But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: “Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and the rest of the people that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this word is from Me.’”

So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD. vs22-24

The best thing that we can do is listen to the word of the Lord and turn back. If we are wrong, then let us repent. Do not fight God.

First, sinners are most ignorant and most foolish when they reject the word of the gospel that saves them. Rather than receive it as good news and bow to the terms, they kick against the pricks. They rebel against election and sovereign mercy. They want a god that they can choose but not One that chooses them! They want to be in control. If it violates the free will of man to be his own boss, then they throw it in the garbage! They rebel against the word of mercy!

Man’s will is not free; it is utterly bound in sin. The ONLY HOPE WE HAVE is an outside of us God through Christ. He can give us the power of the Spirit. He can cause us to choose against our nature by giving us a new heart through grace.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” [Ezek 36:26]

Secondly, men reject good works. They don’t want a gospel that’s unto holiness. They say, “Give me grace, but don’t give me rules and duty. Afterall, I’m forgiven, and that’s all that counts.” No, it is not.

God’s gospel saves the soul and the spirit; it makes us like Christ, puts obedience in us, and causes us to keep the commands. The deceived reject the gift because all they see is the flesh, but they don’t see, feel, and taste the promises of the Spirit: They do not have the power of godliness, so they deny it exists.

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!” [2 Tim 3:5]

These things and many like them bring men into hell. Do not be like them.

Thirdly, repent when the Lord calls you, and He will hear!

“Let the wicked man forsake his own way

and the unrighteous man his own thoughts;

let him return to the LORD,

that He may have compassion,

and to our God,

for He will freely pardon.” [Isa 55:7]

He will hearken, and He will forgive. Just like Judah and Benjamin SPARED THEMSELVES by heeding the cry of the prophet, He will spare you. It is better to turn from your sins than to be destroyed in them. God will not fail to do what is best for you, if you trust His word. Whenever He speaks, it is good. He causes His word to come to pass, so He is utterly trustworthy and merciful.

If you’ve gone in the wrong direction, then turn back now. Hear the word of mercy. Hear the tears of Jesus Christ pleading with Israel. Hear Him pronouncing doom because they would not listen.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” [Luke 13:34-35]

Finally, hearken, and you’ll receive joy! The reward of the righteous is great, but it comes by repentance and not rebellion. He’ll give you the good things of the land, even assurance and quiet confidence. You’ll read God’s word, and rather than being disturbed by verses… rather than twisting them... you’ll receive them AS IS, and then He’ll teach you. You’ll knock, and it will be opened!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” [Matt 7:7-8]