The United Nations Security Council just voted unanimously, fifteen to zero, on a resolution for Iraq: unconditional inspections for weapons of mass destruction…or else. A warning, and a consequence if the warning is ignored.

It made me think of the Old Testament, where God sends prophet after prophet to warn the tribes of Israel to turn from worshipping foreign gods to worshipping the One, True Lord, or face being conquered by the Assyrians. A warning and a consequence…and the Northern Kingdom ends up in exile.

Around 140 years later, after likewise ignoring prophets with many clear, pleading messages from God to return to worshipping and obeying the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Judah ends up being conquered by Nebuchadnezzer and the inhabitants of the Southern Kingdom are successively exiled to Babylon. Another warning, another consequence.

Romans 3:23, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 9:9, “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

The warnings and consequences are there. If you would like to talk to someone about entering into a relationship that will change your eternal future, just call toll-free: 1-888-NEEDHIM.

Paul Neighbors