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They Were Warned

 It is hard to read about the calamity that befell ancient Israel. The Assyrian and Babylonian captivity seem like severe punishment. How could a loving God allow His people to be defeated and captured, exiled and enslaved? 

We need to remember that these things did not come without warning. In 2 Kings 17:13 we read, “Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, ‘Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, in accordance with all the Law that I commanded your fathers, and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets.’” 

That same chapter tells us Israel was stubborn, they turned to idolatry, and they despised the words of Yahweh their God. Yet God was patient. This was not a one strike and you’re out situation, or even three strikes and you’re out. The Lord sent prophet after prophet, warning the people that they were in violation of the covenant made with Moses and the rest of the nation. Have no other gods, have no problems. Turn to idols, and expect judgment. 

So when people today wonder how a loving God could send people to hell, we have to think in these same terms. God is patient (2 Peter 3:9), giving people a chance to turn from their sin. In the meantime He sends prophet after prophet—pastors, teachers, authors, bloggers, podcasters, and an army of Christians carrying the gospel as they are going. The unsaved have every opportunity to turn from their sin and put their trust in Jesus. 

And by the way, God isn’t sending anyone to hell. Sin does that. By our very nature we are separated from God because we are born into sin. If we never do anything about it, we continue to live in opposition to God. But all the while He is offering us a lifeline. Call on the name of the Lord, and you will be saved. 

Ancient Israel didn’t have to go into exile, but they chose to by ignoring the warnings. No one needs to be separated from God, but people choose to by ignoring the warnings. If you haven’t been saved, make that choice today. If you have been, offer that lifeline to someone today. 

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