At what point do we turn away from God?

This is not a question meant to cast judgment, but rather to invite introspection, to examine the contours of our spiritual lives, and to realign our hearts with the unwavering love of our Creator. Our guide for this reflection comes from the Old Testament, specifically the sobering account found in 2 Kings 17:1-23, a passage that details the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

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I. ISRAEL FACED THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN (vv. 3-6)

Our passage begins by outlining the historical context: Hoshea reigned over Israel, and while his reign wasn't entirely righteous, it wasn't as wicked as those who came before him. Yet, the seeds of disobedience sown by generations past had taken root, and the consequences were unavoidable. Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, came against Israel, and Hoshea became his vassal. But Hoshea, in a misguided attempt to secure his kingdom through worldly alliances, conspired with the king of Egypt, ceasing his tribute to Assyria.

a. We tend to ignore that we reap what we sow. This historical account serves as a stark reminder of a fundamental truth: Galatians 6:7 tells us, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Just as the people of Israel inherited the consequences of their ancestors' choices, so too do our actions, both individually and collectively, bear fruit. We may try to ignore this principle, hoping that our small deviations from God's path will go unnoticed or unpunished. We might rationalize our choices, believing we can compartmentalize our lives, keeping God in one corner while indulging in worldly pursuits in another. But the spiritual law of sowing and reaping is immutable.

b. If we turn to Him, God can change adverse circumstances. However, this passage, and indeed the entire narrative of Scripture, also holds a powerful message of hope. While the consequences of sin are real, God's mercy and forgiveness are boundless. Had Israel truly repented, turned away from their idols and their reliance on earthly powers, and wholeheartedly sought the Lord, the trajectory of their history could have been different. Even in the midst of adverse circumstances, when we turn to Him with sincere hearts, God, in His infinite grace, can intervene, heal, and restore.

II. WE TURN AWAY FROM GOD WHEN HE DOES NOT OCCUPY FIRST PLACE (vv. 7-12)

The text then delves into the reasons for Israel's downfall, offering profound insights into the subtle ways we too can drift away from God.

a. We cannot forget God's faithfulness to us (v. 7). Verse 7 reminds us that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods. They had witnessed God's mighty acts of deliverance, His miraculous provision, His unwavering commitment to His covenant. Yet, they forgot. How often do we, in the comfort and routine of our lives, forget the times God has intervened on our behalf? We forget the answered prayers, the moments of unexpected grace, the times He carried us through trials. This forgetfulness creates a vacuum, making us susceptible to the allure of other things.

b. We cannot displace God by giving way to idolatry (v. 8). The Israelites followed the customs of the nations the Lord had driven out before them and the customs that the kings of Israel had introduced. They turned to idols, to false gods that promised earthly security and fleeting pleasures. Idolatry isn't just about bowing down to statues; it's about placing anything – be it wealth, power, relationships, career, or even our own desires – above God in our hearts. When we prioritize these things over our relationship with the Divine, we are, in essence, committing idolatry.

c. We turn away when we adopt worldly principles (v. 8). The Israelites embraced the practices of the surrounding nations, the very practices God had warned them against. Similarly, we turn away from God when we adopt the principles of the world that are contrary to His teachings. This might manifest in our pursuit of success at any cost, our obsession with material possessions, our acceptance of moral relativism, or our conformity to societal norms that contradict God's Word.

d. Worldly practices progressively gain ground (vv. 9-12). The text highlights the insidious nature of sin. The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God. They built high places in all their towns, from watchtower to fortified city. They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree. They burned incense at all the high places as the nations the Lord had driven out before them had done. And they did wicked things that provoked the Lord to anger. They worshiped idols, though the Lord had said, “You shall not do this.” This wasn't a sudden, dramatic departure; it was a gradual erosion, a series of small compromises that eventually led to complete apostasy. Sin, like a creeping vine, slowly but surely takes over if left unchecked. What begins as a seemingly insignificant deviation can escalate into deeply ingrained habits and a hardened heart.

III. GOD WARNS OF THE NEED TO RETURN TO HIM (vv. 13-17)

Despite Israel's persistent rebellion, God, in His immense love and patience, did not abandon them without warning.

a. He calls us to remain faithful and committed (v. 13). The Lord warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, according to all the Law that I commanded your ancestors to follow and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” God consistently calls us to faithfulness, to a steadfast commitment to His ways. He speaks to us through His Word, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, through the wisdom of the Church, and through the voices of those who speak truth in love.

b. He calls us to put aside rebellion (vv. 14-17). But they would not listen but were as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who did not trust in the Lord their God. They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors and the warnings he had given them. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them, although the Lord had ordered them, “Do not do what they do,” and they did the things the Lord had forbidden them to do. They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped Baal. They sacrificed their own sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger. The Israelites refused to heed God's warnings. They hardened their hearts, clung to their idols, and persisted in their rebellious ways. This serves as a powerful caution for us. When we ignore God's gentle nudges, when we rationalize our disobedience, we risk hardening our hearts to His voice and setting ourselves on a path of increasing separation.

c. It's time to examine how we are walking with God. This passage compels us to engage in honest self-examination. Are we truly putting God first in our lives? Are there idols, subtle or overt, that have taken His place? Are we adopting worldly principles that contradict His teachings? Are we allowing small compromises to erode our spiritual foundation?

Conclusion:

Brothers and sisters, the story of Israel serves as a solemn warning. When we distance ourselves from God, we begin to be affected by sin again and, progressively, without realizing it, we distance ourselves from Him. The consequences of turning away are real, leading to spiritual barrenness and separation from the very source of life and joy.

Therefore, let us resolve today to maintain a permanent disposition to walk hand in hand with Him, be dealt with by Him, and do His will. Let us cultivate a heart of constant vigilance, ever aware of the subtle ways we might drift. Let us prioritize our relationship with God above all else, remembering His faithfulness and clinging to His promises. Let us reject the allure of worldly idols and embrace the principles of His Kingdom. And let us, in humility and repentance, always be ready to turn back to Him, for His arms are always open, and His love endures forever.

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At what point do we turn away from God?