|
2 Kings 25 - Day 487 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 2 Kings 25:27-30 Commentary: In the so-called postscript of 2 Kings (25:27–30) many have sought for signals of the writer’s orientation toward the future. Is it for him a time of hope, or a time of despair? The question must be dealt with on a much broader footing than the implications of these last few verses of the book. Hope in the survival and even return of the king can be inferred from the final verses, in spite of the obvious lack of detail. The fact that the royal line is still alive is important in this regard. However, in the light of the prophetic warnings against such hopes in Jer 27–29, it is unlikely that this implied hope forms the basis of our writer’s view of the future. Hobbs, T. R. (1985). 2 Kings (Vol. 13, pp. 368–369). Word, Incorporated. Application: Despite their (Israelite's) unfaithfulness, God is faithful. Through His prophets, He has promised Israel and the world a Savior that would come from the lineage of Judah. Jehoiachin was an unworthy recipient of God's grace, as am I. Prayer: Wretched and miserable man that I am! Who will [rescue me and] set me free from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]? Thanks be to God [for my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord...(Romans 7:24-25a Amplified Bible) 2 Kings 24 - Day 486 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 2 Kings 24:1-4 Observation: God uses Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to fulfill His promises made by His prophets. Application: After a while, it becomes harder to differentiate one bad king from the next. The lesson for me is to remember that there are consequences for our actions and that God will keep His promises, both good and bad. Prayer: Lord, help me to love You with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength... 2 Kings 23 - Day 485 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 2 Kings 23:21-23 Observation: Josiah reinstitutes the Passover celebration. Application: As I've gotten older, I have come to appreciate my elders and the sacrifices that they've made for me all my life. Simple things that I've taken for granted, such as our annual Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, have become huge "kairos" moments, where God has revealed His goodness. Growing up, the adults took care of all the details. They cooked, cleaned, and made the plans so that everything was perfect. All I did was show up and eat. Now that our parents are older, the responsibility has been passed down to my generation and we've come to the realization that it's a lot of work. Josiah was willing to put in the work to create "space" for our relationship with God and our families to be built. Prayer: Lord, thank You for thinking of us and reminding us that we should remember You... 2 Kings 22 - Day 484 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 2 Kings 22:8-20 Observation: Hilkiah, the high priest finds the Book of the Law in the Lord's Temple. Application: Ah ha, so that's what happened. God gave Moses the Torah (first 5 books of the bible), which taught the Israelites what they needed to do in order to have a healthy relationship with God. Deuteronomy 6:8 instructed the Israelites to "tie" these instructions, as symbols, on their hands and bind them on your forehead...meaning to meditate on the law and practice them in their lives. Without making the effort to do this, the Israelites gradually drifted from God. Prayer: Lord, I need You to put Your laws in my heart and my mind... 2 Kings 21 - Day 483 (link to today's reading)
Scripture: 2 Kings 21:1-9 Observation: Hezekiah's son did what was evil in the Lord's sight. Application: What happened between chapters 18 to 21? How did we get from "Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, and there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah" to "He (Manasseh) did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites." There's obviously a disconnect but I'm intrigued by the dramatic contrast in father and son. The only clue that may answer the riddle is that Manasseh became king when he was only 12 years old. Prayer: Lord, please reveal Yourself to my children. Help them to taste and see that You are good... |
AuthorHusband, Father, Pastor.... Archives
January 2024
CategoriesJoin Our Mailing List
|
RSS Feed
