Click to read 2 Kings 25
Synopsis
Zedekiah did evil in God's eye and he was executed by the same Nebuchadnezzar that put him on the throne. Judah was finally wiped out of the land when the Babylonians mounted their third and final invasion. Just as God had given Israel two chances before the kingdom was destroyed, God also gave Judah the same two chances. Unfortunately they did not repent and thus Judah fell as God had declared.
The people of Judah was humiliated completely when the temple was looted, the articles of worship were taken away to Babylon and the priests and high officials were executed. Judah was left with the poorest people as all the fighting men had ran away and others were either killed or exiled in Babylon.
Lessons from 2 Kings
Judah, like Israel, was disobedient to God. God had warned, given chances and finally allowed Judah to be destroyed. Judah was invaded by the Babylonians three times before it was completely destroyed. God demonstrated His mercy in the face of deserved judgment by giving two opportunities (the first two invasions) for Judah to repent.
This book illustrates the consequence of not putting God in His rightful place in our life. When we make anything else more important than God, when we decide to take things into our own hands, when we continue in sin and when we no longer live according to His will, we will be out of God's protective covering.
While the people failed and we may also fail, God is always merciful and faithful to His promises. He always warns and gives us opportunities to repent of our sins. We only need to acknowledge, repent and return to Him and even though we will have to bear the consequences of our wrongdoings, He will gladly welcome us back to His fold.
Summary
I have learned much from the books of 1 and 2 Kings and I hope that you have had your share as well. Thank you for all your participation and comments, though I wished we had more discussions or sharing of your learning as well.
Up Next .....I will sharing on the Keys to Family Power next. Please read the preview by scrolling down ...
Showing posts with label Sharing Kings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sharing Kings. Show all posts
Monday, September 08, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
2 Kings 24 - The last three kings of Judah
Click to read 2 Kings 24
Synopsis
Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedikiah were the last three kings, which were evil ones. They did not follow after God and Judah was eventually conquered by the Babylonians after three invasions. For the sins of Manasseh and his descendants, God was angry and wanted to removed them from His presence. The Babylonians, Arameans, Moabites and Ammonites were instruments of God's punishment upon Judah.
When Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah, he robbed the Temple of all its treasures, humiliating the Jews completely. All the officials and fighting men and skilled craftsmen were captured and exiled to Babylon, leaving the weakest and poorest in Judah. He also installed Jehoiachin's uncle, Mattaniah on the throne and changed his name to Zedikiah. That was Babylon's policy of treating their captives.
This policy worked out eventually for the good of the Jews as they captives were permitted to live together in Babylon. It allowed their Jewish culture to be preserved and eventually, made it possible for their return to their nation as a group.
Summary
God had to punish Judah, as He did to Israel, for their sins and unwillingness to repent. After His promise to Josiah was fulfilled, God let His wrath upon Judah using the Babylonians. Judah was eventually destroyed as God had decreed. However, like Israel, God gave ample opportunities (two earlier invasions before the final one that destroyed Judah). And yet, the people of Judah did not repent.
Synopsis
Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedikiah were the last three kings, which were evil ones. They did not follow after God and Judah was eventually conquered by the Babylonians after three invasions. For the sins of Manasseh and his descendants, God was angry and wanted to removed them from His presence. The Babylonians, Arameans, Moabites and Ammonites were instruments of God's punishment upon Judah.
When Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah, he robbed the Temple of all its treasures, humiliating the Jews completely. All the officials and fighting men and skilled craftsmen were captured and exiled to Babylon, leaving the weakest and poorest in Judah. He also installed Jehoiachin's uncle, Mattaniah on the throne and changed his name to Zedikiah. That was Babylon's policy of treating their captives.
This policy worked out eventually for the good of the Jews as they captives were permitted to live together in Babylon. It allowed their Jewish culture to be preserved and eventually, made it possible for their return to their nation as a group.
Summary
God had to punish Judah, as He did to Israel, for their sins and unwillingness to repent. After His promise to Josiah was fulfilled, God let His wrath upon Judah using the Babylonians. Judah was eventually destroyed as God had decreed. However, like Israel, God gave ample opportunities (two earlier invasions before the final one that destroyed Judah). And yet, the people of Judah did not repent.
Monday, August 25, 2008
2 Kings 23 - Josiah's massive clean-up act
Click to read 2 Kings 23
Synopsis
King Josiah was committed to getting the nation right with God. He got the elders together and gather the people to renew the covenant before God. He was the perfect example of Godly leadership - one who brought his people back to God and to follow God's laws.
Josiah did not only offer lip service. Immediately after renewing the covenant, he acted. He directed a massive clean up of the nation. He removed all articles, evidences and places of pagan worship. He removed the wayward priests all across the country. He removed the high places and burned the Asherah pole and scattered its ashes onto the graves, declaring it dead! He did all that could be done to "defile" all the apparatus and traces of pagan worship in Judah.
That was not enough. Josiah reinstated Godly rites - he ordered the Passover celebration to be observed in Jerusalem. This was neglected for many hundreds of years.
Josiah recognized the sinfulness of Judah, led them to repentance and reconnection with God, eliminated all sinful practices and attacked the causes of sin. For all that were done by Josiah, he was remembered as Judah's most God-obedient king.
Major Verses
V3 - Josiah led his nation with a Godly example. As a result, the people pledged themselves to the Covenant with God.
What I learned
A good leader is one whose heart is after God. His followers will be influenced to be God-focused too. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to be a God-focused leader to our spouse, children, siblings, parents, friends, colleagues, church mates etc.
V14 - 16 - Amongst the kings of Judah, only Hezekiah and Josiah took the ultimate action of cutting down the Asherah pole. Asherah was the sea goddess and the mistress of Baal and the chief goddess of the Canaanites. She glorified sex and war and was the corruption of the Jews for hundreds of years. Josiah was determined to completely eliminate this pagan influence and as such, did all needed to "defile" the Asherah pole.
What I learned
We need God's strength to help us take affirmative actions to remove all "idols" in our life. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we need spiritual strength to do that. Let us be like Josiah who had a heart to follow after God all the way.
V36 - 37 - Jehoiakim was placed as vassal king by the king of Egypt. He was an evil king and reversed what his father Josiah did for Judah. Instead, he followed the footsteps of his fore fathers. Despite being a God-loving king, Josiah did not raise his children to be as godly as he was. Perhaps he too busy with the need to govern Judah, or that he had delegated the education of his children to others (as kings would normally do). What ever it might have been, Josiah did not manage to set the direction right for his children.
What I learned
Parents have a tremendous responsibility to raise their children in the way that the Lord has instructed. We must not let our career, our business and even our service to church replace the quality time that we need to spend with teaching our children. We cannot delegate, let alone relegate, this responsibility to another person. We are responsible for our children.
Summary
Josiah was obedient to God. He went all out to restore the reverence due to God from the nation. For all that he did, he was recognized as one of the most obedient king of Judah. Unfortunately, he did not raise his children to follow after his godly path.
Up next ... next chapter deals with the evil ways of Jehoiakim and the two last kings of Judah. Coming on 1 Sep.
Synopsis
King Josiah was committed to getting the nation right with God. He got the elders together and gather the people to renew the covenant before God. He was the perfect example of Godly leadership - one who brought his people back to God and to follow God's laws.
Josiah did not only offer lip service. Immediately after renewing the covenant, he acted. He directed a massive clean up of the nation. He removed all articles, evidences and places of pagan worship. He removed the wayward priests all across the country. He removed the high places and burned the Asherah pole and scattered its ashes onto the graves, declaring it dead! He did all that could be done to "defile" all the apparatus and traces of pagan worship in Judah.
That was not enough. Josiah reinstated Godly rites - he ordered the Passover celebration to be observed in Jerusalem. This was neglected for many hundreds of years.
Josiah recognized the sinfulness of Judah, led them to repentance and reconnection with God, eliminated all sinful practices and attacked the causes of sin. For all that were done by Josiah, he was remembered as Judah's most God-obedient king.
Major Verses
V3 - Josiah led his nation with a Godly example. As a result, the people pledged themselves to the Covenant with God.
What I learned
A good leader is one whose heart is after God. His followers will be influenced to be God-focused too. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to be a God-focused leader to our spouse, children, siblings, parents, friends, colleagues, church mates etc.
V14 - 16 - Amongst the kings of Judah, only Hezekiah and Josiah took the ultimate action of cutting down the Asherah pole. Asherah was the sea goddess and the mistress of Baal and the chief goddess of the Canaanites. She glorified sex and war and was the corruption of the Jews for hundreds of years. Josiah was determined to completely eliminate this pagan influence and as such, did all needed to "defile" the Asherah pole.
What I learned
We need God's strength to help us take affirmative actions to remove all "idols" in our life. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we need spiritual strength to do that. Let us be like Josiah who had a heart to follow after God all the way.
V36 - 37 - Jehoiakim was placed as vassal king by the king of Egypt. He was an evil king and reversed what his father Josiah did for Judah. Instead, he followed the footsteps of his fore fathers. Despite being a God-loving king, Josiah did not raise his children to be as godly as he was. Perhaps he too busy with the need to govern Judah, or that he had delegated the education of his children to others (as kings would normally do). What ever it might have been, Josiah did not manage to set the direction right for his children.
What I learned
Parents have a tremendous responsibility to raise their children in the way that the Lord has instructed. We must not let our career, our business and even our service to church replace the quality time that we need to spend with teaching our children. We cannot delegate, let alone relegate, this responsibility to another person. We are responsible for our children.
Summary
Josiah was obedient to God. He went all out to restore the reverence due to God from the nation. For all that he did, he was recognized as one of the most obedient king of Judah. Unfortunately, he did not raise his children to follow after his godly path.
Up next ... next chapter deals with the evil ways of Jehoiakim and the two last kings of Judah. Coming on 1 Sep.
Monday, August 18, 2008
2 Kings 22 - Josiah and the Book of the Law
Click to read 2 Kings 22
Synopsis
Unlike his father, Josiah's heart was after the Lord, one of the very few kings that did. Though he was young when he took over the throne, he reigned obediently for 18 years. The Book of the Law was found and handed over to Josiah when he was 26 years old. When the Book was read to him, Josiah realized how much the nation had sinned against God. He tore his robe in an act of repentance and reverence. By that act, God promised to let his reign pass in peace; God's punishment was withheld until Josiah passed on.
He did not stop at just expressing repentance for the nation. He purposed to reform the nation based on God's laws. He revived the building of the temple to honor God and removed all the pagan temples and Asherah poles (See 2 Ch 34).
Major Verses
V1 -2 - Though he was just a young boy when he ascended to the throne, Josiah reigned obediently with a heart after God.
What I learn
Josiah's actions prove that God can touch a child's heart. There is no need to wait for adulthood before a person can genuinely seek after God. Our children are future leaders and servants of God. Let us purpose in our hearts to teach them God's ways so that they will yield to and serve God. Let us not allow our perception of age stop our children from seeking after God.
V11 - 13 - The Book of the Law was neglected by the evil kings and thus was "lost". When it was handed over to Josiah, he immediately realized that drastic changes would have to take place to reform the wayward nation.
What I learn
When God's Book of the Law was found, Josiah used it as a yardstick for reform. God's words cause drastic change in our lives. We have God's words at our finger tips today. Are we prepared to allow His words to change our lives towards His plan and will for us?
V18 - 20 - Josiah act of repentance, by tearing his robe, reflected the custom of his time. It was not the physical act but the genuineness of his heart that God was pleased with.
What I learn
Today, our custom may not see or even allow the tearing of clothes as an appropriate act of repentance. However, weeping, being remorseful, fasting, making restitution or saying sorry to those we have hurt are some ways that demonstrate our genuineness of our repentance. Our repentance must come from a contrite heart and a tenderness for God.
Summary
The psalmist says in Ps 51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Indeed, let our heart be always seeking to please God.
Encourage others by sharing your learning too - Click "Comment" to leave your message.
