2 Chronicles 12:6 NIV*

“The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, ‘The LORD is just.’”

This is the account of the leaders of the Southern Kingdom, Judah and Benjamin, repenting of their sin of idolatry. The king of Egypt, Shishak, was going through Judah and taking cities. The Egyptians were on their way to Jerusalem, where the king lived and other leaders had fled to. The prophet, Shemaiah, was given a message from God: that the invasion by the Egyptians was punishment for idolatry. Shemaiah delivered this message, and the leaders repented of their sins. Prior to this story of invasion and repentance, we read about how the newly established Southern Kingdom had followed God for three years. Then, “when the king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 12:1 NIV)* God sent the Egyptians 2 years after Judah and Benjamin had turned away.

The Spirit of the Lord is able to bring to repentance those who have turned away. He may work on them for some time, but He is able to do it. The Bible says that none come to God unless He calls them. When we are trying to reach others, we must remember that it is God that does the converting. We only plant the seed. I have been put in a position to trust God with the conversion of others. I used to struggle with this. Now, I have no other choice, but to trust Him. I encourage You to trust Him.

Dear God,

Work on the hearts of the unconverted and bring them to Yourself. Help us to remember that it is You that does the converting, and that we are just messengers. Help us to witness in love and grace.

                                                                                                                                              In Your Name we pray, amen.

 

*The Daily Walk Bible. Edited by John W. Hoover, Paula A. Kirk, and Chris Tiegreen. New
             International Version. Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, Inc. Atlanta, GA. 2013. Print.