Hebrews 6 “Our Anchor Of Hope”

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." (vv.19-20)

Every boat owner knows that an anchor prevents drift. Here in chapter 6, the author wants us to see that our soul needs an anchor, because it also is inclined to drift. This ‘hope anchor’ is ‘both sure and steadfast.’ It is sure because it will not break, it’s steadfast because it is unmovable, and will not slip, because it is found in Jesus Christ. It promises righteousness (Gal. 5:5), eternal life (Titus 1:2), and the return of Jesus (Titus 2:13). It is a "living hope," founded on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (1 Pet. 1:3).

Therefore, when circumstances get out of control and pressures threaten to overwhelm us, we know that Jesus died for us, is working in us, and will never leave us. We can hold fast to God's promises and patiently endure. The "anchor of hope," Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, will hold us firm, if we anchor our soul in Him. 

The Truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

Hebrews 5 “A Priest Forever”

“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (v.6)

Here in our text the writer of Hebrews (thought by many to be Paul) quotes from Psalm 110 (a Psalm of David) where David referred to The Lord as, the Messiah who was to come, a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek appears in Genesis 14, seemingly coming out of nowhere, ministering bread and wine to Abram. His name means “king of righteousness” and his position was king of Salem meaning “peace.” Abram, realizing he was in the presence of no ordinary man, worshiped and paid tithes to him, and partook of the elements in anticipation of Jesus – just as we now partake in looking back to Christ’s death for us on the cross. Consequently, no longer is there a need for a priest to offer sacrifices for sin, as Jesus paid it all. Hallelujah!

The Truth

“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order

Hebrews 4 “Rest In The Lord”

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his."( Hebrews 4:9-10)

The good news of this passage is that God's offer of a rest, a Sabbath rest, still stands. Even though Moses' generation missed it, God's promise remains. His rest has been available since the dawn of creation. God rested from His work (Gen. 2:2) and decided it was such a good idea that He commanded a rest for His creation.

Notice that God's rest includes the cessation of work (v. 10). In God's case, He rested because He was finished with creation--His was a rest of completion and satisfaction. If we are to enter God's rest today, what work must we cease doing? 

The principle of Sabbath rest--one day in seven set aside for rest and worship--stands out in this passage. This is the rest God wants us to enjoy today. For us as Christians this special day is the Lord's day. But sadly, for many of us, this day is as hectic and noisy as the rest of the week. 

If your day of worship seems like every other day, except for church services, make a commitment to turn off the noise, unplug some of the activities, and spend more time in contemplation of God's goodness.

Rest! Wonderful rest! Relief, release, no longer worrying, fretting, straining, for you are resting upon One who is wholly adequate to do through you everything that needs to be done. Let Him carry your burdens in life and lead you along His path. Rest in the LORD!

The Truth: "Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28)

Hebrews 3 “Do Not Harden Your Heart”

“Do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me, as in the day of trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tried Me by testing Me, and saw My works for forty years.” (v.8-9)

These verses are part of an ongoing series of warnings directed at a group of people who were wavering in their commitment to Christ. The author reminds the Hebrews that the generation of Israelites that came out of Egypt under Moses, never reached God's promised rest in Canaan, although it was waiting to be claimed. Their hardness of heart led them to test God, to doubt His provision, and to rebel against His will for them. These Israelites provoked God to anger, and He "declared on oath" (v.11) that their bones would bleach in the desert until the entire generation died out (v.17)

We also need to take this warning to heart. If we ignore it, sin will harden our spirits as surely as cement hardens once it has been poured. God honors faith, but unbelief invites His judgment. The solution against a "hardened heart" is found in verse thirteen, “encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

I pray that God will lead you to someone who needs encouragement and to be built up in Him. 

The Truth: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Hebrews 2 “A Caution Against Drifting”

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” (v.1)

The danger this verse implies is obvious. We need to pay attention to the course of our lives, so that we do not unconsciously drift from the anchorage of our faith. Time changes us all; and there are many professing Christians who have unconsciously drifted away from an earlier better self. Oh, they keep up appearances, but the years of deception have carried them down current and drifting away from their original anchorage.

Therefore, ‘Let us give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard’ - that is, the honest occupation of mind and heart with the truths of the gospel. These truths will steady our course through life and keep us from drifting with the current of the world.

