Freedom and Captivity.

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
II Kings23:31-25:30

"Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive the rest of the people who remained in the city and thedefctors who had deserted to the king of Babylon, with the rest of the multitude." II Kings25:11 (NKJV)

Thus ended a long story in God's workings with Judah. They were carried off to captivity in BBylon. God had pled with them for decades on end to return to Him. Yet they had persisted in their idolatry and rebellion.

Several truths come to mind as we consider this story.

1. God's judgments are true. He will not wait forever. Today it is popular to speak of the patience and mercy of God. But we should not forget that His mercy is tempered with truth; His patience will not last forever. He WILL bring judgment.

2. The sad truth of far too many believers is that they follow PARTIALLY. The end result of their path is not freedom but slavery. God wants His people free. But, that freedom must be to follow Him fully, or it will result in greater slavery.

3. If God's people do not allow Him to rule them, He will allow the world to take charge. Babylon is not God's highest plan. He wants us to be "a kingdom of priests." But if we will not come under His sovereign rule, He will turn us over to others to discipline us. Far better to willingly yield our hearts now.

We were made for freedom. We must remember that true freedom is only in Christ.