06/22/2026
Do you know a mom or dad who is always saying to their children, “Stop that or else!” but they never actually follow through? It doesn't take long for their kids to figure out the threats are empty, so they continue in their rebellious behavior. They know real repercussions will never happen.
Some people think God, too, is one of these toothless fathers. Oh sure, he talks tough and threatens punishment, but only to get our attention. He would never actually judge sin, and he certainly would not send anyone to hell for hardening their heart and refusing to repent.
Think again.
When God threatens to punish sin, his fingers are not crossed behind his back. He is not joking. He is dead serious.
Think about Israel. Generation after generation, God sent prophets to his stiff-necked children, calling them to repent, to exit the interstate of idolatry and destruction, and get back on the narrow path of life and obedience.
But they stopped up their ears. “Nothing bad will happen,” they lied to themselves. And false prophets gave muscle to the lie, preaching, “Peace, peace,” when there was no peace (Jer. 6:14).
Finally, in 586 B.C., Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people were carried into exile, just as God had warned (2 Kings 25; Jer. 39).
God had meant what he said. He followed through.
That historical judgment is a warning for us as well.
When God calls us to repent, he is not trying to rain on our parade. He is trying to rescue us from destruction. The broad road leads not merely to the grave but to hell itself, while Christ calls us to the narrow way that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14).
God’s warnings arise from a heart of mercy that desires not our death but our repentance, faith, and life (Ezek. 18:23).
So do not harden your heart or turn a deaf ear to his word. Listen to his warnings. Repent. Turn to the one who is good and gracious, who is always ready to forgive in Jesus Christ.
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We read Jeremiah 39 today in Bible in One Year. Join us at https://www.1517.org/oneyear