More to learn from Josiah in the next chapter....coming on 25th Aug.
Synopsis
Unlike his father, Josiah's heart was after the Lord, one of the very few kings that did. Though he was young when he took over the throne, he reigned obediently for 18 years. The Book of the Law was found and handed over to Josiah when he was 26 years old. When the Book was read to him, Josiah realized how much the nation had sinned against God. He tore his robe in an act of repentance and reverence. By that act, God promised to let his reign pass in peace; God's punishment was withheld until Josiah passed on.
He did not stop at just expressing repentance for the nation. He purposed to reform the nation based on God's laws. He revived the building of the temple to honor God and removed all the pagan temples and Asherah poles (See 2 Ch 34).
Major Verses
V1 -2 - Though he was just a young boy when he ascended to the throne, Josiah reigned obediently with a heart after God.
What I learn
Josiah's actions prove that God can touch a child's heart. There is no need to wait for adulthood before a person can genuinely seek after God. Our children are future leaders and servants of God. Let us purpose in our hearts to teach them God's ways so that they will yield to and serve God. Let us not allow our perception of age stop our children from seeking after God.
V11 - 13 - The Book of the Law was neglected by the evil kings and thus was "lost". When it was handed over to Josiah, he immediately realized that drastic changes would have to take place to reform the wayward nation.
What I learn
When God's Book of the Law was found, Josiah used it as a yardstick for reform. God's words cause drastic change in our lives. We have God's words at our finger tips today. Are we prepared to allow His words to change our lives towards His plan and will for us?
V18 - 20 - Josiah act of repentance, by tearing his robe, reflected the custom of his time. It was not the physical act but the genuineness of his heart that God was pleased with.
What I learn
Today, our custom may not see or even allow the tearing of clothes as an appropriate act of repentance. However, weeping, being remorseful, fasting, making restitution or saying sorry to those we have hurt are some ways that demonstrate our genuineness of our repentance. Our repentance must come from a contrite heart and a tenderness for God.
Summary
The psalmist says in Ps 51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Indeed, let our heart be always seeking to please God.
Encourage others by sharing your learning too - Click "Comment" to leave your message.
More to learn from Josiah in the next chapter....coming on 25th Aug.
Monday, August 11, 2008
2 Kings 21 - Manasseh revived pagan worship in Judah
Click to read 2 Kings 21
Synopsis
Hezekiah's son and successor to his throne, Manasseh was an evil king. His father's godly ways did not influence him in any way. Instead, Manasseh revived all forms of pagan worship that Hezekiah had cleansed from Judah. What he did was detestable to the Lord. During his 55-year reign, Manasseh led the nation astray. He did worst things than the Amorites. God was angry at their sins and declared punishment upon Judah. But yet God once again showed his amazing grace by restoring Manasseh when he truly repented (2 Ch 33).
His son, Amon, followed in his evil footsteps and was eventually assassinated. Judah spiraled into the path of destruction.
Major Verses
V6-9 - Manasseh chose to follow his evil grandfather Ahaz's footsteps in pagan worship. What he did was against the Lord's instruction. He went so far astray that he even sacrifice his own son in the occult. The people chose to follow Manasseh instead of God's words of assurance.
What I learn
Each of us is responsible to God for the decisions that we chose and make. The people were themselves responsible for choosing to follow Manasseh's wrongful leadership. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us to make the right choice to follow after God daily.
V10-15 - The Lord proclaimed judgment upon Manasseh and Judah. God allowed the Assyrian to defeat Judah and sent Manasseh to Babylon for trial (2 Ch 33:11).
What I learn
Disobedience to God brings about certain punishment. Let us pray that we will always have our eyes and faith fixed upon Jesus and not to stray from Him.
2 Ch 33:12-17 - The study of Manasseh is not complete without reading this passage from 2 Chronicle. Manasseh eventually repented and cried to the Lord for help. Although Manasseh could be considered as one of the worst of all the evil kings of Israel and Judah, when he repented, God forgave him - amazing grace it is indeed. Manasseh eventually got rid of all forms of pagan worship and told Judah to worship and serve God alone.
What I learn
God is good all the time and indeed, all the time He is good. The heart of the matter is in the heart - God's amazing grace reaches to all who genuinely repent. God's forgiveness is not limited by the amount of sin, but by our willingness to repent. Praise the Lord!
Summary
God's love for us knows no bound. Even Manasseh, when he repented, received restoration by God. God is love!
Praise the Lord for His Amazing Grace in your life by sharing your testimony ... click "Comments"
Synopsis
Hezekiah's son and successor to his throne, Manasseh was an evil king. His father's godly ways did not influence him in any way. Instead, Manasseh revived all forms of pagan worship that Hezekiah had cleansed from Judah. What he did was detestable to the Lord. During his 55-year reign, Manasseh led the nation astray. He did worst things than the Amorites. God was angry at their sins and declared punishment upon Judah. But yet God once again showed his amazing grace by restoring Manasseh when he truly repented (2 Ch 33).
His son, Amon, followed in his evil footsteps and was eventually assassinated. Judah spiraled into the path of destruction.
Major Verses
V6-9 - Manasseh chose to follow his evil grandfather Ahaz's footsteps in pagan worship. What he did was against the Lord's instruction. He went so far astray that he even sacrifice his own son in the occult. The people chose to follow Manasseh instead of God's words of assurance.
What I learn
Each of us is responsible to God for the decisions that we chose and make. The people were themselves responsible for choosing to follow Manasseh's wrongful leadership. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us to make the right choice to follow after God daily.
V10-15 - The Lord proclaimed judgment upon Manasseh and Judah. God allowed the Assyrian to defeat Judah and sent Manasseh to Babylon for trial (2 Ch 33:11).
What I learn
Disobedience to God brings about certain punishment. Let us pray that we will always have our eyes and faith fixed upon Jesus and not to stray from Him.
2 Ch 33:12-17 - The study of Manasseh is not complete without reading this passage from 2 Chronicle. Manasseh eventually repented and cried to the Lord for help. Although Manasseh could be considered as one of the worst of all the evil kings of Israel and Judah, when he repented, God forgave him - amazing grace it is indeed. Manasseh eventually got rid of all forms of pagan worship and told Judah to worship and serve God alone.
What I learn
God is good all the time and indeed, all the time He is good. The heart of the matter is in the heart - God's amazing grace reaches to all who genuinely repent. God's forgiveness is not limited by the amount of sin, but by our willingness to repent. Praise the Lord!
Summary
God's love for us knows no bound. Even Manasseh, when he repented, received restoration by God. God is love!
Praise the Lord for His Amazing Grace in your life by sharing your testimony ... click "Comments"
Monday, August 04, 2008
2 Kings 20 - Hezekiah's successes, illness and death
Click to read 2 Kings 20
Synopsis
Hezekiah was one of the very few kings who obeyed God. As a result, Judah flourished and became a strong nation. On his last days when he was very ill to the point of death, Hezekiah became proud after God answered his prayer for healing. His pride made him boast of his own successes instead of giving credit to God who had given him all his successes. This chapter records this most important point - God does not condone pride, for pride is the manifestation of a self-centered heart.
Major Verses
V4-7 - When Hezekiah prayed for healing, God answered and added 15 years to his life.
What I learned
God is a faithful and loving God. When we are in need and we dare to ask Him for help, He answers. Do not be afraid to pour out our needs and hurts to God - He desires us to trust and rely on Him. He will surely answer.
V8 - Hezekiah need a miraculous sign from God to be assured that the words Isaiah told him were genuinely from God. God lovingly showed it to him, moving time back wards (by moving the shadow of the sundial 10 steps back) to give Hezekiah His assurance.
What I learned
God loves those who love Him, so much that He is willing to do extra-ordinary things to give us assurance of His love. Let us go boldly to our Abba Father and rely on Him for help at all times. For indeed, He is a very present help in times of our troubles.
V12-13, 15-19 - The king of Babylon heard of the miraculous healing on Hezekiah and sent his envoy to pay a visit. Instead of acknowledging that God had healed him and showed him a miraculous sign, Hezekiah chose to show him his material success (see also 2 Ch 32:24-31 which says that God left Hezekiah so that his heart could be tested). God wanted to test how Hezekiah would respond and proved that he had become proud.
What I learned
Pride is an attitude that we can all do away with. Pride elevates our human effort or abilities beyond what they really are. Worst, pride makes our heart treat our own strength above God's. It causes us to think of our successes and forget that it is God who had given us those successes in the first place. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to always depend upon and acknowledge God and give Him all the credit due. Pride has no place in a believer's life.
Summary
Hezekiah was one of the very few kings that obeyed God. He did well throughout his reign and Judah flourished. Unfortunately, in his last days, his pride stood before him and God's love. Thankfully, Hezekiah repented (2 Ch 32:26) and so Judah did not incur the wrath of the Lord.
Please share you learning with others by leaving them in "Comments" page.
Up next .. Hezekiah's son took over the nation but he was an evil king...coming up on 11 Aug.
Synopsis
Hezekiah was one of the very few kings who obeyed God. As a result, Judah flourished and became a strong nation. On his last days when he was very ill to the point of death, Hezekiah became proud after God answered his prayer for healing. His pride made him boast of his own successes instead of giving credit to God who had given him all his successes. This chapter records this most important point - God does not condone pride, for pride is the manifestation of a self-centered heart.
Major Verses
V4-7 - When Hezekiah prayed for healing, God answered and added 15 years to his life.
What I learned
God is a faithful and loving God. When we are in need and we dare to ask Him for help, He answers. Do not be afraid to pour out our needs and hurts to God - He desires us to trust and rely on Him. He will surely answer.
V8 - Hezekiah need a miraculous sign from God to be assured that the words Isaiah told him were genuinely from God. God lovingly showed it to him, moving time back wards (by moving the shadow of the sundial 10 steps back) to give Hezekiah His assurance.
What I learned
God loves those who love Him, so much that He is willing to do extra-ordinary things to give us assurance of His love. Let us go boldly to our Abba Father and rely on Him for help at all times. For indeed, He is a very present help in times of our troubles.
V12-13, 15-19 - The king of Babylon heard of the miraculous healing on Hezekiah and sent his envoy to pay a visit. Instead of acknowledging that God had healed him and showed him a miraculous sign, Hezekiah chose to show him his material success (see also 2 Ch 32:24-31 which says that God left Hezekiah so that his heart could be tested). God wanted to test how Hezekiah would respond and proved that he had become proud.
What I learned
Pride is an attitude that we can all do away with. Pride elevates our human effort or abilities beyond what they really are. Worst, pride makes our heart treat our own strength above God's. It causes us to think of our successes and forget that it is God who had given us those successes in the first place. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to always depend upon and acknowledge God and give Him all the credit due. Pride has no place in a believer's life.
Summary
Hezekiah was one of the very few kings that obeyed God. He did well throughout his reign and Judah flourished. Unfortunately, in his last days, his pride stood before him and God's love. Thankfully, Hezekiah repented (2 Ch 32:26) and so Judah did not incur the wrath of the Lord.
Please share you learning with others by leaving them in "Comments" page.
Up next .. Hezekiah's son took over the nation but he was an evil king...coming up on 11 Aug.
Monday, July 28, 2008
2 Kings 19 - Hezekiah prayed, God answered
Click to read 2 Kings 19
Synopsis
The Assyrians had captured all the fortified cities of Judah. Sennacharib marched towards Jerusalem to demand Hezekiah's surrender. The first thing that Hezekiah did when he heard the taunting and threat of Sennacharib was to go before the Lord and pray for help. He went to God boldly and yet with respect, to tell Him of what was in his heart.
God answered through Isaiah and pronounced punishment upon Sennacharib. God also sent a heavenly army to destroy the Assyrian army; 180,000 died in one night. That action forced Sennacharib to retreat. God is good all the time and takes care of those who love Him.
