Did you ever read through the books of Kings and Chronicles in the Bible? These books tell the story of the nation of Israel after the death of Solomon, the third king of Israel. The kingdom was divided and while Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, reigned in Jerusalem over two of the twelve tribes of Israel, Jeroboam reigned in Samaria over the remaining ten. Before the close of the Old Testament era, eighteen additional kings would be enthroned in Jerusalem, and nineteen others in Samaria. With only a few exceptions, the kings of both realms “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord,” building upon the sinful atrocities of their fathers.
Though the kings of Israel lived in the distant past, it is truly amazing how often their errors are repeated in this modern era. As in those days, men seem bent on satisfying the appetites of the flesh and escaping the ever watchful eye of God. Signs of the times abound: societal obsession with illicit sexual encounters, rampant growth and acceptance of homosexuality, the degradation of the God ordained institution of family, the embrace of moral relativism, the mutilation of the bodies of our youth with “cuttings,” studs and rings, etc. Evil, as it is defined by God, is indeed on the rise.
As you know, ideas abound in the quick fix department. Social reform, political manipulation, educational programs and the like, each finds ready advocates from all walks of life, but none of them seem to be working. Only God knows what would pull us out of this downward spiral, and restore our nation to greatness, and it is not surprising that He nestled His prescription in the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. It is addressed, not to the spiritually depraved, but to those who would deem themselves the people of God.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).