SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR DECEMBER 23, 2022 (END OF THE KINGSHIP IN JUDAH)
TOPIC : END OF THE KINGSHIP IN JUDAH
Opening Prayer: Make my life oh Lord a reflection of you as I study your word.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36.1‐23
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
MESSAGE
The last four kings of Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord (cf. 2 Kings 23:31‐32, 36‐37; vs.5,9,12) and they were all exiled. Note that sometimes, God uses our adversaries to humiliate us and help us return to Him. King Neco of Egypt, and Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, served His purpose here. So, let us not always automatically ask God to remove obstacles as some of these may draw us closer to Him. What was the last king’s response to God’s word through Jeremiah (v.12)?
When we become set in our own stubborn ways refusing to listen to God, we are in fact rejecting Him. That is what Zedekiah did (v.13) and he brought disaster on all the people including the leading priests. It is the reason for the command in 1 Timothy 2:1‐4. Observe how God repeatedly showed His grace and mercy towards His people through His many warnings (v.15). Sadly, they did not heed His warnings. The fall of Jerusalem was inevitable as God’s righteous judgment fell on her (vs.17‐20). Indeed, remaining stiff‐necked after many rebukes will only bring sudden destruction without remedy (Proverbs 29:1).
Practice/Word Application
What next? The book however, ends with a message of hope. God is full of amazing love and grace. He would use Cyrus, king of Persia, after 70 years, to bring restoration. How can this truth about God’s character guide you in your times of trial?
Closing Prayer
• Thank God for His love and mercies. Ask Him to lead you in the part of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Joshua 21:44
Bible Reading: Isaiah 60, 61; Psalms 147; Revelation 6.