Major verses
V1-7 - Hezekiah loved and followed after God. As such, his first reaction to the threat was to seek help from God and Isaiah. He laid bare his concerns to God and declared his dependency on Him. God assured him, through Isaiah, that He would take control.
What I learn
Our first response when we are in any crisis must be to look to God for help. Prayer must be our constant connection to our Abba Father and our trust in God must be our habit. Jesus has said, "Ask and you shall receive." Let's take Him at his Word.
V14-19 - Sennacharib further threatened Hezekiah with destruction and taunted God yet again. Hezekiah laid the threat before God and declared his trust in the One and only true God.
What I learn
The world may threaten us and taunt our God. Let us remember that He is indeed the only true God. Let us completely trust Him to defend His own name. There is nothing better for us to do than to simply trust Him when we face any crisis, because crisis are opportunities for God to demonstrate His Sovereignty and love for us.
V21-34 - Sennacharib's pride and arrogance caused his downfall. He thought that his kingdom had grown due to his might. He did not know that it was God who allowed that to happen as part of His punishment to Israel. As such, the Lord declared judgment upon Sennacharib. He was murdered by his own sons!
What I learn
If we think that we are successful because of our own strength, we are arrogant. Many times, we are tempted to think arrogantly. Let us always remember to acknowledge our Father for His work in our lives. We are successful because He caused us to be. Praise the Lord.
Summary
Hezekiah loved and followed after God. He did right to completely trust God when he was threatened by Sennacharib. God honored his prayers for help and delivered Judah. Sennacharib's arrogance eventually led him to his death.
Up next ... Hezekiah became proud of his success, he also became selfish; let's check this out together on 4th Aug.
Help others with your learning on this chapter ... click "Comments"
Synopsis
The Assyrians had captured all the fortified cities of Judah. Sennacharib marched towards Jerusalem to demand Hezekiah's surrender. The first thing that Hezekiah did when he heard the taunting and threat of Sennacharib was to go before the Lord and pray for help. He went to God boldly and yet with respect, to tell Him of what was in his heart.
God answered through Isaiah and pronounced punishment upon Sennacharib. God also sent a heavenly army to destroy the Assyrian army; 180,000 died in one night. That action forced Sennacharib to retreat. God is good all the time and takes care of those who love Him.
Major verses
V1-7 - Hezekiah loved and followed after God. As such, his first reaction to the threat was to seek help from God and Isaiah. He laid bare his concerns to God and declared his dependency on Him. God assured him, through Isaiah, that He would take control.
What I learn
Our first response when we are in any crisis must be to look to God for help. Prayer must be our constant connection to our Abba Father and our trust in God must be our habit. Jesus has said, "Ask and you shall receive." Let's take Him at his Word.
V14-19 - Sennacharib further threatened Hezekiah with destruction and taunted God yet again. Hezekiah laid the threat before God and declared his trust in the One and only true God.
What I learn
The world may threaten us and taunt our God. Let us remember that He is indeed the only true God. Let us completely trust Him to defend His own name. There is nothing better for us to do than to simply trust Him when we face any crisis, because crisis are opportunities for God to demonstrate His Sovereignty and love for us.
V21-34 - Sennacharib's pride and arrogance caused his downfall. He thought that his kingdom had grown due to his might. He did not know that it was God who allowed that to happen as part of His punishment to Israel. As such, the Lord declared judgment upon Sennacharib. He was murdered by his own sons!
What I learn
If we think that we are successful because of our own strength, we are arrogant. Many times, we are tempted to think arrogantly. Let us always remember to acknowledge our Father for His work in our lives. We are successful because He caused us to be. Praise the Lord.
Summary
Hezekiah loved and followed after God. He did right to completely trust God when he was threatened by Sennacharib. God honored his prayers for help and delivered Judah. Sennacharib's arrogance eventually led him to his death.
Up next ... Hezekiah became proud of his success, he also became selfish; let's check this out together on 4th Aug.
Help others with your learning on this chapter ... click "Comments"
Monday, July 21, 2008
2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah trusted God
Click to read 2 Kings 18
Synopsis
Finally, Judah produced a king who put an end to the idol worship practices by removing the Asherah poles and high places of pagan sacrifices. The bible recorded that "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.... And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.".". Hezekiah's faith in God gave him courage to rebel against Assyria and was freed from Assyria's control for many years until Sennacherib became Assyria's king.
Even when Judah was attacked, Hezekiah still trusted the Lord. And eventually, Sennacherib was defeated.
Major Verses
V4 - The bronze serpent was made during Moses' time to cure the Israelites of poisonous snake bites. It was originally created to be a reminder of whom to worship, instead of being an object of worship by itself. As such, Hezekiah had to destroy it along with the Asherah poles and the high places.
What I learn
We must be careful not to allow aids to our worship to replace the worship of God. We must not allow popular things such as worship songs, churches, pastors, the crucifix and popular Christians to become idols that replace the true God.
V5-7 - Hezekiah, in contrast to his father, Ahaz and the many other kings before him, chose to follow and obey God closely. He trusted the Lord. As such, the Lord favored him and allowed success to come to him in "whatever" he undertook.
What I learn
God demands our obedience and trust in Him. His reward is immense for those who choose to obey and trust Him. If we want to be successful in all that we undertake, we have no other choice but to simply trust and obey Him. Jer 29:11 says it clearly, He has plans for our success, plans not to harm us but to give us hope and a future. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to trust and obey Him daily.
V28-36 - The army commanders of Assyria taunted the people of Judah. They tell them not to trust in God, as Hezekiah did. But the people remained silent, as instructed by Hezekiah.
What I learn
There will be people around us who will taunt us for our belief. They will tell us not to trust our God. We must stand our ground, even if we need to be silent before these taunting. But more importantly, we must know and trust our God for He is indeed the true God. Let us build our faith up by reading His Word daily and get to know Him better each day, so that the "taunting" of the world will have no effect.
Summary
Hezekiah trusted and obeyed God. He was blessed in whatever he undertook. God rewards all who trust in Him.
Your say ... please share your learning with us by clicking Comments.
Up next .... Hezekiah prayed for deliverance against Sennacherib. God answers .... read it on 28th Jul.
Synopsis
Finally, Judah produced a king who put an end to the idol worship practices by removing the Asherah poles and high places of pagan sacrifices. The bible recorded that "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.... And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.".". Hezekiah's faith in God gave him courage to rebel against Assyria and was freed from Assyria's control for many years until Sennacherib became Assyria's king.
Even when Judah was attacked, Hezekiah still trusted the Lord. And eventually, Sennacherib was defeated.
Major Verses
V4 - The bronze serpent was made during Moses' time to cure the Israelites of poisonous snake bites. It was originally created to be a reminder of whom to worship, instead of being an object of worship by itself. As such, Hezekiah had to destroy it along with the Asherah poles and the high places.
What I learn
We must be careful not to allow aids to our worship to replace the worship of God. We must not allow popular things such as worship songs, churches, pastors, the crucifix and popular Christians to become idols that replace the true God.
V5-7 - Hezekiah, in contrast to his father, Ahaz and the many other kings before him, chose to follow and obey God closely. He trusted the Lord. As such, the Lord favored him and allowed success to come to him in "whatever" he undertook.
What I learn
God demands our obedience and trust in Him. His reward is immense for those who choose to obey and trust Him. If we want to be successful in all that we undertake, we have no other choice but to simply trust and obey Him. Jer 29:11 says it clearly, He has plans for our success, plans not to harm us but to give us hope and a future. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to trust and obey Him daily.
V28-36 - The army commanders of Assyria taunted the people of Judah. They tell them not to trust in God, as Hezekiah did. But the people remained silent, as instructed by Hezekiah.
What I learn
There will be people around us who will taunt us for our belief. They will tell us not to trust our God. We must stand our ground, even if we need to be silent before these taunting. But more importantly, we must know and trust our God for He is indeed the true God. Let us build our faith up by reading His Word daily and get to know Him better each day, so that the "taunting" of the world will have no effect.
Summary
Hezekiah trusted and obeyed God. He was blessed in whatever he undertook. God rewards all who trust in Him.
Your say ... please share your learning with us by clicking Comments.
Up next .... Hezekiah prayed for deliverance against Sennacherib. God answers .... read it on 28th Jul.
Monday, July 14, 2008
2 Kings 17 - Israel exiled because of sin
Click to read 2 Kings 17
Synopsis
Israel continued in sin and the last king, Hoshea did all the evil things against God. Despite many warnings that God gave to them and two invasions from Assyria (2 Kings 15:19, 29), the people did not repent. As such, God allowed Assyria to completely destroy Israel with the third conquest. The Assyrians then brought in foreigners to re-settle in the Promised Land while Israel was sent into exile.
God did what He had warned that He would do to Israel (Dt:28) if they disobeyed Him. Yet God carried out His punishment only after repeated warnings and attempts to allow Israel to repent. The nation was in a state no better than the pagan nations that Joshua had destroyed. Israel had turned away from God and rejected the original intention of being the light to the world.
Major Verses
V7-17 - All of Israel's sins and disobedience are recorded here. God judged Israel because they copied the evil customs of the surrounding countries. They worshiped false gods, made their own gods, practiced sexual religion and disregarded God completely.
What I learn
Be careful of the things that influence our daily life. We must not allow such to pull us away from our central belief in God. Sometimes it is painful and difficult to follow God, but let us remind ourselves that it would be more painful if we did not.
God's mercy and patience are beyond our comprehension. Because of His love, He will pursue us relentlessly until we respond to Him and repent, or by our own choice, make ourselves unreachable. God's judgment on those who forsake Him is swift and sure.
Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us to be determined to be the person God has created us to be and for His glory. Let's remember that it is more important what God thinks of us than what those around us think.
V25 - 29, 34-40 - The foreigners had settled in the Promised Land. As they did not revere God, they were punished. Lions mauled them. They were quick to realize the power of God and thus asked the exiled priests to teach them how to worship God. However, they did that to appease Him and not to please Him. They took God as another of their idols that they were worshiping. They were not true believers.
What I learn
Be careful that we do not have the attitude of appeasing Him rather than truly pleasing Him. To truly please God, we need to totally surrender ourselves to Him and give up attitudes and actions that God denounces. His values must come first in our life and those attitudes that we had wrongly built up must be given up. He demands our complete obedience.
Summary
God gave Israel many warnings through the prophets and also the Assyrian's first and second conquests. Yet Israel refused to repent. They paid for their choice and Hoshea became the last king of Israel. The nation was completely destroyed because they chose not to obey and follow God.
Next week....... we learn from king Hezekiah of Judah.
Synopsis
Israel continued in sin and the last king, Hoshea did all the evil things against God. Despite many warnings that God gave to them and two invasions from Assyria (2 Kings 15:19, 29), the people did not repent. As such, God allowed Assyria to completely destroy Israel with the third conquest. The Assyrians then brought in foreigners to re-settle in the Promised Land while Israel was sent into exile.
God did what He had warned that He would do to Israel (Dt:28) if they disobeyed Him. Yet God carried out His punishment only after repeated warnings and attempts to allow Israel to repent. The nation was in a state no better than the pagan nations that Joshua had destroyed. Israel had turned away from God and rejected the original intention of being the light to the world.
Major Verses
V7-17 - All of Israel's sins and disobedience are recorded here. God judged Israel because they copied the evil customs of the surrounding countries. They worshiped false gods, made their own gods, practiced sexual religion and disregarded God completely.
What I learn
Be careful of the things that influence our daily life. We must not allow such to pull us away from our central belief in God. Sometimes it is painful and difficult to follow God, but let us remind ourselves that it would be more painful if we did not.
God's mercy and patience are beyond our comprehension. Because of His love, He will pursue us relentlessly until we respond to Him and repent, or by our own choice, make ourselves unreachable. God's judgment on those who forsake Him is swift and sure.
Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us to be determined to be the person God has created us to be and for His glory. Let's remember that it is more important what God thinks of us than what those around us think.
