and escape without harm. Sin brings suffering as a result. The parents, sons and daughters, and relatives all sinned and were taken to captivity. As a result, they only had pain and sadness. It would have been so different if they chose to remain faithful in serving the Most High! It is necessary to stop sinning in order not to bring a curse to your beloved ones. Therefore, return to the Lord, who is merciful.

The description of what happened to Judah sounds like the current story of many who walked away from the Most High and got involved with the things of the flesh and of this world. However, when the Holy Spirit touched the heart of the king, he felt that an alliance with God should be done, so that His burning wrath should not fall upon them. Do the same and be blessed!

The Lord’s warning says that we cannot be negligent, for we have been chosen to be before Him to serve Him. Therefore, do not despise His invitation, for it will deliver you from eternal death, and will lead you to live besides the Most High. From now on, be a minister of God, giving Him the praise that He is due. Be what He has chosen you to be.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares