“He (Zedekiah) did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his God, and he refused to humble himself when the prophet Jeremiah spoke to him directly from the Lord. The Lord, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people and his Temple.” 2 Chronicles 36:12, 15 NLT
When we are driving, we need to watch for various signs such as speed limits, crosswalks, yields, street lights, stop signs, etc. The benefit of those signs is for everyone’s safety. As a driver, we have the choice to look for and be mindful of them, but then we also have the choice as to whether or not we humble ourselves and actually submit to them. Seeing the sign will not keep us and others safe – it is only when we apply them.
Like the Israelites, God gives us signs out of His compassion, providing us with every chance possible to repent of our evil ways and return to Him. But if we do not yield to the Lord and His signs, there comes a point of no turning back.
May we not allow ourselves to reach that point of no return, but rather seek Him while He may still be found.
Lock Your Wings 
“Likewise, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful. They followed all the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, desecrating the Temple of the Lord that had been consecrated in Jerusalem.”
2 Chronicles 36:14 NLT
It starts with the leadership. When leaders fall, they drag everyone along with them. I think about the leaders of the church that have allowed society dictate the practices of their church and wonder if they will be held responsible for leading others astray? We are to live in the world but not conform to the pattern of this world. Following wise and worthy leaders is important.
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