"You Alone Are Loyal"-Continue with Jehovah "Will Not Leave His Loyal Ones"

Of course, as a nation the Israelites failed to demonstrate appreciation for Jehovah's loving-kindness, for after their deliverance "they kept sinning still more against  [Jehovah] by rebelling against the Most High." (Psalm 78:17) Over the centuries, they rebelled again and again, leaving Jehovah and turning to false gods and pagan practices that brought nothing but defilement.  Still, Jehovah did not break his covenant.  Instead, through the prophet Jeremiah, Jehovah implored his people:  "Do return oh renegade Israel . . . I shall  not have my face drop angrily upon you people, for I am loyal."   (Jeremiah 3:12)  As noted in  Chapter 25, however, most of the Israelites were not moved.  Indeed, "they were continually making jest at the messengers of the true God and despising his words, and mocking at his prophets."  With what result? Finally, "the rage of Jehovah came up against his people, until there was no healing." -2 Chronicles 36:15, 16.


What do we learn from this?  That Jehovah's loyalty is neither blind nor gullible.  True, Jehovah is "abundant in loving-kindness," and he delights  to show mercy when there is a basis for it.  But what happens when a wrongdoer  proves he is incorrigibly wicked?  In such a case, Jehovah adheres to his own righteous standards and renders adverse judgment.  As Moses was told, "by no means will [Jehovah] give exemption from punishment." -Exodus 34:6, 7.


Next time: "You Alone Are Loyal"-Conclusion of Jehovah "Will Not Leave His Loyal Ones"


From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah