God is gracious to warn us clearly before we commit a certain sin. Our usual first response to that warning is to think that that warning is not really from God. Then, as if to prove ourselves right, we do the opposite of what the warning said. Then, God warns us further. But in responding to that, we justify our rebellion by looking after the good of our family such as our spouse. But in the end, we end up ruining the very thing we try to protect and ourselves with it.

The people of Judah in the Old Testament were clearly warned by the Prophet Jeremiah not to depend on their ally, Egypt, against the threat of another nation, Babylon. But they did not heed the warning saying that it really wasn’t from God (Jer. 43:2). And then as if to prove themselves right, they ordered everyone in Judah to pack their things and move to Egypt. A further warning follows from God. But this time their excuse is that their wives have invested too much in foreign idols to turn away from them. (Jer 44:15).

You can guess what happens next. All the men, women, and their children get destroyed. The very thing they tried to protect, they end up losing because they did not heed or trust God’s warning…

When God gives you a warning, heed quickly because it might be His last. Out of grace and love, He warns of impending judgment. He is ready to jump at the chance of forgiving us and reconciling with us if only we will turn from our ways and trust Him.

This very devotional might be a warning for some of you. Do not let your response be, “This can’t be from God. It’s pure coincidence.” God loves you and that is why He warns you.

And in the end, you lose more than just your family and earthly treasures (which you will lose anyway eventually). You lose your pleasure and joy in God. Nothing on earth, no matter how good and worthy they seem, is worth that…

Heed God’s warning. Turn to Him. He can give you a fuller joy!

PH