V25 - 29, 34-40 - The foreigners had settled in the Promised Land. As they did not revere God, they were punished. Lions mauled them. They were quick to realize the power of God and thus asked the exiled priests to teach them how to worship God. However, they did that to appease Him and not to please Him. They took God as another of their idols that they were worshiping. They were not true believers.
What I learn
Be careful that we do not have the attitude of appeasing Him rather than truly pleasing Him. To truly please God, we need to totally surrender ourselves to Him and give up attitudes and actions that God denounces. His values must come first in our life and those attitudes that we had wrongly built up must be given up. He demands our complete obedience.
Summary
God gave Israel many warnings through the prophets and also the Assyrian's first and second conquests. Yet Israel refused to repent. They paid for their choice and Hoshea became the last king of Israel. The nation was completely destroyed because they chose not to obey and follow God.
Next week....... we learn from king Hezekiah of Judah.
Monday, July 07, 2008
2 Kings 16 - Ahaz, an evil king of Judah
Click to read 2 Kings 16
Synopsis
Israel and Aram were under Assyrian control and were trying to revolt against Assyria. They wanted to force Judah to join forces with them but the plan backfired as Ahaz went to the Assyrian king for help instead. Judah paid dearly for that as they became a vassal state of Assyria and had to pay high tributes (2Ch 28:20-21). Ahaz had to use the gold and silver from the temple to bribe Assyria.
Ahaz was an evil king who revived pagan practices in Judah, especially after he visited the Assyrian king in Damascus. He was so depraved that he even sacrificed his own son to pagan gods and replaced the altar of burnt offering with a replica of the pagan altar he saw in Damascus. He used the original bronze altar from the Temple for his own divination purposes, which was clearly against God’s instructions.
Ahaz was a weak king. Urijah was a weak high priest. Both compromised Judah’s religious status and turned the nation to sinful pagan practices.
Major Verses
V 3-4 – Human sacrifice was an abominable practice of the Canaanites. God had intended that Israel wiped out the Canaanites when they first entered the Promised Land. They did not do so and as a result, the Canaanites influenced the Israelites down the century. That disobedience eventually led God’s people to many pagan practices.
What I learn
When God gives an instruction to us, He has the perfect reason for it. If we fail to obey His instruction, we will have to bear the consequence of our choice. Let’s keep our hearts pure towards God and ask Him for wisdom to make right choices and strength to reject wrong ones.
V 10-11, 16 – Urijah was a weak high priest. Instead of telling Ahaz about God’s instructions, he compromised and even over-saw the building of the pagan altar to please the king.
What I learn
We may criticize Urijah for not upholding God’s standards but let us not forget that we too are capable of failing like Urijah. Let’s be careful not to mold God’s message to fit our personal preferences or worship Him for selfish gains. Let’s consciously purpose in our heart and seek God’s strength to keep His standards daily, lest we also fall. I am assured that as we reverently ask Him to keep us pure, He WILL!
V 12-15, 17-18 – This record showed how far Ahaz fell into paganism. He worshipped reverently before the pagan altar, offered sacrifices himself and instructed Urijah that all offering meant for God was to be offered to the pagan altar from that point onward. He went on to plunder God’s Temple, removed the furniture of worship to God, which were offensive to the king of Assyria. This was against specific instructions given by God (Ex 27:1-8).
What I learn
Ahaz was more eager to please the Assyrian king than to please God. He had more fear in man than in God and replaced God as Judah’s leader with a mere human. No matter how attractive or powerful a person is or may appear to us in our circumstance, we cannot allow him to replace God’s leadership in our lives. Honor God and He will honor us. That is His promise, we only need to believe!
Summary
Ahaz was an evil king and led Judah to pagan practices again. He was more afraid of the king of Assyria than of God and thus made Judah a vassal state of Assyria. Urijah was a weak high priest that did not stand for his believe and thus was an accomplice in this tragic act.
Let us know what God has spoken to you too. Leave your sharing by clicking “Comments”.
What’s next … Israel will be wiped out as God used the Assyrians to punish them for their waywardness and disobedience. Check it out on 14th Jul.
Synopsis
Israel and Aram were under Assyrian control and were trying to revolt against Assyria. They wanted to force Judah to join forces with them but the plan backfired as Ahaz went to the Assyrian king for help instead. Judah paid dearly for that as they became a vassal state of Assyria and had to pay high tributes (2Ch 28:20-21). Ahaz had to use the gold and silver from the temple to bribe Assyria.
Ahaz was an evil king who revived pagan practices in Judah, especially after he visited the Assyrian king in Damascus. He was so depraved that he even sacrificed his own son to pagan gods and replaced the altar of burnt offering with a replica of the pagan altar he saw in Damascus. He used the original bronze altar from the Temple for his own divination purposes, which was clearly against God’s instructions.
Ahaz was a weak king. Urijah was a weak high priest. Both compromised Judah’s religious status and turned the nation to sinful pagan practices.
Major Verses
V 3-4 – Human sacrifice was an abominable practice of the Canaanites. God had intended that Israel wiped out the Canaanites when they first entered the Promised Land. They did not do so and as a result, the Canaanites influenced the Israelites down the century. That disobedience eventually led God’s people to many pagan practices.
What I learn
When God gives an instruction to us, He has the perfect reason for it. If we fail to obey His instruction, we will have to bear the consequence of our choice. Let’s keep our hearts pure towards God and ask Him for wisdom to make right choices and strength to reject wrong ones.
V 10-11, 16 – Urijah was a weak high priest. Instead of telling Ahaz about God’s instructions, he compromised and even over-saw the building of the pagan altar to please the king.
What I learn
We may criticize Urijah for not upholding God’s standards but let us not forget that we too are capable of failing like Urijah. Let’s be careful not to mold God’s message to fit our personal preferences or worship Him for selfish gains. Let’s consciously purpose in our heart and seek God’s strength to keep His standards daily, lest we also fall. I am assured that as we reverently ask Him to keep us pure, He WILL!
V 12-15, 17-18 – This record showed how far Ahaz fell into paganism. He worshipped reverently before the pagan altar, offered sacrifices himself and instructed Urijah that all offering meant for God was to be offered to the pagan altar from that point onward. He went on to plunder God’s Temple, removed the furniture of worship to God, which were offensive to the king of Assyria. This was against specific instructions given by God (Ex 27:1-8).
What I learn
Ahaz was more eager to please the Assyrian king than to please God. He had more fear in man than in God and replaced God as Judah’s leader with a mere human. No matter how attractive or powerful a person is or may appear to us in our circumstance, we cannot allow him to replace God’s leadership in our lives. Honor God and He will honor us. That is His promise, we only need to believe!
Summary
Ahaz was an evil king and led Judah to pagan practices again. He was more afraid of the king of Assyria than of God and thus made Judah a vassal state of Assyria. Urijah was a weak high priest that did not stand for his believe and thus was an accomplice in this tragic act.
Let us know what God has spoken to you too. Leave your sharing by clicking “Comments”.
What’s next … Israel will be wiped out as God used the Assyrians to punish them for their waywardness and disobedience. Check it out on 14th Jul.
Monday, June 30, 2008
2 Kings 15 - More kings and more sins
Click to read 2 Kings 15
Synopsis
Synopsis
After Jeroboam, six more evil kings ruled Israel before the kingdom fell to the Assyrians. This northern kingdom lasted 209 years after Israel's golden age under Solomon. The principal reason was idolatry; the kings led their people to stray from God.
Judah lasted 136 years longer than Israel before being conquered by the Babylonians. It lasted longer possibly because they had kings who did what was right in the sight of the Lord. However, these kings still fell short as they did not remove the pagan shrines built by their forefather. In the same period described in this chapter, Israel had six kings compared with Judah's two.
Major Verses
V1 - 5 - Azariah was also known as Uzziah. In the beginning of his 52-year reign, he did right before was devoted to the Lord and the Lord helped him to win many wars. He also repaired the wall that was broken by Israel and help Judah enjoy peace and prosperity that was not seen since Solomon's time. Unfortunately, like his father, he did not remove the high places of pagan worship. When his power grew and his fame spread, he became arrogant and angered the Lord by offering incense to God, which was against the law. For that sin, he was inflicted with skin disease and had to be separated from his household. The full account of what Uzziah did can be found in 2 Ch 26.
What I learn
Many of us start well with the Lord but when we are successful, our devotion to Him wanes and pride takes over, just like Azariah did. Let us ask God to help us to guard our heart against leaving our devotion to Him. If there are "high places" in our life that need to be removed, let's ask God to help us do it once and for all. Let us determine to always be close and obedient to Him.
V8 - 31 - In a short space of seven month after Zechariah took over the throne of Israel from his father Jeroboam, Israel saw three kings ruling. Zechariah ruled for six months and was assassinated by Shallum, who after one month was killed by Meneham who ruled for ten years and on his death, his son Pekahiah took over. He lasted only two years and was killed by Pekah. These kings of Israel all did evil in God's sight and therefore they and the nation were constantly punished.
What I learn
All these kings not only did evil but many of them encouraged the nation into deeper idolatry as well. We are responsible for the way that we influence others as we live our life. Let us be careful and mindful of how we live; does the way we live honor and glorify God? Let ask God to help us to be more like Jesus everyday, for being like Him, we will surely bless and lead others correctly.
V32 - 38 - Jotham walked right in God and much good can be said of him. Unfortunately, he followed the wrong role model of his father and grandfather in that he did not remove the high places of pagan worship during his reign. This eventually led to his son Ahaz, to become an evil king over Judah after Jotham died.
What I learn
Like Jotham, we may generally live good lives but miss out on doing what is most important. Let's ask God to help us to know what is the most important thing that He wants us to do and ask for strength from Him to do it. Our influence over our children is very important to prevent them from ending up like Ahaz, who deteriorate into worshiping the pagan idols.
Summary
The evil kings of Israel brought the nation deep into sin and eventually paid for it when Hoshea became the last king before the kingdom fell to the Assyrians. While Azariah and Jotham did generally well in most part of their lives, they missed doing the most important thing during their reign, that is, to remove the high places of pagan worship in Judah. Eventually, Judah fell to the Babylonians too.
Share your learning .... please leave your comments.
Coming up next....
Next week, we learn about the beginning of Judah's fall when Ahaz, Jotham's son took over the reign.
Monday, June 23, 2008
2 Kings 14 - Amaziah defeated by pride
Click to read 2 Kings 14
Synopsis
After Joash was murdered by his officials, his son Amaziah was made king and reigned for 29 years. While he did right in the eyes of the Lord, he did not get rid of the high places of offering. However, he did follow the book of the law of Moses in his administration and spared the sons of the his father's murderers.
After he defeated the Edomites, 10,000 of them, his pride took over. He thought that his army was stronger than that of Israel's and sought to war against them. Jehoash, king of Israel, warned him of his folly but Amaziah was too proud to realize his mistake and was aptly defeated. Judah's army was routed and every man fled home.
Jehoash further embarrassed Amaziah and Judah by breaking down the wall of Jerusalem and raiding the temple.
Jeroboam II, son of Jehoash co-reigned for 12 years before taking over from his father. He reigned for 41 years and Israel enjoyed great national power and material prosperity though they were ungodly - Jeroboam did evil just like Jeroboam did.
Major Verses
V 9-10 - In pride, Amaziah sought to harass Israel. Jehoash used this parable to warn Amaziah but he would not listen. Instead of being brothers, Israel and Judah were having constant civil wars because of the waywardness of the kings.
What I learn
Pride kills. Indeed, Amaziah was defeated because he thought he had a stronger army. We must be humble and not allow pride to blind our eyes. Let's seek God for His guidance in our daily life so that we may walk well and not allow ego, pride and worldliness to take hold of us.
V 13-14 - Jehoash broke a 600-foot section of the city wall of Jerusalem. Additionally, he raided the temple and took away all the precious articles. This greatly embarrassed the people of Judah and also left them unprotected from future attacks as the wall was breach.
What I learn
Sin does not pay. The consequence of sin is suffering. Amaziah's pride caused the people of Judah to suffer. We must keep away from sin - ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to overcome temptations that come at us daily.
Summary
Pride comes before a fall - this was the case with Amaziah although he was one of the few kings that did right in the eyes of the Lord. Unfortunately, pride became his failure.
Up next.....new kings but same old mistakes - Israel and Judah continued in decline. Let's learn together on 30th June.
Synopsis
After Joash was murdered by his officials, his son Amaziah was made king and reigned for 29 years. While he did right in the eyes of the Lord, he did not get rid of the high places of offering. However, he did follow the book of the law of Moses in his administration and spared the sons of the his father's murderers.
After he defeated the Edomites, 10,000 of them, his pride took over. He thought that his army was stronger than that of Israel's and sought to war against them. Jehoash, king of Israel, warned him of his folly but Amaziah was too proud to realize his mistake and was aptly defeated. Judah's army was routed and every man fled home.
Jehoash further embarrassed Amaziah and Judah by breaking down the wall of Jerusalem and raiding the temple.
Jeroboam II, son of Jehoash co-reigned for 12 years before taking over from his father. He reigned for 41 years and Israel enjoyed great national power and material prosperity though they were ungodly - Jeroboam did evil just like Jeroboam did.
Major Verses
V 9-10 - In pride, Amaziah sought to harass Israel. Jehoash used this parable to warn Amaziah but he would not listen. Instead of being brothers, Israel and Judah were having constant civil wars because of the waywardness of the kings.
What I learn
Pride kills. Indeed, Amaziah was defeated because he thought he had a stronger army. We must be humble and not allow pride to blind our eyes. Let's seek God for His guidance in our daily life so that we may walk well and not allow ego, pride and worldliness to take hold of us.
V 13-14 - Jehoash broke a 600-foot section of the city wall of Jerusalem. Additionally, he raided the temple and took away all the precious articles. This greatly embarrassed the people of Judah and also left them unprotected from future attacks as the wall was breach.
What I learn
Sin does not pay. The consequence of sin is suffering. Amaziah's pride caused the people of Judah to suffer. We must keep away from sin - ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to overcome temptations that come at us daily.
Summary
Pride comes before a fall - this was the case with Amaziah although he was one of the few kings that did right in the eyes of the Lord. Unfortunately, pride became his failure.
Up next.....new kings but same old mistakes - Israel and Judah continued in decline. Let's learn together on 30th June.
Monday, June 16, 2008
2 Kings 13 - Israel continued in sin
Click to read 2 Kings 13
Synopsis
Two more father-son kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash, continued the sinful practices of Jeroboam and brought the nation deep into sin continually. Still when Jehoahaz sought God's favor to deliver them from the king of Aram, He did. But instead of repenting, they continued to rebel against God.
Jehoash also sought Elisha's blessings before the prophet died. Elisha prophesied that Jehoash would defeat the Aramites but only three times as he had struck the arrow only three times instead of more.
Major verses
V3 - 6 - God was angry at Jehoahaz and Israel for continuing the evil practices of Jeroboam in pagan worship. He made the Aramites to punish Israel. Still, when Jehoahaz asked God to deliver them, He graciously did. Yet the nation did not repent but continued to worship idols and the Asherah pole remained standing in Samaria.
What I learn
Despite man's failures and unfaithfulness, God is always gracious and willing to forgive and help those who turn to Him. We will never know how much it cost for Jesus to take all our sins as He hung on the cross but that He did all for the love of us. As God delivers us from our pit, let us not turn against Him by continuing in sin. Instead, let us respond to His love by wanting to live for Him and not to hurt Him by turning His love away.
V11, 14 - 19 - Jehoash did as much evil as his father even after seeing God's deliverance of the nation against the Aramites. Still, he sought God's help by seeking out Elisha, who before his death, proclaimed that God would help Israel to defeat the Aramites and that God did. When Elisha asked Jehoash to strike the ground with the arrows, representing the battles with Aram, Jehoash struck it only three times when Elisha had expected that he would struck if vehemently, representing Israel's desire to defeat their oppressors. Because Jehoash only struck it three times, Elisha proclaimed that he would defeat the Aramites only three times instead of eliminating them completely.
What I learn
God's grace continued on Israel because of His promise to Abraham. Though the Israelites continued in sin, God still wanted to deliver them. However, Jehoash was less than "enthusiastic" about doing the job. This was manifested in his lack of zeal to strike the arrows on the ground. When we go about doing God's work, we must do it with a focus and an enthusiastic attitude ... give Him all we have and all our best effort.
Summary
God is gracious and faithful to His children always. Let us not hurt Him by turning away from Him or continuing in sin. Jesus paid for our sins with His own life. We will never know how much it cost for our sins to be washed away as Jesus hung on the cross. Let us be determined to love Him and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Please contribute to this study by sharing your learning and comments ....
Up next ... Let's examine and learn from king Amaziah of Judah and king Jeroboam II of Israel next Monday (23rd June)
Synopsis
Two more father-son kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash, continued the sinful practices of Jeroboam and brought the nation deep into sin continually. Still when Jehoahaz sought God's favor to deliver them from the king of Aram, He did. But instead of repenting, they continued to rebel against God.
Jehoash also sought Elisha's blessings before the prophet died. Elisha prophesied that Jehoash would defeat the Aramites but only three times as he had struck the arrow only three times instead of more.
Major verses
V3 - 6 - God was angry at Jehoahaz and Israel for continuing the evil practices of Jeroboam in pagan worship. He made the Aramites to punish Israel. Still, when Jehoahaz asked God to deliver them, He graciously did. Yet the nation did not repent but continued to worship idols and the Asherah pole remained standing in Samaria.
What I learn
Despite man's failures and unfaithfulness, God is always gracious and willing to forgive and help those who turn to Him. We will never know how much it cost for Jesus to take all our sins as He hung on the cross but that He did all for the love of us. As God delivers us from our pit, let us not turn against Him by continuing in sin. Instead, let us respond to His love by wanting to live for Him and not to hurt Him by turning His love away.
V11, 14 - 19 - Jehoash did as much evil as his father even after seeing God's deliverance of the nation against the Aramites. Still, he sought God's help by seeking out Elisha, who before his death, proclaimed that God would help Israel to defeat the Aramites and that God did. When Elisha asked Jehoash to strike the ground with the arrows, representing the battles with Aram, Jehoash struck it only three times when Elisha had expected that he would struck if vehemently, representing Israel's desire to defeat their oppressors. Because Jehoash only struck it three times, Elisha proclaimed that he would defeat the Aramites only three times instead of eliminating them completely.
What I learn
God's grace continued on Israel because of His promise to Abraham. Though the Israelites continued in sin, God still wanted to deliver them. However, Jehoash was less than "enthusiastic" about doing the job. This was manifested in his lack of zeal to strike the arrows on the ground. When we go about doing God's work, we must do it with a focus and an enthusiastic attitude ... give Him all we have and all our best effort.
Summary
God is gracious and faithful to His children always. Let us not hurt Him by turning away from Him or continuing in sin. Jesus paid for our sins with His own life. We will never know how much it cost for our sins to be washed away as Jesus hung on the cross. Let us be determined to love Him and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Please contribute to this study by sharing your learning and comments ....
Up next ... Let's examine and learn from king Amaziah of Judah and king Jeroboam II of Israel next Monday (23rd June)
Monday, June 09, 2008
2 Kings 12 - Joash repairs the temple
Click to read 2 Kings 12
Synopsis
Although Joash didn't fully eliminate sin from the nation, he did much good. He desired to repair the temple and went about raising fund to do so. Unfortunately, The priests also did not discharge their duties of rebuilding the temple when Joash commanded it. When they were told to stop collecting the money, they decided that they were not going to repair the temple either. Joash had then to employ workmen to complete the task. They were more trustworthy than the priests.
One of his shortcoming was in allowing the people to continue to offer sacrifices in the high places. This was a pagan practice specifically prohibited by God (Deut 12:13-14).
The story ends sadly with Joash being killed by his own officers. While he started well, he turned evil at the end and began to worship idols and even killed Jehoida's son, the prophet Zechariah who was used by God to tell the people that they had gone astray. The reason for the assassination of Joash are listed in 2 Ch 24:17-26.
Major Verses
V4 - 8 - The temple was damaged and neglected by the various evil kings before. So Joash commanded that the offerings given by the people to the priests be used to repair the temple. He wanted the temple to be restored as an honor to God. Unfortunately, the priests kept the money but did no repairs.
What I learn
Though clearly instructed, the priests did not carry out the king's order. As Levites, these priests should know better that it was their duty and life goal to keep the temple of God in good shape and yet they did not have the desire to do so. We must not lose sight of our calling. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to keep our spirit in good shape so as to have the commitment to do what God wants us to do daily.
V 9 - 16 - Finally, Joash stopped the priests from taking the offerings for themselves and ordered that a central depository be created. So every time the offering chest became full with the people's offerings, Joash would use the money to employ skilled craftsmen and workers to do the repairs. The workman did not need an accounting system to keep track because they acted out of complete honesty (V15). What a contrast between these workmen and the priests!
What I learn
The "layman" (carpenters, craftsmen etc) were more committed in repairing the temple then the priests. Let us pray for our full-time workers to be always committed in serving Him. Also, pray that we, lay people, will also be responsible to help and serve God in our own ways.
V19 - 21 - After Jehoida died, Joash became evil and started to worship idols himself. In doing so, the nation of Judah started to go out of control again. Consequently, his officials conspired against him and killed him eventually. The list of offenses Joash committed is recorded in 2 Ch 24:17-26, one of which was the murder of the prophet Zechariah, son of Johaida.
What I learn
We must always be careful not to let our focus on God be removed, lest we end up like Joash. Let's seek the face of God daily so that our close walk with Him will keep us from straying.
Summary
While Joash started well, he ended up bad and was killed by his officials because Judah was going out of control. We have to keep close to God to end well.
Coming up next.... next chapter switches attention to two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash.
Synopsis
Although Joash didn't fully eliminate sin from the nation, he did much good. He desired to repair the temple and went about raising fund to do so. Unfortunately, The priests also did not discharge their duties of rebuilding the temple when Joash commanded it. When they were told to stop collecting the money, they decided that they were not going to repair the temple either. Joash had then to employ workmen to complete the task. They were more trustworthy than the priests.
One of his shortcoming was in allowing the people to continue to offer sacrifices in the high places. This was a pagan practice specifically prohibited by God (Deut 12:13-14).
The story ends sadly with Joash being killed by his own officers. While he started well, he turned evil at the end and began to worship idols and even killed Jehoida's son, the prophet Zechariah who was used by God to tell the people that they had gone astray. The reason for the assassination of Joash are listed in 2 Ch 24:17-26.
Major Verses
V4 - 8 - The temple was damaged and neglected by the various evil kings before. So Joash commanded that the offerings given by the people to the priests be used to repair the temple. He wanted the temple to be restored as an honor to God. Unfortunately, the priests kept the money but did no repairs.
What I learn
Though clearly instructed, the priests did not carry out the king's order. As Levites, these priests should know better that it was their duty and life goal to keep the temple of God in good shape and yet they did not have the desire to do so. We must not lose sight of our calling. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to keep our spirit in good shape so as to have the commitment to do what God wants us to do daily.
V 9 - 16 - Finally, Joash stopped the priests from taking the offerings for themselves and ordered that a central depository be created. So every time the offering chest became full with the people's offerings, Joash would use the money to employ skilled craftsmen and workers to do the repairs. The workman did not need an accounting system to keep track because they acted out of complete honesty (V15). What a contrast between these workmen and the priests!
What I learn
The "layman" (carpenters, craftsmen etc) were more committed in repairing the temple then the priests. Let us pray for our full-time workers to be always committed in serving Him. Also, pray that we, lay people, will also be responsible to help and serve God in our own ways.
