Then the king of Babylon struck them and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. Thus Judah was carried away captive from its own land. 2 Kings 25:21
Being thrust into captivity is something that no one desires. Although whole nations are not put into captivity, individuals can be. Often it is seen in being captured by the police for doing something wrong.
When one is placed in prison for doing wrong, it is usually not their first time doing wrong. It is often something he has done many times, but was never caught or convicted of doing wrong. There are rules to be followed, and many people do not follow them, thinking that they will do fine with no problems. However, there will always come a time when he is caught and put into prison or some other punishment.
The Israelites had been rebelling against God for many years. They chose to follow false gods and worship idols, rather than love and worship God. God had warned them many times of punishment coming. With minor judgments against them, the people would turn to God for a short time, then rebel again, over and over. Finally, God allowed the split nation of Judah to fall and be put into captivity for choosing to rebel against Him and follow false gods.
Although God does not always use physical captivity today, He still warns against following false gods or rebelling against Him. Jesus came to remove all sins from every person. He made a way to be able to follow God and live for eternity. However, one must still follow God and not false idols.
Many people have turned from God to idols in their lives. Choosing not to obey God or do what He desires of them. The captivity this time will be eternity in hell, the final judgment.
Choosing to believe in Jesus and follow Him is the first step to avoiding being judged and cast out. You must believe that He is the one who will save you from your sins and wrongs.
Then you must allow His Holy Spirit to guide you in how to live for God. Allow your every action, thought, and word be to God’s glory and purpose. As you live like that, you will not allow yourself to follow false gods or worship idols in your life.
The warning of being cast out for eternity will be removed, and you can look forward to eternity with God.
I pray today that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life; that you will remove all idol worship in your life; and that God will never have a reason to cast you out.
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom
