Grace Does Have Limits

“So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, [and] because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.” (Jer 44:22 AV)

What a sad statement this was.  Jeremiah had stayed behind to encourage the remnant to stay in the land to steward it under the governance of Babylon.  They would have great liberty even though a tax would have been demanded.  Some laws may have had to be changed.  But all in all, they would be able to live in relative peace under the jurisdiction of Babylon.  However, if they fled to Egypt for protection, the LORD would give them over to violence and death.  What compounded the problem was the women worshiped the queen of heaven and tempted their men into the same.  The LORD has had the last straw.  He is removing any and all hand of protection and grace from the people of God.  He can no longer bear.  Many believe God’s grace is unlimited in availability and application.  This is simply not true.  Although His grace is eternal and unlimited, it does not mean He chooses to exercise it.  God’s grace does have limits.  We soon forget this.

We have seen, from time to time, someone who has gone down a road a little farther than God’s grace followed.  Years ago, there was this fella that worked with me.  He claimed to be saved and was a student at the Christian school which our church operated.  This fella got involved in drugs.  He and another good friend of mine got into all sorts of drugs even though they claimed to be saved.  The first fella came home from a party and attempted to climb a rain spout.  He forgot his keys and was trying to get to his bedroom window.  He never made it.  He fell right on his head and broke his neck.  It was a miracle he survived.  We saw him laid up in the hospital with a wire cage screwed into his skull.  The second fella learned from his friend’s mistake.  At least for a little bit of time.  However, he too, just like Judah, went down the same road.  Only he went further than the two of them ever did.  Today, he is sitting in prison for a mistake he wishes never happened.

If we are unrepentant, God will eventually take His hand of protection from us.  A lesson few, if any learn.  He will allow us to suffer the consequences of our choices without any hope of relief.  This remnant, who was shown grace above their brethren, lost more than they ever did.  It is quite sad.