Because we have all experienced betrayal, even God, how much does it hurt? To forsake another person is to leave them entirely, usually in a moment of need. Forsake can also mean simply giving something up for the hope of something better. The connotation normally implies leaving someone behind when they want you to stay. In reading 2 Chronicles, it ‘chronicles’ the cycle. The Jews follow God and then they don’t and then they do, ad infinitum. This true story shadows our hearts toward God and our people. It is not a horror story but a sad story when we forsake God. God dwells in a temple. Solomon dedicated his early reign to just that – the feat of building a building for God. I’m currently reading the 90-day bible reading challenge by Mary DeMuth, and it entails more bible reading than my norm. There are other books on the shelf that will gather dust for another month. In her commentary on 2 Chronicles she describes God with adjectives, nouns, and then verbs. God is faithful, holy, and a promise keeper. God’s presence, power, and availability reside in the temple. God is revered, worshiped, and honored in this place. These are terms of endearment. He is honored and then forsaken. The reality is that when we forsake God He says He will forsake us. 2 Chronicles 15:1-4 reads, “Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded, and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, ‘Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. And for many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him.'” This preaches that sometimes it takes distress before we remember our good and faithful God. Thank you, God, that you are never far and, like the prodigal son whom the father received in gladness, you like to party when we return. Forsake is serious but not terminal.
