This chapter illustrates an important principle and one that is seen many times over the coming chapters as various kings and their reigns are described. Although God had proclaimed what the future of Israel would be — that they would be destroyed and carried off in exile because of their sins — the timing of that fulfillment was impacted as God allowed for the free will of His children.
Kings like King Asa of Judah stilled the countdown as they destroyed the false gods and tried to turn the people back to God. The end result would be the same, but the lives of those kings and the people they reigned during their lifetime were spared, or at least spared from the ultimate judgment of Israel. Their efforts to initiate revival didn’t change the future, but it did change their present.
When we consider prophecy yet unfulfilled, we have the same opportunity. God’s final judgment on Satan and his followers is sure, but the timing is unknown. As long as we have breath, we have the opportunity to turn people back from that judgment. To lead them to the cross, where all of God’s judgment on mankind has been settled already. To show them this sanctuary where “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13
Kings like King Asa of Judah stilled the countdown as they destroyed the false gods and tried to turn the people back to God. The end result would be the same, but the lives of those kings and the people they reigned during their lifetime were spared, or at least spared from the ultimate judgment of Israel. Their efforts to initiate revival didn’t change the future, but it did change their present.
When we consider prophecy yet unfulfilled, we have the same opportunity. God’s final judgment on Satan and his followers is sure, but the timing is unknown. As long as we have breath, we have the opportunity to turn people back from that judgment. To lead them to the cross, where all of God’s judgment on mankind has been settled already. To show them this sanctuary where “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13
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