Believing the Word of the Lord: Have You Been Paying Attention?

Despite the fracture of God’s people, Israel, into two kingdoms, the Lord keeps sending his word and shaping history. But who is listening and believing it? The word of the Lord offers King Jeroboam mercy and warning; but he defies it, creating his own man-made religion. It offers a prophet of Judah guidance and safety; he speaks it, then he abandons it. And an old prophet of Bethel abuses it by lies and deceit. Through a macabre animal encounter, the Lord warns, and then judges. A bizarre historical event presages Judah’s faithless rejection of God’s clear word. But there is grace and forgiveness for those who will listen and repent.