How can we avoid provoking God's anger like in 2 Chronicles 34:25? Scripture Focus 2 Chronicles 34:25: “because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, in order to provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath has been poured out on this place, and it will not be quenched.” Why God’s Anger Was Stirred • Forsaking the LORD—turning away from exclusive covenant loyalty (Exodus 20:3). • Idolatry—substituting created things for the Creator (Deuteronomy 6:14-15). • Willful works of their hands—sin practiced, not merely stumbled into (Jeremiah 17:10). Timeless Principles to Avoid His Anger • Wholehearted devotion – “Love the LORD your God with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:5). – No divided allegiance; Christ alone is Lord (Matthew 6:24). • Ongoing repentance – Keep a tender, humble heart like Josiah’s (2 Chronicles 34:27). – “a broken and contrite heart—God will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). • Immediate obedience to revealed truth – “Hearers” who become “doers of the word” (James 1:22). – “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings…? To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). • Relentless removal of idols – Josiah tore down every shrine (2 Chronicles 34:3-7). – “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). • Daily Scripture saturation – The rediscovered Book of the Law sparked revival (2 Chronicles 34:14-19). – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Cultivated reverence for God’s holiness – “Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11). – Healthy fear restrains sin and invites blessing (Proverbs 14:27). Living It Out Today 1. Start each day in the Word before the world. 2. Confess sin promptly; keep no hidden corner. 3. Evaluate habits, media, and relationships—remove what steals affection from Christ. 4. Choose corporate worship and fellowship that exalts Scripture. 5. Serve others in Jesus’ name, keeping your hands busy with righteousness, not rebellion (Ephesians 2:10). Encouraging Promises to Hold • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). • “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8). • “For God has not appointed us to wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). |
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