No Remedy

Jer. 36:11-16

"Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the LORD. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel. All the officers of the priests and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful, following all the abominations of the nations. And they polluted the house of the LORD that he had made holy in Jerusalem.

The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place. But they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD rose against his people, until there was no remedy."

What an example of the steadfast love and mercy of God! In the case of Zedekiah, he was fully evil with a life consumed with pride. Not only did he refuse to humble himself before Jeremiah, God's prophet, but he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar. As if that wasn't enough, his neck was stiff and his heart was hard against God. He willingly chose to have a life abounding in abominations and pollutants. Surely, with all  this God would strike him down. Surely, the stench of His sin would blot out the mercy of God, but no, what was God's response? He persistently sent His messengers to the people because His heart was full of compassion for them even when they were in outright rebellion. Sadly, this did not move their hearts in the least. Instead, they despised the words of God and scoffed at His prophets. What kind of people would despise and scoff at their only hope? People who are slaves to sin and can't break those chains. (That is exactly where I would be if it were not for the grace of God.)  Finally, the wrath of the Lord was inevitable. There was no remedy! How horrible to be in a place where there is no remedy! I am so thankful for God's grace that drew me to Him. 

Father,

Thank You for Your Son Jesus who died for me so that His blood would be my righteousness. Thank You for Your gracious steadfast love and mercy. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, Bless His holy name."

In Jesus name,

Amen