September 2

The story of King Ahaz in 2 Chronicles 28 is a deeply sobering one. As king of Judah, he turned away from the Lord and led his people into idolatry, even sacrificing his own children and shutting the doors of the Lord’s temple. His refusal to seek God, even in the face of enemy attacks and national distress, left his kingdom broken and humiliated. His actions had both personal and communal consequences.

A similar story unfolds in 2 Kings 17, where the northern kingdom of Israel is taken into exile by Assyria. The chapter outlines not just what happened, but why it happened: the people rejected God's commandments, worshiped idols, and adopted the customs of the nations around them. They were given many opportunities to return, yet they persisted in their disobedience. Eventually, their refusal to remain faithful led to their downfall.

In stark contrast, Psalm 66 is a song of celebration. The psalmist praises God for His awesome deeds, even recounting seasons of trial and testing. Yet through it all, God brought His people into a place of abundance. This psalm reminds us that God is not distant during suffering—He is refining, delivering, and drawing our hearts back to Him.

1 Corinthians 7 brings the conversation into the personal realm. Paul speaks to believers about living in faithfulness within their calling—whether married, single, or widowed. His message is not about perfection, but about devotion. He urges the Corinthians to live undivided lives, focused on pleasing the Lord and being faithful in whatever circumstance they’ve been placed.

Together, these passages highlight a single theme: faithfulness matters. Whether leading a nation, navigating personal relationships, or enduring hardship, God desires our hearts to remain fully His. Turning away from Him brings destruction, but turning toward Him—no matter how late—brings restoration, purpose, and peace.

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