V19 - 21 - After Jehoida died, Joash became evil and started to worship idols himself. In doing so, the nation of Judah started to go out of control again. Consequently, his officials conspired against him and killed him eventually. The list of offenses Joash committed is recorded in 2 Ch 24:17-26, one of which was the murder of the prophet Zechariah, son of Johaida.
What I learn
We must always be careful not to let our focus on God be removed, lest we end up like Joash. Let's seek the face of God daily so that our close walk with Him will keep us from straying.
Summary
While Joash started well, he ended up bad and was killed by his officials because Judah was going out of control. We have to keep close to God to end well.
Coming up next.... next chapter switches attention to two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash.
Monday, June 02, 2008
2 Kings 11 - Athaliah kills the royal family
Click to read 2 Kings 11
Synopsis
Athaliah, Queen Mother of Ahaziah, took the cruel path to destroy all of the royal family after Ahaziah was killed by Jehu. She did this to consolidate her own position. She even wanted to kill her own grandson, Joash but Ahaziah's sister, Jehosheba protected and kept him alive. Athaliah's attempted to kill all the sons of Ahaziah was futile because God had promised David that the Messiah will come from his descendants. Joash eventually was made king while Athaliah was killed.
Major Verses
V3 was the high priest. Perhaps she thought that - It is interesting to note that Jehosheba hid young Joash in a bedroom in the temple where her husband JehoidaAthaliah who was steep in idol worship would never bother the temple or perhaps she thought that God's presence would keep Joash protected. Whatever the reason Jehosheba had, Joash was protected because God was protecting him - this was to keep the promise God made to David that the Messiah would be born through his descendants and Joash was in that line.
What I learn
When we are in trouble, we can go to God to seek refuge. He will protect us as He had promised us so (Jer 29:11).
V12 - 16 - After Athaliah reigned over Judah for six years, Joash was crowned King. He was merely seven years old, and had hid in the temple for six years. Jehoida ordered the execution of Athaliah but instructed that the execution must not take place in the temple. So Athaliah was killed on the palace ground.
What I learn
Jehoida recognized that the temple was the sacred dwelling of the Lord and thus did not allow the killing (and judgment ?) to take place within it. Because of the grace of God and Christ's sacrificial death for our salvation, the church is not to be a place of judgment and "execution" of sinners. Rather, the church is to be a place where sinners are welcomed and told the good news of Jesus' salvation offer so that they have a chance to repent and be saved.
V17 - 18 - The covenant that Jehoida made was a re-affirmation of the same covenant set up in Moses' time and recorded in the book of Deuteronomy. It was meant as a guide for the righteous rule of Israel. However, the nation had ignored it for over 100 years till Joash became king. The people immediately acted upon the covenant and destroyed all the idols of at the Baal temple. Unfortunately, years after Jehoida's death, the nation once again returned to their sinful ways (2 Kings 16).
What I learn
We must constantly re-affirm our obedience to God's word and instruction for our life.
Summary
While Athaliah wanted to destroy the seed of Ahaziah but the Lord prevented it to keep His promise to David. She met her end eventually for her sins. With Jehoida re-directing the nation's attention back to the covenant with God, Joash and a number of kings later brought Judah back on track with their relationship with God.
Coming next .... Joash repairs the temple, coming next on 9th Jun.
Synopsis
Athaliah, Queen Mother of Ahaziah, took the cruel path to destroy all of the royal family after Ahaziah was killed by Jehu. She did this to consolidate her own position. She even wanted to kill her own grandson, Joash but Ahaziah's sister, Jehosheba protected and kept him alive. Athaliah's attempted to kill all the sons of Ahaziah was futile because God had promised David that the Messiah will come from his descendants. Joash eventually was made king while Athaliah was killed.
Major Verses
V3 was the high priest. Perhaps she thought that - It is interesting to note that Jehosheba hid young Joash in a bedroom in the temple where her husband JehoidaAthaliah who was steep in idol worship would never bother the temple or perhaps she thought that God's presence would keep Joash protected. Whatever the reason Jehosheba had, Joash was protected because God was protecting him - this was to keep the promise God made to David that the Messiah would be born through his descendants and Joash was in that line.
What I learn
When we are in trouble, we can go to God to seek refuge. He will protect us as He had promised us so (Jer 29:11).
V12 - 16 - After Athaliah reigned over Judah for six years, Joash was crowned King. He was merely seven years old, and had hid in the temple for six years. Jehoida ordered the execution of Athaliah but instructed that the execution must not take place in the temple. So Athaliah was killed on the palace ground.
What I learn
Jehoida recognized that the temple was the sacred dwelling of the Lord and thus did not allow the killing (and judgment ?) to take place within it. Because of the grace of God and Christ's sacrificial death for our salvation, the church is not to be a place of judgment and "execution" of sinners. Rather, the church is to be a place where sinners are welcomed and told the good news of Jesus' salvation offer so that they have a chance to repent and be saved.
V17 - 18 - The covenant that Jehoida made was a re-affirmation of the same covenant set up in Moses' time and recorded in the book of Deuteronomy. It was meant as a guide for the righteous rule of Israel. However, the nation had ignored it for over 100 years till Joash became king. The people immediately acted upon the covenant and destroyed all the idols of at the Baal temple. Unfortunately, years after Jehoida's death, the nation once again returned to their sinful ways (2 Kings 16).
What I learn
We must constantly re-affirm our obedience to God's word and instruction for our life.
Summary
While Athaliah wanted to destroy the seed of Ahaziah but the Lord prevented it to keep His promise to David. She met her end eventually for her sins. With Jehoida re-directing the nation's attention back to the covenant with God, Joash and a number of kings later brought Judah back on track with their relationship with God.
Coming next .... Joash repairs the temple, coming next on 9th Jun.
Monday, May 26, 2008
2 Kings 10 - Jehu killed the innocent
Click to read 2 Kings 10
Synopsis
In this chapter, Jehu declared his zeal for God and killed all of Ahab's family and also all the ministers of Baal. It fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah about Ahab's family. The punishment seemed to be what God had instructed. But in carrying out the execution, Jehu went beyond what was needed and killed many others along the way. While God was pleased with Jehu for meting out punishment on Ahab's family, the extended killing of Ahab's chief men, friends and priests of Jezreel brought punishment upon Jehu's dynasty.
Major Verses
V 1-7 - The elimination of Ahab's male descendants fulfilled Elisha's prophesy (1 Kings 1:17-24). Jehu used clever coercion to lead the chief men guarding Ahab's seventy sons into submission and the eventual killing of all the princes.
What I learn
Sin has a price. It demands payment. In the case of Ahab, his sin led to the death of him and all his household.
V 9-11 - Jehu's zeal was unconstrained. He went far beyond what the Lord had commanded as he killed the rest of the men in Jezreel. It was a unnecessary bloodbath which led to the punishment on Jehu's household eventually. He made use of Ahab's men to kill the seventy princes and then executed them for murder. Jehu did this possibly to show his power and cause fear in the people. The prophet Hosea proclaimed judgment for this act in Hosea 1:4-5 .
What I learn
We must be careful not to mix faith with self ambition, power or cruelty. Using God's word to condone oppression is not right. God is love and we must love too.
V 20-23 - Ahab had led Israel into deep sin by turning them away from God and to worshiping Baal. This led to the downfall of the nation.
What I learn
We must be absolutely intolerant of sin and remove it from our lives. A little tolerance will lead to more tolerance and eventually to indifference. And that will lead us to stray altogether from the true God.
V 30-33 - While the Lord was pleased that Jehu had carried out His punishment upon Ahab's dynasty, Jehu did not totally eliminate the problem. He did not remove the worship of the golden calves set up by Jeroboam to prevent Israelites from worshiping in the temple in Jerusalem which was part of the the southern kingdom of Judah. Why was that? It was probably because of Jehu's political concerns as the golden calves had a longer history than Baal and thus had the support of many political factions.
What I learn
While Jehu was the instrument that God used to mete out punishment upon Ahab's kingdom, unfortunately he did not become God's servant. He cared more for his own political position than for God's decree by not removing the worship of the golden calves. Be careful to note that it is very easy to denounce the sins of others while excusing our own sins. Let's ask God to help us to have a clean heart that goes after Him always.
Summary
Jehu was God's instrument but not His servant. While he carried out the punishment upon Ahab, he did not offer his heart to God. His zeal went far beyond what God had intended for and many innocent men of Jezreel were killed.
Up next.....
More to learn as we discuss Athaliah's killing of her royal household after Ahaziah, her son, was killed by Jehu. Coming up on 2 Jun..
Comment and vote ....
Synopsis
In this chapter, Jehu declared his zeal for God and killed all of Ahab's family and also all the ministers of Baal. It fulfilled the prophecy of Elijah about Ahab's family. The punishment seemed to be what God had instructed. But in carrying out the execution, Jehu went beyond what was needed and killed many others along the way. While God was pleased with Jehu for meting out punishment on Ahab's family, the extended killing of Ahab's chief men, friends and priests of Jezreel brought punishment upon Jehu's dynasty.
Major Verses
V 1-7 - The elimination of Ahab's male descendants fulfilled Elisha's prophesy (1 Kings 1:17-24). Jehu used clever coercion to lead the chief men guarding Ahab's seventy sons into submission and the eventual killing of all the princes.
What I learn
Sin has a price. It demands payment. In the case of Ahab, his sin led to the death of him and all his household.
V 9-11 - Jehu's zeal was unconstrained. He went far beyond what the Lord had commanded as he killed the rest of the men in Jezreel. It was a unnecessary bloodbath which led to the punishment on Jehu's household eventually. He made use of Ahab's men to kill the seventy princes and then executed them for murder. Jehu did this possibly to show his power and cause fear in the people. The prophet Hosea proclaimed judgment for this act in Hosea 1:4-5 .
What I learn
We must be careful not to mix faith with self ambition, power or cruelty. Using God's word to condone oppression is not right. God is love and we must love too.
V 20-23 - Ahab had led Israel into deep sin by turning them away from God and to worshiping Baal. This led to the downfall of the nation.
What I learn
We must be absolutely intolerant of sin and remove it from our lives. A little tolerance will lead to more tolerance and eventually to indifference. And that will lead us to stray altogether from the true God.
V 30-33 - While the Lord was pleased that Jehu had carried out His punishment upon Ahab's dynasty, Jehu did not totally eliminate the problem. He did not remove the worship of the golden calves set up by Jeroboam to prevent Israelites from worshiping in the temple in Jerusalem which was part of the the southern kingdom of Judah. Why was that? It was probably because of Jehu's political concerns as the golden calves had a longer history than Baal and thus had the support of many political factions.
What I learn
While Jehu was the instrument that God used to mete out punishment upon Ahab's kingdom, unfortunately he did not become God's servant. He cared more for his own political position than for God's decree by not removing the worship of the golden calves. Be careful to note that it is very easy to denounce the sins of others while excusing our own sins. Let's ask God to help us to have a clean heart that goes after Him always.
Summary
Jehu was God's instrument but not His servant. While he carried out the punishment upon Ahab, he did not offer his heart to God. His zeal went far beyond what God had intended for and many innocent men of Jezreel were killed.
Up next.....
More to learn as we discuss Athaliah's killing of her royal household after Ahaziah, her son, was killed by Jehu. Coming up on 2 Jun..
Comment and vote ....
Monday, May 19, 2008
2 Kings 9 - God punished Ahab's household
Click to read 2 Kings 9
Synopsis
The Lord had told Elijah how Jehu, Hazael and Elisha would be God's hand of judgment upon those who worshiped Baal (1 Kings 19:15-17). When Jehu became king, he carried out what seemed to be a very harsh action to hunt down and kill ALL those who were in Ahab's household. Everyone linked to Ahab was killed, including his servants. However, there was a Godly reason behind that.
What Elijah proclaimed 20 years earlier about Ahab, Jezebel and those who worshiped Baal came to pass. It started with the killing of Joram, Ahaziah and ending with Ahab, Jezebel and all the ministers of Baal.
