2 Chronicles 36.  The sad story of Judah’s decline and fall is the story of a people that God wanted to bless, but they so persistently ignored him and rebelled against him that even he was forced to abandon them in his wrath.  Some parents have known the heartache of having to release their children to the results of their rebellion. It is a painful thing, but often the only thing that can get the erring child’s attention. God sent prophet after prophet, but they rejected them “until there was no remedy” (16). Tough love for the LORD meant allowing his people to be captured and oppressed by the Babylonians for decades. Only under king Cyrus of Persia would the people and the land see any relief.  All the while, the loving Father waited for his rebellious children to come home in obedience.

LORD, give us the wisdom to obey you, so that we do not have to experience the pain of your absence.