The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.
2 Chronicles 36:15-16 NIV
This passage paints a sobering picture of the consequences of persistent rebellion. It speaks of a God whose mercy endured generation after generation, yet whose warnings were continually ignored. Though the people of Judah received message after message, they hardened their hearts and resisted every divine invitation to return.
As each king rose to power, a pattern emerged. Some rulers sought to do what was right, but many chose the path of disobedience. With each new reign, rebellion intensified. Rather than learning from the mistakes of their predecessors, many went even further in their defiance. Despite this downward spiral, God remained merciful. He sent prophets to call the nation back. He pleaded with them, not once or twice, but time and again.
What stands out in this passage is how God is not as “their God”, but as “the God of their ancestors”. This subtle change reveals a heart-breaking truth: the people had lost their relationship with Him. Their rebellion had driven such a wedge between them and God that He was no longer personal to them—only a figure from their history.
Yet, in the midst of their disobedience, God still had pity. He remembered His people. He remembered His dwelling place. But there came a turning point. After repeated rejection of His messengers, after mocking His word and scoffing at His truth, the people stirred the Lord’s righteous anger. There was no remedy left. The time for mercy had passed, and judgment followed.
This is not just an ancient story—it is a present-day warning. God’s grace is abundant, but we must never take it for granted. Rebellion is not without consequence. There is a limit to resisting God’s voice. Eventually, if grace is continually rejected, a point comes when the opportunity to repent closes.
The words “no remedy” carry a weight that we cannot ignore. They remind us that although God is patient, His patience is not endless. If we persist in rebellion, if we continue to dismiss His promptings, we risk reaching the point of no return. Remember, there’s no room for repentance in the grave.
Today, this truth calls us to deep reflection. Are we ignoring God’s voice in any area of our lives? Have we allowed rebellion to quietly take root while cloaking it under the cover of “grace”? God’s grace is not a licence to sin—it is a loving invitation to turn from sin and walk in righteousness.
Let us not presume upon His mercy. Let every heart that has drifted awaken. Judgment is real, and the “until” moment can come when least expected. When that time arrives, there may be no further chance to set things right.
The call is clear: return to God, on His terms. For those who humble themselves, there is forgiveness. There is restoration. But for those who continue in rebellion, the consequences will not be delayed forever.
Now is the time. Do not wait for “until” to arrive. Choose repentance, obedience, and choose life.
Living It Out
Pause and search your heart. Is there any area where rebellion has crept in unnoticed? Have you been delaying obedience, presuming that mercy will always be available?
Today is the day to return. Don’t gamble with grace. Seek the Lord while He may be found. Confess where you’ve strayed, and come back into alignment with His will.
He’s still calling. Will you answer?