Major Verses
V6-10 - Ahab's entire household had to be executed. This seemed harsh, but that would be the only way to stop Israel from continuing to sinfully worship Baal which Ahab and Jezebel led Israel to do. Their sinfulness was destroying the nation. If Israel was to be saved, all followers of Baal must be eliminated. Jehu was fulfilling the need of the hour.
What I learn
While God is merciful to forgive, sin has its consequences and demands payment. In the case of Ahab, his refusal to repent eventually led to his entire household being eliminated. Let's ask God daily to keep our heart from sinning and to live right for Him.
V11-13 - When Jehu's officer heard that the prophet had proclaimed the he was anointed to be king of Israel, they did not doubt that proclamation. They showed their respect and loyalty to Jehu immediately.
What I learn
The officers of Jehu heard what God said and believed without doubt. When God speaks, we must listen and obey without doubt too.
V17-19 - How Jehu answered Joram's messengers' "Do you come in peace?" is very interesting and we have much to learn. Jehu rebutted with "What do you have to do with peace ?" revealed what real peace is meant to be. Peace can come only from God. Peace is not real or genuine unless it is rooted in the belief that God exists and that God loves us. Joram who did not worship God cannot have peace, and knowing that the messengers represented a wicked and unrepentant king, he rebutted with "What do you know about peace?".
What I learn
There is no peace without our acknowledgment of God and His love. Many people struggle in their quest to find peace because they miss this important pre-requisite; peace comes only from knowing and letting God love us. Try it...it really works!
V25-26 - Joram was thrown onto the very ground that Ahab and Jezebel had unlawfully possessed years ago, when they murdered Naboth and his family (1 Kings 21:1-24). Jehu remembered the words of Elijah when he proclaimed judgment upon Ahab for that crime.
What I learn
God is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. What we need, He supplies and do so in abundance. There is no place for envy and greed in our lives. Let's trust and depend on Him completely and not put things in our own hands like Ahab and Jezebel did.
V30-33 - Jezebel met her end as predicted by Elijah. When she called Jehu "Zimri", she was accusing him of treachery as did Zimri, a commander of the past. However, Jehu stood his ground and asked the eunuchs to declare their loyalty - to him or to Jezebel. The eunuchs obeyed Jehu's instructions to throw Jezebel to her death.
What I learn
Jezebel paid for her sins with death. The price of sin is death. Thank God that Christ came and paid that price for us. Hallelujah!.
When the eunuchs declared their loyalty to Jehu, they had to demonstrate it by obeying Jehu's instruction. Similarly, when we declared our allegiance and love for God, we must use our actions to demonstrate our true intentions - by obeying Him.
Summary
Sin brings about definite consequence. But God is merciful and gracious to those who genuinely repent and acknowledge His love. Our declaration of love and allegiance to God must be demonstrated in our obedience to Him daily.
Up next .... Coming up on 26th, we learn from the execution of Ahab's sons and all the ministers of Baal.
Please share your learning with the rest by clicking "Comment".
Synopsis
The Lord had told Elijah how Jehu, Hazael and Elisha would be God's hand of judgment upon those who worshiped Baal (1 Kings 19:15-17). When Jehu became king, he carried out what seemed to be a very harsh action to hunt down and kill ALL those who were in Ahab's household. Everyone linked to Ahab was killed, including his servants. However, there was a Godly reason behind that.
What Elijah proclaimed 20 years earlier about Ahab, Jezebel and those who worshiped Baal came to pass. It started with the killing of Joram, Ahaziah and ending with Ahab, Jezebel and all the ministers of Baal.
Major Verses
V6-10 - Ahab's entire household had to be executed. This seemed harsh, but that would be the only way to stop Israel from continuing to sinfully worship Baal which Ahab and Jezebel led Israel to do. Their sinfulness was destroying the nation. If Israel was to be saved, all followers of Baal must be eliminated. Jehu was fulfilling the need of the hour.
What I learn
While God is merciful to forgive, sin has its consequences and demands payment. In the case of Ahab, his refusal to repent eventually led to his entire household being eliminated. Let's ask God daily to keep our heart from sinning and to live right for Him.
V11-13 - When Jehu's officer heard that the prophet had proclaimed the he was anointed to be king of Israel, they did not doubt that proclamation. They showed their respect and loyalty to Jehu immediately.
What I learn
The officers of Jehu heard what God said and believed without doubt. When God speaks, we must listen and obey without doubt too.
V17-19 - How Jehu answered Joram's messengers' "Do you come in peace?" is very interesting and we have much to learn. Jehu rebutted with "What do you have to do with peace ?" revealed what real peace is meant to be. Peace can come only from God. Peace is not real or genuine unless it is rooted in the belief that God exists and that God loves us. Joram who did not worship God cannot have peace, and knowing that the messengers represented a wicked and unrepentant king, he rebutted with "What do you know about peace?".
What I learn
There is no peace without our acknowledgment of God and His love. Many people struggle in their quest to find peace because they miss this important pre-requisite; peace comes only from knowing and letting God love us. Try it...it really works!
V25-26 - Joram was thrown onto the very ground that Ahab and Jezebel had unlawfully possessed years ago, when they murdered Naboth and his family (1 Kings 21:1-24). Jehu remembered the words of Elijah when he proclaimed judgment upon Ahab for that crime.
What I learn
God is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. What we need, He supplies and do so in abundance. There is no place for envy and greed in our lives. Let's trust and depend on Him completely and not put things in our own hands like Ahab and Jezebel did.
V30-33 - Jezebel met her end as predicted by Elijah. When she called Jehu "Zimri", she was accusing him of treachery as did Zimri, a commander of the past. However, Jehu stood his ground and asked the eunuchs to declare their loyalty - to him or to Jezebel. The eunuchs obeyed Jehu's instructions to throw Jezebel to her death.
What I learn
Jezebel paid for her sins with death. The price of sin is death. Thank God that Christ came and paid that price for us. Hallelujah!.
When the eunuchs declared their loyalty to Jehu, they had to demonstrate it by obeying Jehu's instruction. Similarly, when we declared our allegiance and love for God, we must use our actions to demonstrate our true intentions - by obeying Him.
Summary
Sin brings about definite consequence. But God is merciful and gracious to those who genuinely repent and acknowledge His love. Our declaration of love and allegiance to God must be demonstrated in our obedience to Him daily.
Up next .... Coming up on 26th, we learn from the execution of Ahab's sons and all the ministers of Baal.
Please share your learning with the rest by clicking "Comment".
Monday, May 12, 2008
2 Kings 8 - Judah sins
Click to read 2 Kings 8
Synopsis
The story about the Shunammite woman must have happened before the events recorded in Chapter 5 because Gehazi was still not struck with leprosy. It also showed that the 7-year famine occurred before those events. The story of four kings, Ben-Hadad of Aram, Jehoram and Ahaziah of Judah and Joram of Israel continued to show the disobedience of the two nations against God.
Major Verses
V12-15 - When Elisha revealed that Hazael would become king of Aram and would cause great pains to the Israelites, Hazael protested and said that he would not be so sinful. Hazael did not acknowledge his own potential for doing evil. While Hazael already knew that he would become king, as Elisha had said so, he was impatient and did it his own way by murdering Ben-Hadad.
What I learn
When God reveals to us where we may fall or sin, let us not be like Hazael who did not acknowledge his potential for doing evil. Instead, let us ask God for help to admit that sinful nature and ask Him to help us to resist such evil intentions. When God promises something to us, let us wait patiently for His timing to receive it and not act on our own to obtain it.
V18-19 - Jehoram married Athaliah, the wicked daughter of Ahab and she brought all the pagan gods and sinful practices to Judah. He led the people into great sin but because God had promised David that his descendants would be on the throne, God spared Judah.
What I learn
God is always faithful despite the people's sinfulness. He keeps what He has promised. That still, we must learn not to abuse God's love and mercy for us. Let us revere Him as He should be revered.
V27 - When Jehoram died, his son, Ahaziah continued in the evil ways brought about by his mother, Athaliah. She was the daughter of Ahab and Jezeebel. This union brought Judah into spiritual decline just as it did for Israel.
What I learn
When we do not put an end to sin, it will drive spiritual decline in our lives. Let's ask God for His wisdom and strength to stop sin in its track in ours and our family's lives.
Summary
While God is merciful and gracious, sin will be punished for. When we do not put an end to sin, our walk with God will be greatly affected.
Your sharing please ..... click "Comment" to share what you have learn too.
Synopsis
The story about the Shunammite woman must have happened before the events recorded in Chapter 5 because Gehazi was still not struck with leprosy. It also showed that the 7-year famine occurred before those events. The story of four kings, Ben-Hadad of Aram, Jehoram and Ahaziah of Judah and Joram of Israel continued to show the disobedience of the two nations against God.
Major Verses
V12-15 - When Elisha revealed that Hazael would become king of Aram and would cause great pains to the Israelites, Hazael protested and said that he would not be so sinful. Hazael did not acknowledge his own potential for doing evil. While Hazael already knew that he would become king, as Elisha had said so, he was impatient and did it his own way by murdering Ben-Hadad.
What I learn
When God reveals to us where we may fall or sin, let us not be like Hazael who did not acknowledge his potential for doing evil. Instead, let us ask God for help to admit that sinful nature and ask Him to help us to resist such evil intentions. When God promises something to us, let us wait patiently for His timing to receive it and not act on our own to obtain it.
V18-19 - Jehoram married Athaliah, the wicked daughter of Ahab and she brought all the pagan gods and sinful practices to Judah. He led the people into great sin but because God had promised David that his descendants would be on the throne, God spared Judah.
What I learn
God is always faithful despite the people's sinfulness. He keeps what He has promised. That still, we must learn not to abuse God's love and mercy for us. Let us revere Him as He should be revered.
V27 - When Jehoram died, his son, Ahaziah continued in the evil ways brought about by his mother, Athaliah. She was the daughter of Ahab and Jezeebel. This union brought Judah into spiritual decline just as it did for Israel.
What I learn
When we do not put an end to sin, it will drive spiritual decline in our lives. Let's ask God for His wisdom and strength to stop sin in its track in ours and our family's lives.
Summary
While God is merciful and gracious, sin will be punished for. When we do not put an end to sin, our walk with God will be greatly affected.
Your sharing please ..... click "Comment" to share what you have learn too.
Monday, May 05, 2008
2 Kings 7 - The Siege Lifted
Click to read 2 Kings 7
Synopsis
God performed another life-saving miracle for Israel by lifting the siege and so, ending the famine in the land. Elisha prophesied God's deliverance but the king and his officer did not believe him. ..... they did not trust that God would deliver them from their enemies.
This is also a story about the need to proclaim the good news to others, just as the four lepers decided to share the good news of deliverance with the besieged people.
Major Verses
V1 -2 - Elisha prophesied God's deliverance by proclaiming that flour and and barley would be sold at a cheap price once again. However, the king's officer did not believe so and even mocked God directly. To say that God cannot rescue them showed the officer's lack of hope and faith in God. For that reason, Elisha proclaimed judgment on him (which came to pass in V20).
What I learn
When problems come, be sure to guard our hearts to ensure that we do not lose faith as did the king's officer. Instead of worrying about the negatives, we must have an attitude of hope and dependency upon our Heavenly Father. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
V5 - 7 - The Lord caused the Arameans to imagine that an mighty army was coming against them and so they fled. The Lord "fought" for Israel and delivered the nation once again.
What I learn
God is good all the time and all the time, God is good! He will always deliver His children from harm. He has won and Satan has lost!
V9 - 10 - The lepers discovered that the enemies had fled their camp, leaving behind plenty of food, clothing and other provision. While they had an initial desire to simply enrich themselves, they realized that it was wrong. They had "good news" - deliverance and supply, and they rightly decided to proclaim the good news to those suffering.
