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Here we see the consequences and punishments of Israel. It was one compromise after another as they decided to bring idol worship and pagan rituals into their lives. They said they knew God with their lips, but denied him with their lifestyles, choosing to do whatever they wanted.
Many times we look at consequences as such a negative response. God’s desire is not to make the people of Israel miserable with consequences. His motive is to show them the error of their lifestyle so they can repent and live life to it’s fullest. It is in God’s love that he disciplines. Repentance was always on his mind.
“…properly understood, biblical truths are guardrails that protect us from plunging off the cliff. A smart traveler doesn’t curse the guardrails. He doesn’t whine, “That guardrail dented my fender!” He looks over the cliff, sees demolished autos below, and is grateful for guardrails. The guardrails of truth are there not to punish, but to protect us.”
Randy Alcorn, The Grace and Truth Paradox
However, when we want what we desire, we often abandon all logic to get there. We don’t think about the hardship or consequences on the back end. And this is where Israel found themselves. Just as a loving mother or father would not let their toddler play in the street, God wants the best for His people. He wants them to experience the life He designed specifically for them. And so in order to do that, there must be consequences and struggle. In the end, that “tough love” is what develops character and humility in the lives of God’s children.