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#SaturdayDevotion: II Kings 17:7-18

Breaking or delighting God's heart
II Kings 17:7-18
Date: 31. 10. 2020

In our current sermon series on Kingdom-mindedness, one of the Beatitudes is "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall comforted." It refers to the mourning over sin, a repentant heart, and that the sins that breaks God's heart breaks ours too.
 
In this text it tells of the condition where this beatitude is totally absent, captured in this words,  ".... (Israel) sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger."
 
When we cry over our sin, God forgives and comfort us. Can you picture a loving parent comforting a child who has just confess his wrong? With this beatitude we shall find
 
happiness and blessedness from God.
 
The opposite, when we become harden to sin, what is the consequence? "Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight; there was none left but the tribe of Judah alone."  God removed them from his sight.
 
Let me leave your 2 thoughts from this verse for you to meditate on:
 
1. Being in God's sight means many things,  example, God's favor, blessing and so forth.  I want to emphasis here that it also means God's protection. In God's sight is like sheep in the shepherd's sight where protection and safety is guaranteed. Thus this verse means God actually removes his protection and allows sin to take it course in the sinner's life.  This is the road to destruction. When
 
God removes his presence and protection, sin has freedom to destroy. Think of the example of Saul or Samson. Think of broken marriage due to sin. Think of the permanent effect from long term drug abuse. Sin is suicidal. Thus choose not to sin.  When it does happen, never let sin stay long in our heart, quickly confess and repent.

2. Numbers 6:24-26 tells us that God makes His face shines upon you. Instead of looking away with pain, sadness and anger because our stubborn sins, here God is delighted.  It is liken to delightful parents, smile and joy in their faces over their child. When we walk with God in faith and obedience, God's face beam with joy and delight over us. Seek to please God always. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
 
Prayer: 

Lord, help me know you deeper that I won't ever want to hurt you and break your heart. Let me instead bring delight and joy to you. Let my life be a worship to you, pleasing and honoring you. I love you, Jesus. Amen

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