Have We Crossed The Line?

“Since they refused to listen when I called to them, I would not listen when they called to me, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. [Zechariah 7.13]

These are some of the scariest words in the whole Bible!

This statement applies at the personal level as well as the national level. Actually, it can have world-wide significance.

How does one know he or she has crossed the line as far as listening to God goes? 

The Bible gives the best answer to the question above. Usually, when God's people sinned, God sent messengers to warn them. It seemed there was always at least some time given for people to repent. However, after that time, and if there was no repentance, God usually repeated His warnings (as only a truly merciful God would do). Sometimes, the warnings were repeated many times. But then, a line would be crossed and God could no longer extend mercy because justice - a characteristic very much a part of God - demanded it.

This pattern is a large part of the story of the Bible.

For the record, and in our post-Messianic times, it is incorrect theology to declare "Jesus" over all our sinfulness as if God does not require repentance and therefore will not execute justice. Yes, Jesus relieved us of the responsibility of tedious sacrifices and offerings required to atone for sins, but nothing about Jesus' work negated the need for us to repent! Repentance opens the door to faith which is the only requirement to receive the atonement Jesus provided. However, without repentance, the kingdom of God will ultimately become a curse to the unrepentant!

God's words, as recorded by Zechariah, are as true today - right now - as they were over two millenniums ago. If we refuse to listen to God, the time will come (is it already here?) that God will refuse to listen to us.

Father, please forgive me for my repeated neglect of Your Spirit and Your will in my life. I confess I have been disobedient in so very many ways. I plead the blood of Jesus over my sinfulness and rebellion!