Consequences and Coasting

As we read about the kings of Judah and Israel, we can learn many important lessons for our own lives. We see a King like Jehoshaphat. For the most part, he served God, relied on Him and did that which was pleasing in His sight. But his failure was compromise. He joined with two wicked kings of Israel. God had given Him a miraculous victory (2 Chronicles 20). But shortly after this, we read about him making an alliance with the wicked King Ahaziah. Sadly, we can also have victories in our lives and then think, “OK, I’m good now. I’m right with God” and quit trying. We start coasting. We can’t stay in limbo for long. If we fail to keep moving forward, we will begin to backslide. 

Now let us consider Manasseh (2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33). He was an extremely wicked king, but he got right with God in the end. However, his first sinful actions were so bad, there were still major consequences for the nation. These were not erased by his repentance. So often we can fall into the trap of thinking “my sin’s not so bad. I can just ask for forgiveness later.” The truth is, God always forgives. But that does not erase the consequences. Sometimes He is merciful to wipe the slate clean. But sometimes, even when we get right with the Lord, we must still go through the consequences. And they can even affect those around us as well! It’s not enough to only start or only end right. As much as lies within us, let us start, continue and end well!