DISASTER DUE TO WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE

PROCLAMATION

“Again and again I sent My servants the prophets, who said, ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!’  But they did not listen or pay attention; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods.”  Jeremiah 44:4-5 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These are the words of The Lord God which were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah and which he proclaimed to the people of Judah.  “You saw the great disaster I brought on Jerusalem and on the towns of Judah.”  They lie deserted and in ruins because of your sins and the sins of your ancestors. (Jeremiah 44:1-5)  Then The Lord God asked them why they were going to bring additional disaster upon themselves. (Jeremiah 44:7-8)  Their response was that while they were worshiping their idol god, they had plenty of food, they were well off, and they suffered no harm. (Jeremiah 44:17-18)  Because of their willful disobedience The Lord God said that they would all die in Egypt. (Jeremiah 44:28)

APPLICATION

Every sin is a sin against The Lord God. (Psalm 51:4)  We may do wrong to another person, but the sin that we commit is against God.  When we know what The Word of God says, and we intentionally choose to disobey it, then we should also know that we will be punished for doing so.  We may not pay the ultimate penalty for sin (Romans 6:23) but we will be punished for it.  However, if one is bold enough to say that they would rather serve an idol god than serve The Lord God, then there is nothing left for them but the coming judgment.  But if you are willing to repent, and humble yourself, and pray, and seek His face, and turn from your wicked ways, then The Lord God will hear you and forgive you. (2 Chronicles 7:14)