What blocks God’s blessings?

 

2 Kings 17; Psalms 129–131; Hosea 10; Titus 3

It is impossible to read about the destruction of ancient Israel without comparing it to the ongoing stories of modern times. The God who never changes brought down His people because of their idolatry. This week, the future is uncertain in a nation founded by Christian believers and inhabited by many. Will it also be brought down for similar reasons?

Ancient Israel maintained superficial allegiance to the living God but “did secretly against the Lord their God things that were not right.” They ignored the prophets God sent them and “followed false idols and themselves became false” (2 Kings 17:15). Is this being repeated by today’s followers of the Lord God, the difference being that our idol is ‘personal comfort and the good life’ rather than carved images? “Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them out of His sight.” (vs 18). Are we in the same danger?

The rest of the chapter describes how the people of God were taken out of their land until only a few remained. Then immigrant pagans mingled with the remaining Jews with sad results. Despite warnings from God (in the form of rampaging lions) they “worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods” (2 Kings 17:33). Out of this came the Samaritans of Jesus’ time.

Again, is this like today’s believers? Consider the requests at many prayer meetings; they are mostly about fixing what makes us uncomfortable or unhappy rather than living in our trials as God’s special representatives.

In the big picture, fallen humanity is judged at the flood and only a few survive. The patriarchs of the Jewish nation called by God end up in slavery. He God delivers them but unbelief delays entry into the Promised Land. The period of judges ends in debauchery, corruption, decay and the period of kings winds up the same way. Sinful humanity needs a more radical answer!

The psalmist knew the answer. It was not to be found in law-keeping without a return to the promises of God. He delivered His people from Egypt, an image or display of His power to deliver all people from sin. However, when that sin returned in their lives, they needed to deal with it. This is how:

 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; (Psalm 130:3–5)

The NT reiterates the way of salvation and the way that saved sinners can be brought back from straying so they can return to a life that glorifies God.

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3–7)

When we who believe but fall into sin, our Savior provides the way back into fellowship with Him:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

We cannot deny, excuse, or rationalize our sin. It must be confessed. Only then can the Holy Spirit fill us and enable us to return to our purpose of showing the world the likeness of the invisible God we serve:

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (Titus 3:8–11)

APPLY: God brings me from thinking about a faltering nation and the need for revival in His church to thinking about my own life. I must always keep short accounts. Things like pride, being inconsiderate, doing my own thing instead of consulting God and others, can tip me over and spill out the precious power of God. I can only walk uprightly by confessing such selfishness and being filled with His grace and godly attitudes. Lord, rescue all Your people from whatever has blocked Your blessing on our lives. And help us to worship You, not idolize the blessings You graciously give us.