During Jehoiakim’s reign, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded the land of Judah. Jehoiakim surrendered and paid him tribute for three years but then rebelled. Then the LORD sent bands of Babylonian, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Judah to destroy it, just as the LORD had promised through his prophets. These disasters happened to Judah because of the LORD’s command. He had decided to banish Judah from his presence because of the many sins of Manasseh, who had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. The LORD would not forgive this.

2 Kings 24:1-4

“Then, after the seventy years of captivity are over, I will punish the king of Babylon and his people for their sins,” says the LORD . “I will make the country of the Babylonians a wasteland forever.
Jeremiah 25:12

• God's judgment is a certainty, not just a possibility.
• 2 Chronicles 36 recounts the final kings of Judah and the fall of Jerusalem, demonstrating God's temporal judgment on a nation.
• Despite the people's wickedness, God was patient and compassionate.
• He sent prophets to warn them repeatedly, but they were mocked and rejected.
• Reasons for Rejecting God's Word
  
  • Pride: The people believed they were above God's law.
  • Hard hearts: They were unwilling to listen or repent.
  • Worldly influence: They were swayed by pagan practices and idols.
  • Not taking God seriously: They didn't believe the warnings would come true.
• Temporal Judgment:
  
  • This is judgment on earth, as seen with the Babylonian captivity.
  • It affects both the godly and the ungodly.
  • It can be devastating (political oppression, destruction of holy sites).
  • It is not final and can be lifted.
• Eternal Judgment:
  
  • This is the fixed, final judgment for all sin.
  • It is ultimate and cannot be escaped without faith in Christ.
• The Holiness of God: God's judgment is rooted in His character.
• He is a holy and just God who cannot tolerate sin.
• He always keeps His promises, including His warnings of judgment.
• The Choice
  
  • The fall of Jerusalem serves as a powerful warning.
  • The only way to escape eternal judgment is through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.
  • Do not gamble with your eternal destiny.

Don’t be too scared to tell the truth. Judgment is coming. To fulfill the Word of the Lord. Tell everyone….they need Jesus!! They have a choice….choose Him!!!