How can we guard against similar attitudes as those in 2 Chronicles 32:19? The Mocking Attitude Exposed “ ‘They spoke about the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken about the gods of the peoples of the earth—work of men’s hands.’ ” (2 Chronicles 32:19) Sennacherib’s envoys put the living God on the same shelf as powerless idols. Their words dripped with arrogance, irreverence, and self-reliance—the very ingredients that invite judgment. Why It Is Still a Threat Today • Secular culture casually lumps the Lord in with superstition and myth. • Even believers can slip into careless speech that treats holy things lightly (Matthew 12:36–37). • Prideful self-confidence tempts us to credit human skill instead of God’s hand (Deuteronomy 8:17–18). • Entertainment and social media often normalize mockery, dulling our sense of reverence (Psalm 1:1). Practical Ways to Guard Our Hearts and Tongues • Treasure God’s uniqueness – Regularly rehearse His attributes (Isaiah 40:25; Revelation 4:11). • Filter every word through awe – Ask, “Does this honor the Lord?” before speaking or posting (Ephesians 4:29). • Cultivate humble dependence – Begin each task with conscious reliance on God instead of personal ability (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Surround yourself with reverent voices – Choose fellowship, music, and teaching that magnify God, not man (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Practice thankful remembrance – Keep a record of answered prayer and past deliverances, like Hezekiah did (2 Chronicles 32:22–23). • Reject comparisons that belittle God – When someone treats all “gods” alike, gently but firmly testify to the Lord’s unique power (1 Peter 3:15). • Guard against idolatry in any form – Identify modern “works of men’s hands” that steal devotion—career, possessions, opinions (1 John 5:21). • Meditate on God’s judgment of mockery – Reflect on accounts such as Acts 12:21–23 and Galatians 6:7 to keep a sober mindset. Scriptures That Reinforce a Reverent Heart • Isaiah 37:23—“Whom have you taunted and blasphemed?” • Exodus 20:3—“You shall have no other gods before Me.” • Psalm 29:2—“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name.” • Romans 1:22-23—exchanging God’s glory for images. • Hebrews 12:28-29—“Let us offer to God acceptable worship… for our God is a consuming fire.” • Jude 1:24-25—praise that keeps focus on His majesty. Living Daily in Holy Awe Guarding against the spirit of 2 Chronicles 32:19 is not a one-time exercise; it is a lifestyle of continuous reverence. By valuing His name, watching our words, and drawing near in humble worship, we honor the One who can never be equated with “the work of men’s hands.” |
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