Our scripture today is 2 Kings 17:13 (ESV).
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.”
God has tried to reach His people through the years by a variety of means. Now they have brought themselves to ruin. Israel is overrun by Assyria, and Babylon will soon do the same to Judah. God has not forsaken them, but much like their wilderness experience, they need to learn to rely on God and not themselves or any idol they create. The new wilderness of exile from the Promised Land is a reminder of the expulsion from Eden, but also a chance to repent and renew their connection with the Lord.
Gracious God, we are sorry for our willful disobedience and our separation from You. Forgive us and bless us to be energetic disciples, sharing Your love with the world. Amen.