What I learn
Just like the lepers, we have the good news of Jesus' salvation offer to share with others. We must not forget those who do not know about the hope of eternal life. Let us not be so pre-occupied with self that we keep the good news in wraps - let's proclaim it to those around us so that they will also be saved.
V12 - After hearing the good news, the king still doubted and feared that it was a set up instead of a miracle from God.
What I learn
The king did not have faith in God because he had not been intimate with Him. So, despite hearing Elisha's prophesy and the lepers' report, he still doubted. Let us learn to walk intimately with God daily, so that we can trust His instructions and directions for us with absolute confidence.
V17 - 20 - The faithless officer who did not believe that God would deliver the nation was trampled to death - just as Elisha had said that he would see of the miracle but would not eat any of it.
What I learn
Ask the Holy Spirit to help us to guard our heart and lip against any faithless banter and to erase all doubt in us. Let us trust God completely.
Summary
The king and his officer did not have faith in God because they had not been intimate with Him. There is consequence for not trusting in Him. The lepers decided correctly to share the good news of deliverance to the besieged people.
Your thoughts - share it with others, leave your thoughts by clicking "Comments"
Coming next ....
Ben-Hadad, king of Aram is murdered .... what can we learn from 2 Kings 8 ... coming up on 12th May.
Synopsis
God performed another life-saving miracle for Israel by lifting the siege and so, ending the famine in the land. Elisha prophesied God's deliverance but the king and his officer did not believe him. ..... they did not trust that God would deliver them from their enemies.
This is also a story about the need to proclaim the good news to others, just as the four lepers decided to share the good news of deliverance with the besieged people.
Major Verses
V1 -2 - Elisha prophesied God's deliverance by proclaiming that flour and and barley would be sold at a cheap price once again. However, the king's officer did not believe so and even mocked God directly. To say that God cannot rescue them showed the officer's lack of hope and faith in God. For that reason, Elisha proclaimed judgment on him (which came to pass in V20).
What I learn
When problems come, be sure to guard our hearts to ensure that we do not lose faith as did the king's officer. Instead of worrying about the negatives, we must have an attitude of hope and dependency upon our Heavenly Father. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
V5 - 7 - The Lord caused the Arameans to imagine that an mighty army was coming against them and so they fled. The Lord "fought" for Israel and delivered the nation once again.
What I learn
God is good all the time and all the time, God is good! He will always deliver His children from harm. He has won and Satan has lost!
V9 - 10 - The lepers discovered that the enemies had fled their camp, leaving behind plenty of food, clothing and other provision. While they had an initial desire to simply enrich themselves, they realized that it was wrong. They had "good news" - deliverance and supply, and they rightly decided to proclaim the good news to those suffering.
What I learn
Just like the lepers, we have the good news of Jesus' salvation offer to share with others. We must not forget those who do not know about the hope of eternal life. Let us not be so pre-occupied with self that we keep the good news in wraps - let's proclaim it to those around us so that they will also be saved.
V12 - After hearing the good news, the king still doubted and feared that it was a set up instead of a miracle from God.
What I learn
The king did not have faith in God because he had not been intimate with Him. So, despite hearing Elisha's prophesy and the lepers' report, he still doubted. Let us learn to walk intimately with God daily, so that we can trust His instructions and directions for us with absolute confidence.
V17 - 20 - The faithless officer who did not believe that God would deliver the nation was trampled to death - just as Elisha had said that he would see of the miracle but would not eat any of it.
What I learn
Ask the Holy Spirit to help us to guard our heart and lip against any faithless banter and to erase all doubt in us. Let us trust God completely.
Summary
The king and his officer did not have faith in God because they had not been intimate with Him. There is consequence for not trusting in Him. The lepers decided correctly to share the good news of deliverance to the besieged people.
Your thoughts - share it with others, leave your thoughts by clicking "Comments"
Coming next ....
Ben-Hadad, king of Aram is murdered .... what can we learn from 2 Kings 8 ... coming up on 12th May.
Monday, April 28, 2008
2 Kings 6 - Elisha blinds the Arameans
Click to read 2 Kings 6
Synopsis
As important a man Elisha was, he had time for his "student" prophets - he went with them to Jordan to build a new place for them He performed another miracle when he made the axehead float on water. This was performed between the healing of Naaman, the Aramean general and the deliverance of Israel from the Aramean raid, which showed that Elisha had personal time for the faithful ones.
When the Arameans made battle plans against Israel, God gave Elisha the ability to see those plans and thus was able to warn the king of Israel. The frustrated the Arameans and the king ordered for Elisha to be captured. The Lord sent His army to protect Elisha and eventually blinded the whole raiding force and led them into a trap in Samaria.
Major Verses
V1 - 6 - This passage showed that Elisha cared for his prophets and had personal time for them. Elisha had the respects of kings and commanders, yet he did not forget to care for his faithful prophets. When the axehead fell into the river, it was a problem for the prophets as it was a borrowed item. No one asked for a miracle, the prophet simply let out a desperate cry and yet Elisha went ahead to perform the miracle. - a heavy axehead floating in the water!
What I learn
The mark of a great leader is his connection with his followers and how he cares for them. Elisha was one great leader. While he had kings as his audience, he had time for his fellow prophets. When they made a request for him to go with them to Jordan, he obliged. When the axehead fell into the river, Elisha immediately paid attention to solve the problem which, in the process, gave peace to the prophet who let it slipped. We who lead must remember the plight and needs of our followers, in humility and in love.
V13 - 17 - The king of Aram was so frustrated that his battle plans were known to Israel. When he finally found out that it as Elisha who had warned the king of Israel, he ordered his army to capture Elisha.When they were all gathered near Elisha, his servant panic, but not Elisha. Instead, Elisha assured him and prayed for his eyes to open to see the heavenly host which was protecting them. Elisha had faith in God and by asking that God opens his servant's eyes help raise the servant's faith too.
What I learn
When we deal with those who are not as strong as we are in faith, we need to deal with them gently and assuredly, like Elisha did. This helps to raise their faith in God too. Faith reveals more than sight can show. With faith, we will be able to see that God is doing more for His people than sight shows. When we face difficulties, let us remember that our Heavenly Father has unlimited resources and love to help us, though we may not be able to see the manifestation. Let us look through the eyes of faith and be assured of His presence and interest in us.
V22 - 23 - When the Arameans were blinded and led into Samaria, they were vulnerable to Israel's slaughter but Elisha prohibited the Israeli king's request to kill them. Instead, Elisha applied the principle of feeding the enemy (Prov 25:21-22). The king obeyed and set a feast for the captives and then let them go home. This had an impact on the Aramean soldiers and they did not war against Israel for a time.
What I learn
The king of Israel had no right to take credit for what the Lord had done. To kill them and claim victory was taking the credit away from God. But by feeding the captives and letting them go, Israel affirmed the greatness and the mercy of God upon the Arameans. We must always revere God for who He is and give Him all the glory due. Applying the Godly principle of feeding the enemy when he is hungry requires obedience and faith in God.
V24 - 33 - When the Arameans returned to laid siege on Samaria, the city was in serious troubles. The people had to each their own babies to survive. These pains were predicted in Duet 28:49-57 when the people rejected God's leadership. The king blamed the famine on Elisha as he thought the he had given him bad advice when Elisha told him to trust God for deliverance. Also, for years the true prophets were admonishing the kings for their waywardness and thus the king saw them as trouble makers instead. The king might also had been angry because Elisha did not help the city to be rescued from the state of despair.
What I learn
When a person is not close to God, he starts to blame God and His servants when trouble comes. We must learn not to blame God or others but look deep within to examine our own heart. Repenting of our sins and asking for God's forgiveness is the only way to save our selves from troubles. He is faithful to forgive us and help us. Hallelujah!
Summary
Elisha was a great prophet and leader of his prophets. He had time for and also genuinely cared for the faithful ones. God does the same - He has personal time for His children who are faithful to Him.
Help others learn by leaving you sharing - click "Comments".
Up next....
As spoken by Elisha, the siege was lifted ... coming up next Monday on 5th May.
Synopsis
As important a man Elisha was, he had time for his "student" prophets - he went with them to Jordan to build a new place for them He performed another miracle when he made the axehead float on water. This was performed between the healing of Naaman, the Aramean general and the deliverance of Israel from the Aramean raid, which showed that Elisha had personal time for the faithful ones.
When the Arameans made battle plans against Israel, God gave Elisha the ability to see those plans and thus was able to warn the king of Israel. The frustrated the Arameans and the king ordered for Elisha to be captured. The Lord sent His army to protect Elisha and eventually blinded the whole raiding force and led them into a trap in Samaria.
Major Verses
V1 - 6 - This passage showed that Elisha cared for his prophets and had personal time for them. Elisha had the respects of kings and commanders, yet he did not forget to care for his faithful prophets. When the axehead fell into the river, it was a problem for the prophets as it was a borrowed item. No one asked for a miracle, the prophet simply let out a desperate cry and yet Elisha went ahead to perform the miracle. - a heavy axehead floating in the water!
What I learn
The mark of a great leader is his connection with his followers and how he cares for them. Elisha was one great leader. While he had kings as his audience, he had time for his fellow prophets. When they made a request for him to go with them to Jordan, he obliged. When the axehead fell into the river, Elisha immediately paid attention to solve the problem which, in the process, gave peace to the prophet who let it slipped. We who lead must remember the plight and needs of our followers, in humility and in love.
V13 - 17 - The king of Aram was so frustrated that his battle plans were known to Israel. When he finally found out that it as Elisha who had warned the king of Israel, he ordered his army to capture Elisha.When they were all gathered near Elisha, his servant panic, but not Elisha. Instead, Elisha assured him and prayed for his eyes to open to see the heavenly host which was protecting them. Elisha had faith in God and by asking that God opens his servant's eyes help raise the servant's faith too.
What I learn
When we deal with those who are not as strong as we are in faith, we need to deal with them gently and assuredly, like Elisha did. This helps to raise their faith in God too. Faith reveals more than sight can show. With faith, we will be able to see that God is doing more for His people than sight shows. When we face difficulties, let us remember that our Heavenly Father has unlimited resources and love to help us, though we may not be able to see the manifestation. Let us look through the eyes of faith and be assured of His presence and interest in us.
V22 - 23 - When the Arameans were blinded and led into Samaria, they were vulnerable to Israel's slaughter but Elisha prohibited the Israeli king's request to kill them. Instead, Elisha applied the principle of feeding the enemy (Prov 25:21-22). The king obeyed and set a feast for the captives and then let them go home. This had an impact on the Aramean soldiers and they did not war against Israel for a time.
What I learn
The king of Israel had no right to take credit for what the Lord had done. To kill them and claim victory was taking the credit away from God. But by feeding the captives and letting them go, Israel affirmed the greatness and the mercy of God upon the Arameans. We must always revere God for who He is and give Him all the glory due. Applying the Godly principle of feeding the enemy when he is hungry requires obedience and faith in God.
V24 - 33 - When the Arameans returned to laid siege on Samaria, the city was in serious troubles. The people had to each their own babies to survive. These pains were predicted in Duet 28:49-57 when the people rejected God's leadership. The king blamed the famine on Elisha as he thought the he had given him bad advice when Elisha told him to trust God for deliverance. Also, for years the true prophets were admonishing the kings for their waywardness and thus the king saw them as trouble makers instead. The king might also had been angry because Elisha did not help the city to be rescued from the state of despair.
What I learn
When a person is not close to God, he starts to blame God and His servants when trouble comes. We must learn not to blame God or others but look deep within to examine our own heart. Repenting of our sins and asking for God's forgiveness is the only way to save our selves from troubles. He is faithful to forgive us and help us. Hallelujah!
Summary
Elisha was a great prophet and leader of his prophets. He had time for and also genuinely cared for the faithful ones. God does the same - He has personal time for His children who are faithful to Him.
Help others learn by leaving you sharing - click "Comments".
Up next....
As spoken by Elisha, the siege was lifted ... coming up next Monday on 5th May.
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