 May you not neglect so great a salvation by thinking, "I do not need to be rescued." Like the riptides that can pull a swimmer slowly out to sea, so a Christian can be pulled unconsciously away from his anchorage of faith if neglected. Brothers and sisters, keep your eyes on Jesus and you will not drift away. 

The Truth: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8) 

Hebrews 1 “The Final Word”

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” (v.1)

Moody Bible Institute president, Dr. Joseph Stowell, has written concerning today's text: "God has always had spokesmen ready to speak for Him. When He wanted to announce the birth of His Son, He sent an angel with a message (Luke 2:9-14), too significant to trust to a human being. The same was true for the news of Christ's resurrection (Luke 24:4-6). But God's greatest spokesman was neither a patriarch, nor a prophet, nor an angel. According to the author of Hebrews, when God wanted to reveal Himself fully, He spoke "by his Son".

There's a very good reason that God spoke fully, and finally, through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only Person of whom it can be said, "He is exactly like God." That's because Jesus is God--He is therefore both perfect and superior to anyone who has come before or since. Additionally God the Father gave us His definitive word concerning Jesus when He spoke from heaven at Jesus' transfiguration: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" (Matthew 17:5).

God began speaking to His people in the Garden of Eden, then continued through the spiritual forefathers, the patriarchs, the prophets, the priests, and after 400 years of silence, to us through His Son, Jesus. The command to listen to Jesus (Matthew 15:5) has never been canceled, and never will be. Therefore, open your heart, and hear the words of truth from our LORD through His Word, particularly during these days of questionable leadership. For in the end, God will have the final word, and one would be extremly wise to "Hear Him."

The Truth: “I (God) will raise up for them a Prophet like you (Moses) from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it (Judgment) of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:18)

Philemon “Put It On My Account”

If he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.” (v.18)

The book of Philemon contains a one-on-one appeal. Onesimus was a runaway slave who had escaped from his Christian master Philemon. Onesimus met Paul in Rome and became a follower of Christ. They agreed that it was right for him to return to his master. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon (the letter that bears his name), asking him to receive Onesimus as a brother, and assuring him that he himself would pay any debt Onesimus owed.

This is a beautiful picture of what happens when one turns to Christ for salvation. As sinners, we owed an enormous debt, but Jesus put that on His account. Because of His sinless life, He has unlimited resources of righteousness to spend. And by dying in our place, He paid the penalty for our sin. Now we can draw on this payment by faith. As Martin Luther put it, "We are all His Onesimi." If we put our trust in Christ as our Savior, our sins are put to His account and we are free for all eternity. Praise God!

Christ paid the debt He didn't owe, to satisfy the debt we couldn't pay.

The Truth

“Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”

Titus 3 “Saved By His Grace”

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (v.5)

Entrance to heaven is a gift of grace and not a matter of personal merit. Paul emphasizes this fact in today’s passage by reminding us of our status prior to receiving Christ. The picture is not a pretty one. We were “foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures” (v. 2). In addition, we “lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.” This reminder immediately follows Paul’s command to “show true humility toward all men” and is related to our obligation to submit to those in authority and to be peaceable and considerate of others (v.2).

There's a lot to chew on in these first five verses, but salvation by grace, and by grace alone is the key point (Romans 3:24). Meaning, we can do nothing to earn it - it's a gift from God. We simply acknowledge our sinfulness and the inability to save ourselves, then place our trust in Jesus, believing that He died on the cross for our sins, who then welcomes us into His grace.

God has provided salvation for you—that’s His part. Receiving it by faith—is yours.

The Truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Titus 2 “Be A Living Example”

In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (vv.7-8)

In today’s chapter, Paul turns the spotlight from the church to the home. He examines each member of the household, outlining individual duties and responsibilities. To older men, he encourages them to be “worthy of respect” and to exhibit “self control,” among other qualities (v. 2). Older women are to live reverently and teach the younger to do the same (v. 3). 

The letter encourages a pattern of discipleship for older adults to teach the things they have learned. And, for both young and old, he encourages believers to live lives so that opponents have no opportunity to make credible charges of wrongdoing (v. 8). 

Oh that our society today would take these verses to heart, so that our older men and women would be the righteous mentors God intended them to be.

The Truth “Gray hair is a crown of splendor,” the author of Proverbs declares, “it is attained by a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31).

“Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Titus 1 “Choose Wisely”

 “I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking.” (v.5)

In the movie, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" Harrison Ford and Sean Connery are in search for the Holy Grail, the cup of Christ. With Sean Connery lying mortally wounded, Harrison Ford must negotiate a deadly maze of traps to gain entrance into an ancient room, guarded by a Knight, and select from that room full of cups and chalices, the one cup that has the healing power of God to save his father's life. While they all appear kingly, only one will bring life. The knight who guards the Grail knows its identity but would die rather than pointing it out, he simply warns Connery to, "Choose wisely."    

Here in our text, the apostle Paul left Titus on the island of Crete to appoint leaders for the growing band of believers. Except for preaching the gospel, nothing Titus did for the Christians on Crete was more important than finding them the right leadership, so crucial to the successful growth of the church. 

Titus’s job of both teaching and choosing leaders would be no easy task. As we shall see, the inhabitants of Crete were a difficult and problematic people, some of whom had infiltrated the church. Thus, Titus would have his work cut out for him in finding the men who fit the qualities listed by Paul in verses 6-9. So Paul gives Titus these guidelines along with the warning to "choose wisely" that purity might prevail. 

While not all decisions are equal, many present themselves with multiple options, dilemmas that can give us reason to pause, to be uncertain. In that moment, never be to quick to move forward without taking time to pray for guidance, to seek His wisdom, that you may be lead by His Spirit, and "choose wisely." 

The Truth: "If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

Mark 16 “He Is Risen”

The Angel said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” (v.6-7)

Chapter 16 is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the heart and soul of the Christian doctrine. In it we find many eye witnesses to this miraculous event and His ascension into heaven. No other religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim, Islam, has their faith grounded in their leader: dying for their sins, being raised from the dead, seen alive by many witnesses and then ascending into heaven – only Christianity. 

In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul records those who saw the risen Lord: “Christ was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

Because Jesus’s disciples continued to testify of this, arrests, beatings and intimidation had become common to silence their message. Order was often maintained by the use of threats and torture. The early chapters of the book of Acts provide glimpses of the persecution of believers, even to the point of death, but the message remained. (see Foxes book of Martyrs) 

The Gospel of Luke records a significant change in this thinking involving Gamaliel, the rabbi who was Saul’s mentor. He wasn’t opposed to the persecution of believers, but he cautioned his fellow members of the Sanhedrin against killing Christians. He understood the power of martyrdom. 

Gamaliel said, “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it – least you even be found to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39). 

This tactic of toleration may have kept many believers in Jerusalem and thus slowed down the process of taking the gospel to the world. But, Stephen’s and later James’ deaths eventually changed all of that. The fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 severed to scatter the church to the winds and the message with it.

Later, all of Christ’s disciples died violent deaths but not one ever denied their faith, proving Gamaliel was correct. Many other Christians throughout history have done the same, dying for the truth of Gods Word, not some cunningly designed fable – for the work of God, not man. 

Yes, He has Risen! Hallelujah!    

The Truth: “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10)

John 19 “Good Friday”

So why is today called "Good Friday" instead of "Bad Friday" or something similar? Because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God's plan to save His people from their sin. 

The Law required a blood sacrifice for sin, so God poured out His wrath against sin on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order that forgiveness and salvation would be possible for all nations. Jesus endure the cross on "Good Friday" knowing it would lead to our salvation, His resurrection, and the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption. 

Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross, but the best is yet to come, as Jesus would rise from the dead and conquer death for us all. 

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

John 19 “Roman Crucifixion”

“So he (Pilate) delivered Him (Jesus) to them (the chief priests) to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.” (John 19:16)

Death by Roman crucifixion was a result of the whole body weight being supported by the stretched arms of the victim. When nailed to the cross, there was a massive strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. The rib cage was constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath. The victim would continually try to draw himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. The pain in the feet and legs would become so unbearable, that the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain and eventually die of suffocation. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours to a number of days.

