Devotions: Call To Return

Now do not stiffen your neck like your fathers, but yield to the Lord and enter His sanctuary which He has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that His burning anger may turn away from you. For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.

2 Chronicles 30:8-9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

These verses were part of a letter King Hezekiah sent to all of Israel and Judah, inviting them to the reinstatement of Passover. This may sound harsh but Passover and temple worship hadn’t been observed for possibly over 200 years. The countries had fallen horribly under the rule of a long line of corrupt kings. Hezekiah changed all of that. He was possibly the most godly king after David. And what he said was true. Their ancestors were obstinate, foolish and horribly ungodly. Because of this, God’s anger burned against them and they were oppressed repeatedly. At this point the northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria because of their idolatry.

Yet Hezekiah’s censure was not the only part true; their repentance would bring the compassion of God, the relenting of His wrath. Sadly, it was too late for Israel to be completely restored, the northern kingdom was scattered over the earth and never again became what it was. They waited too long to repent and turn to God. But it was not too late for those who were left. Under Hezekiah, the country knew peace and security. He lead them to God and kept their way pure and godly.

Though it may be too late to entirely reverse the consequences of sin, it is never too late to repent and restore your relationship with God, to experience His compassion and mercy. He may not stop what is happening but He will bless and protect you. He will provide and guide you if you will turn to Him. He longs to have compassion and mercy on you, will you turn to Him?