THE VALLEY OF DECISION

The Old Testament is often dismissed; however, it is crucial in understanding God and His plan for mankind. Many favor the New Testament, because they find the Old Testament (O.T.) difficult to understand while others believe the O.T. reflects an angry, judgmental God. Unfortunately, they fail to understand that sin and disobedience anger God. If the Bible is read in its proper context of God’s judgment and His mercy, then we learn that judgment falls on those who sin through disobedience and rebellion, but we also see a picture of God’s mercy for those who repent, turn to Him, and obey His Word. 

God desires our unwavering love and that we seek knowledge of Him (Hosea 6:6). He instructs us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). His Word is the vehicle by which we come to know and love Him. 

The Old Testament is the prophetic, infallible Word that was spoken through God’s Spirit to man in preparation for the New Testament. Its invaluable, accurate history and teachings enable us to understand God and learn lessons from past human failures and accomplishments, which are applicable today.

We see in Jeremiah 32 God’s warning of impending judgment upon the Israelites for their apostasy and rebellion. The following is a snippet of dialogue between God and the Prophet Jeremiah who was imprisoned in the palace of King Zedekiah of Judah for prophesying against the king:

God: “I am about to give this city into the hands of the Babylonians and to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon (a pagan nation), who will capture it.” Through Jeremiah, God tells the king that the Babylonians will set fire to the city and burn it down, along with the houses where people burned incense on the roofs to Baal (god of fertility) and poured out drink offerings to other gods. 

God: “The people of Israel and Judah have provoked Me by all the evil they have done—they, their kings and officials, their priests and prophets, the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem.” (This can be applied to many of today’s leaders and officials, as well as many clergy who are wolves in sheep’s clothing.) “They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline.” Like the Israelites, the United States has turned its back on God and refuses to acknowledge His warnings.

God continues, “They built places for Baal to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech (the god of human sacrifice), though I never commanded—nor did it enter My mind—that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.”

America mirrors the rebellious Israelites, who for financial prosperity, sacrificed their children in burning flames to appease Molech, their heathen god. The 1973 legalization of abortion has allowed the sacrifice of more than 62 million babies to the “god of convenience.” Many aborted babies are trashed, incinerated, or used for experimentation. No wonder the Ten Commandments were pulled from public places; they were a convicting reminder of God’s law and the fifth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” which forbids the intentional taking of human life. However, God is merciful, and He forgives those who repent of having had an abortion or who facilitated or helped facilitate an abortion.

The apostasy of the Jews and murder of innocent children moved God to have Jeremiah warn King Zedekiah of his impending doom and the city’s coming destruction. God has been warning America, but America is ignoring the signs. 

Meanwhile, God told Jeremiah to purchase property in the land of his captivity and place the land deeds in earthenware for preservation. Before the Babylonians could take everything, the people were converting their land and valuables into cash. So, Jeremiah was confused as to why God would ask him to purchase land that He vowed to destroy. God answered, “Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land” (32:15). Although Jeremiah lived under an oppressive, evil ruler, his only thought was to trust God for his future and obey and serve Him. Like Jeremiah, we live in difficult and uncertain times, yet we are called to trust, obey, and serve God.

Jeremiah had Baruch, his scribe, record God’s decree of the coming destruction. Because of Baruch’s faithfulness to God, he was spared captivity and bondage in Babylon. Likewise, through the blood bought sacrifice of Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to God, we are spared captivity and bondage to Satan and promised an eternal home with God. 

The Apostle John recorded in Revelation God’s Word to the seven churches. Only two churches of the seven were doing what was right. Those same characteristics can be found in today’s churches. He issued a decree of the coming destruction to those who follow after their own ways and desires. But He also speaks of an escape for those who follow His precepts with their whole heart.

This world is doomed for destruction unless God’s Word is heeded. “If My people, (Christians), who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways (anything contrary to God’s Word), then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Although this is a much repeated verse, how many are heeding God’s appeal?

Are we so blind that we cannot see the world’s trajectory as it moves closer towards destruction? God is calling Christians to pray and to recognize that there is a valley of decision between the world’s standards and God’s biblical standards. He clearly stated His view to the Church: “Because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

As previously mentioned, God, in his mercy, promised Jeremiah that the exiled Jews would return to their land and have houses, fields, and vineyards. Two-thousand years later, that prophetic Word was fulfilled on May 14, 1948, when Israel became a nation. God’s people began to return and continue to return to their land and to their God. The result is God’s blessing over Israel as promised. Because of their obedience, God continues to bless His chosen people as world leaders in technology, defense, agriculture, science, and medicine. 

Jesus gives a final and shocking warning to the Church in Revelation 21:7-8, “The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts (anything that promotes witchcraft or participation in tarot cards, Ouija Board, mediums, horoscopes, fantasy books and films (example: Harry Potter that embodies and teaches witchcraft and the supernatural) idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” 

God is merciful and rewards the repentant heart that seeks Him. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Now is the time to recheck our hearts and ask God to create a clean heart within us by revealing wrong thoughts, beliefs, and motives, careless words, and inaction or actions that God abhors, so that we may repent. Then, when the time comes, we will be prepared to meet God with a clean heart. 

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for Your mercy and love towards me. Search me and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. Create in me a clean heart. Show me any offensive or dishonest way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

NOTE: This picture shows a valley between dark and light—illustrating the world or Christ.