“Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents, and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it come into my mind- therefore, behold, days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place shall no more be called Topheth, or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.” (19.4-6)
Wow! The judgment of the Lord is strong. But it is also just. Notice how God lays out their sins before them. It is the same as Matthew 25.41-46. We are never condemned or punished without merit. We can do nothing to gain God’s favor, not because it is so unattainable, but because we are so depraved. What things would God lay out as reasons for slaughtering me? That is why I repent and pray with David, “Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities!” (Psalm 51.9).
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, behold, I am bringing upon this city and upon all its towns all the disaster that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their neck, refusing to hear my words.” (19.15)
It seems like a characteristic of all those who had the truth and yet were punished is that they refused “to hear [God's] words.” This is why the battle over the authority of Scripture is so important. Ahhhh! I just want to scream. people find so many ways to avoid submitting to God’s commands. You have to trust the Bible. I hear people declaring, “It’s all about personal spiritual experience.” Even Billy Graham! Where is this from? This has never been God’s means! We cannot bend or flux on the way God has always behaved because we’re afraid to tell Larry King that without Christ he IS going to hell! Stand firm on the truth as revealed (2 Thessalonians 2.15)! Use the Scriptures to teach, exhort, rebuke, train, and protect (2 Timothy 3.16, Titus 1.9). It is our weapon, don’t be afraid to use it (Ephesians 6.17)!
“I have become a laughingstock all the day, everyone mocks me.” (20.7b)
This is the most common persecution a Christian will face in America. People calling us fools, mocking our lifestyles and convictions. I’ve noticed myself becoming more aware and offended by this. Not just for myself but for the flippancy with which people speak of God. If they only knew.
“If I say, ‘I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,’ there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” (20.9)
I am compelled to speak of you God, even when I know that ridicule is all that awaits. What you have revealed to me, the grace you have alotted me is so great that I can’t help but scream it out. God, I pray that the truth about you so fills my body that its effulgence bursts out me pores and radiates to all whom I encounter. I cannot stand to see people swimming to hell in rivers of deceit when I know the truth which has been afforded me. God, I love you. I thank you. Equip me to shout your truth in every way to everyone everywhere you take me!
“But the LORD is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me.” (20.11)
I am not alone and it is no weak God who protects me. It is a dread warrior, an ultimate soldier, a terrifying fighter who provides my security. It is the same warrior who will slay all evil at the returning (Revelation 19). Why should I be afraid? Who can stand against my God?
