A Proactive God

2 Kings 23:36-24:17

In our Old Testament reading this morning the writer of 2 Kings offers an editorial comment that speaks volumes. Of the difficulties facing Jerusalem and the surrounding country the author says, "Surely this came upon Judah at the command of the Lord, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, for all that he had committed, and also for the innocent blood that he had shed..." (2 Kings 24:3-4a). The implications of this statement are clear. Nothing could happen to Jerusalem without God's permission. Actually, according to this passage the hardships that befell Judah were at the behest of God. God was not simply watching events unfold, allowing them to happen, God was the primary force behind them.

God's intentions for the people had been clear all along. Turn away from other gods, walk in the way of the Lord with conviction, follow God's commands, and reap the blessings. When the people failed to respond as God desired, God not only removed the devine protection from them but set in motion the events that would lead to their destruction. In a manner of speaking, God was proactive in the matter.

Fast forward in human history. When the time was right God sent Jesus Christ into the world to redeem us from our sins and save us from the power of death. God was proactive. I doubt this would have been a surprise to the author of 2 Kings. It certainly should be no surprise to us. This is what God does. God takes part, plays a role as God wills within creation. Our hope in God is not misplaced.

Prayer: Lord, guide us in our living and help us to see your grace which surrounds us at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.