Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. II Kings 17:40a (II Kings 17-18)
Despite God’s loving pursuit, Israel soundly rejects Him and His laws. Long gone is the covenant keeping of Jacob, the memory of Moses and the freedom from foreign powers. The Northern Kingdom of Israel has been paying homage to Assyria for some time, but on the sly, king Hoshea makes secret deal with Egypt that fails and brings the full wrath of Assyria. The last region to fall was Samaria. The people were exiled, if they lived, taken into slavery and their towns, homes and businesses were resettled with a melting pot of people from foreign places, who brought their gods with them.
As repopulation of the Promised Land, God’s gift to His covenant people, is taking place, God allows wild lions to attack them some communities. The people cry out for guidance in how to appease the God of Israel so He will spare them. Assyria returns an Israelite priest to teach these people, but they simply add the One True God to their worship rotation.
These comments are more historical than inspirational, but sin’s absolute consequence is separation from God. It is seen at its very worst as mother and child are separated and bartered into bondage and men are mutilated if not killed. Why? Because man wanted their own lusts and pleasures in the immediate far more than they wanted Holiness from now until eternity. It’s a sad story. Don’t let it be yours.
Love,
Gretchen