From Splendor to Shadow

How God Tries to Save Us

God's plan is not to send messengers who will please and flatter sinners. Instead, He lays heavy burdens on the conscience of the wrongdoer to prompt the agonizing cry, “What must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30. But the Hand that humbles to the dust is the Hand that lifts up the penitent one. He who permits the chastisement to fall inquires, “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?” Mark 10:51. SS 226.2

But King Jehoiakim and his lords, in their arrogance and pride, would not heed the warning and repent. The gracious opportunity offered them at the time of the burning of the sacred roll was their last. God declared He would visit with special wrath the man who had proudly lifted himself up against the Almighty. “Thus saith the Lord of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.” Jeremiah 36:30. SS 226.3