Their ears cannot hear cries for justice or right conduct. Their eyes are closed to anything moral and upright, instead they alight upon wickedness and perversion, drawing it into their mind and becoming more depraved with each day that passes.

There is a point where this state will no longer change. The people become so depraved that nothing will change them. When this state arrives, only judgment is left for them. This was the state at the time of the flood. It is the state that Jesus says the world will be like before He returns. And this state includes Israel ever since they rejected Jesus.

The prophecy, as it is recorded in Acts, shows that they will not voluntarily turn to the right path, meaning calling on Jesus, until the Lord acts. This is exactly what the Bible says is coming. The prophets proclaim it and the book of Revelation places His actions on prominent display.

The purpose of the tribulation period is to bring Israel to the point where they will finally turn and call out to the Lord. This will not be an action initiated by them. Rather, the tribulation and resulting judgment is His action that then results in their turning.

We do not save ourselves. Jesus did the work, we then turn to Him, and in our turning, we are saved. The process is of the Lord. We acknowledge that and He heals. This is how it is at all times.

The Lord is the One to receive the credit for salvation. There are no works involved. Rather, there is an appeal for mercy based upon His goodness. When the turning comes and the appeal is made, God heals.

Lord God, help us to understand that we cannot work our way back to You. We are corrupt and incapable of doing what is needed to please You. But Jesus has done it all. When we realize that our judgment was laid upon Him, how can we not turn to You? Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.