The Lord's effort to purify Jerusalem of its wickedness was despised, so its fall was inevitable. The people acted as if they were drunk, and in their intoxication, they doubted divine judgment. It is sad to see what happens to those who leave God's ways and, even when warned, do not repent or return to Him, becoming surrounded by the devil and doing nothing to distance themselves from the one who roars like a lion and seeks to devour them (1 Peter 5:8).

It is never good to disregard the Lord's warnings. Remember that the peoples who inhabited Canaan before Israel displaced them lived in sin, which is why they were uprooted (Deuteronomy 29:28; Psalm 34:16). How many servants of God, equipped by Him with the necessary tools, are today found in sin? Because they did not listen to Him, they now march, chained, out of their territory, and Babylon will be their dwelling place, for they did not keep counsel or receive correction (Proverbs 19:20).

The inhabitants of Jerusalem, the authorities, and the prominent people who lived there ceased to love God and provoked Him by worshiping idols such as Baal. This false god, whose worship involved promiscuity, always found a place in weak hearts that despise Heaven's guidance. Where are those who give themselves over to idolatry and debauchery going, if not to the lake of fire and brimstone? (1 Corinthians 6:10; Revelation 20:13-15). They cling to lies, despising the Word. Watch and pray!

The sentinels of hell who surround us are quick to point out an apparent escape from divine wrath. However, God will judge everyone and give those who have despised His warnings and indulged in sin the sentence that will bring them eternal torment. How could they live well if they sought evil? Punishment is fast approaching, and the devil acts desperately because he knows his time is running out (Revelation 12:12).

The only reason Israel was handed over to the adversary was its negligence in loving and fearing God and its consideration for what does not deserve respect. The inhabitants of Judah exchanged holiness for prostitution, the works of the flesh, the fruit of human wickedness (Galatians 5:19-21). This is not a recent phenomenon, raising the divorce rate to alarming levels. Those who should be examples of righteousness have become propagandists of immorality and adultery. Mercy!

What we have seen happening around us is the result of submission to the devil. We must return to the basics of faith in Christ, for the devil has led people back to his empire. Those who have embraced sin have cast the Lord out of their hearts and, like the inhabitants of Judah, will see their children go to the palace of the modern Nebuchadnezzar to serve him!

Is there a way to avoid such tragedy? Yes, but there must be sincere repentance, because the future of the lost is usually the worst possible: Then they killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, put out the eyes of Zedekiah, bound him with bronze fetters, and took him to Babylon. (2 Kings 25:7). The final destiny of the rebel will be indescribable!

           In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares