July 29, 2023
Topic: Danger of Losing God’s Presence
Text: Reading: Jeremiah 52:1-3
Memory Verse: “It was because of the LORD’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end, He thrust them from His presence. Now Zedekiah rebelled against the King of Babylon.” Jeremiah 52:3 NIV
Everything flows from the presence of the Lord – Everything! If you have God, you have everything that matters and lasts. Without Him, we have nothing. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”
One of the Kings that ruled Israel after David was King Zedekiah, who forsook God. (Jeremiah 52:1-3). The result of the King’s disobedience made him lose God’s presence. Tragically, all those around him were affected too and before long they were in bondage to the Babylonians. The loss of God’s presence brought the loss of His power, and loss of His power meant the loss of their freedom.
This is always the case because everything of good VALUE flows from God’s presence. Let us not to be described with the name “Ichabod” meaning “The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken….” (1 Samuel 4:21). The God of glory, or the glorious Lord, was departed from Israel; the ark, which was a symbol of God’s presence, was taken from the Israelites while in battle against the Philistines and carried by the enemy: see (Psalm 78:61).
Let us avoid all that will make the Lord angry at us to the extent of Him leaving us. (1 Thessalonian 5:19 – “Do not quench the Spirit”. Quenching the fire of the Holy Spirit makes us separated from God. This is also called spiritual death.
Prayer: Dear Father, never let us take Your presence for granted. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.