Readings for today: 2 Kings 14-15, 2 Chronicles 25-27
Human beings are stubborn. We all have a rebellious streak. We fall into patterns of thinking and behaving that are hard to break. We have an innate ability to justify and rationalize our sinful, selfish decisions. It’s why one of the first words we learn is “no.” It’s why teenagers are often at war with their parents. It’s why adults make so many self-destructive choices. We don’t listen well. We don’t learn from our mistakes. We struggle to submit and surrender. Obedience is not in our DNA. Humility doesn’t come naturally.
Consider what we’ve been reading from the histories of the kings of Israel and Judah. How many times do we read the refrain, “He did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not repudiate the sinful ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat who encouraged Israel to sin.” (2 Kings 14:24 NET) 19 kings. 9 different dynasties. Over two hundred years. All repeating the same mistake. Worshipping the idols Jeroboam first set up at Dan and Bethel. The southern kings weren’t much different. How many times do we read the refrain, “But the high places were not eliminated; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense on the high places.” (2 Kings 14:4 NET) For almost 350 years, the southern kingdom struggled with this particular sin. Though they had the Temple and the Levitical priesthood, they didn’t remain faithful. Yes, there were periods of significant reform where the high places were removed but sadly, those were largely anomalies. The bottom line is God’s people failed over and over again to remain faithful to the covenant God made with them thus demonstrating their need for a Messiah.
We are no different. The Bible says we are “conceived in sin and born in iniquity.” The idea that we are born “innocent” is a purely modern conception that has no basis in reality. We are selfish. Stubbornly so. It’s why virtues like selflessness and generosity and kindness must be taught. They are not innate to the human condition. It’s why unconditional love and grace and forgiveness and reconciliation are so difficult for us. We perceive these things as “threats” because of what they cost us. It’s much easier to label people as “toxic” and cut them off. It’s much easier to dehumanize those who oppose us or disagree with us rather than treat them with the dignity they deserve. It’s much easier for us to serve ourselves rather than those around us. But God knows where our natural tendencies lead us…pain, heartbreak, division, anger, hate, even violence. And He knows we aren’t able to produce any enduring virtues on our own. So He sends us His Son. And His Son sends us His Spirit. And His Spirit transforms us from the inside out. Giving us a new heart and a new spirit and producing in us the fruit of righteousness.
Readings for tomorrow: Jonah 1-4