1 Chronicles 9:1
So all Israel was recorded in genealogies, and these are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their breach of faith.
Tag: A Failure in Faith Produces Consequences
The book of 1 Chronicles is a “chronicle” of what happened to the nation of Israel when the went into captivity. The names listed in these first nine chapters are important to show us that God cares for His people, knows them and holds them accountable for the truth He gives them. God never will leave us! His love is full and perfect for us. Because of God’s love we should never fear Him:
1 John 4:17-18
By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
With that truth stated and believed, it should be noted in this passage from 1 Chronicles 9 tells us that God does hold us accountable for our lack of faith. The nation of Israel had a “breach” in their faith. The word for “breach of faith” used here is one word in the Hebrew language and it means, “treachery, or falsehood.” The nation of Israel did not simply stop believing, but, rather, acted contrary to God’s Word and Commands. When we fail in faith, it is not that we simply don’t believe God (although we do cease to believe His promises and seek another way to satisfaction for ourselves). When we have a lack of faith we move into falsehood and disobey Him. This type of behavior has consequences with God. We do not have to fear His judgment (Romans 8:1), but we do have to accept His loving discipline (Hebrews 10). Just as a parent disciplines out of love, so, too, does God correct His children in love. God took the nation of Israel into captivity. He put them in confinement and they lost freedom. The same can happen with us as we walk away from God. Faith means we believe Him AND obey Him. Faith without works is dead. Works is not faith. But faith that works, that demonstrates belief is faith. You can say you have faith that a chair will hold you up. But, if you never sit in the chair, your faith is worthless. A breach in faith has consequences!
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