The punishment of Roman crucifixion was chiefly inflicted on slaves and the worst kind of criminals. Crucifixion was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die and condemned Roman citizens were usually exempt from crucifixion. The manner and process of crucifixion was that after the criminal had been scourged and sentence had been pronounced, he carried his cross to the place of execution, which was just outside the city. (John 19:17) The criminal was next stripped of his clothes and nailed or bound to the cross. Before the nailing to the cross took place, a medicated cup of vinegar mixed with gall and myrrh (the sopor) was given, for the purpose of deadening the pangs of the sufferer. (Mark 15:23)

Roman Crucifixion was typically carried out by specialized teams, consisting of a commanding centurion and four soldiers. It was common to leave the body on the cross after death. However, it sometimes became necessary to break the legs of the criminal (as mentioned of the thieves in the Gospels) because Jewish law expressly forbid bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath-day.

Jesus died this death for you and for me, that we might have forgiveness of sin - through His atonement. But the best is yet to come, as He will conqure death.

The Truth
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Luke 23 “Jesus Condemned To Die For Barabbas”

“And he (Pilate) released to them (the chief priests) the one they requested (Barabbas), who for insurrection and murder had been thrown into prison; but delivered Jesus to their will” (v.25)

Here in chapter 23 we see Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and a murderer released by Pilate. And Jesus, a purely innocent man, delivered to a crowed who wanted to “crucify” Him. In other words Jesus was about to die in place of Barabbas or one could say, for Barabbas.

This is very interesting when you think about why Jesus had to die. According to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Jesus would become the perfect sacrifice through His death on the cross. His innocent blood would become the only sacrifice needed for the remission of sin - once and for all.

Yes Jesus died in place of Barabbas but He also died for Barabbas and all sinners. Praise the LORD!. 

The Truth: “But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12-14)

Mark 15 “The Scourging of Jesus”

“So, Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released to them Barabbas; but Jesus he scourged and delivered to be crucified." (v.15)

The Romans would, according to custom, scourge a condemned criminal before he was put to death. The Roman scourge, also called the "flagrum" or "flagellum" was a short whip made of two or three leather (ox-hide) thongs or ropes connected to a handle. The leather thongs were knotted with a number of small pieces of metal, zinc, iron or heavy indented pieces of bronze. Bone was often added to help rip off the skin. Sometimes the Roman scourge contained a hook at the end and was given the terrifying name "scorpion."

The criminal was lashed to a flogging post which would help the "lictors" make deeper cuts into the shoulders, waist and legs. According to Jewish law (discipline of the synagogue) the number of stripes was forty less one (Deut. 25:3) however, scourging among the Romans was a more severe form of punishment and there was no legal limit to the number of blows, as with the Jews.

Deep lacerations, torn flesh, exposed muscles and excessive bleeding would leave the criminal "half-dead." Death was often the result of this cruel form of punishment though it was necessary to keep the criminal alive to be brought to public subjugation on the cross. Therefore, the Centurion in charge would order the "lictors" to halt the flogging when the criminal was near death.

The severe scourging of Jesus (1 Peter 2:24), with its intense pain and appreciable blood loss, most probably left Him in a pre-shock state. The physical and mental abuse meted out by the Jews and the Romans, as well as the lack of food, water, and sleep, also contributed to His generally weakened state. Therefore, even before the actual crucifixion, Jesus' physical condition was at the very least serious and possibly critical. (Isaiah 50:6)

After the scourging, the Roman soldiers began to mock him by placing a robe on his shoulders, a crown of thorns on his head, and a wooden staff as a scepter in his right hand. Next, they spat on Jesus and struck him on the head with the wooden staff which made Him, unrecognizable. (Isaiah 52:14)

This voluntary, loving act was only the beginning of the pain He would endure for us, as the cross still awaited Him.

The Truth: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us as all." - (Isaiah 53:5-6) 

Mark 15 “Jesus Brought Before Pilate”

Here in chapter 15 of the book of Mark, Jesus is brought before Pilate (by the chief priests) early in the morning. One of the accusations against Him by the elders was, His claim of being a king. So Pilate asked Him directly, “Are You the King of the Jews?” His answer to Pilate was, “It is as you say.”

Admitting this before the very man that could have saved Him, brought a respect for Jesus. Pilate marveled, the Bible tells us, at Jesus for His honesty and for His silence before His earlier accusers who had mocked Him, beat Him, and spoke blasphemously against Him (Luke 22:63-65).

Pilate, the Bible tells us, believed Jesus to be an innocent man, who upon examination of Jesus said, “I find no fault in Him worthy of death. He has done no evil (Luke 23:14-15). Then turning to the crowd three times Pilate asked, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” (Matthew 27:22) Upon hearing the crowd Pilate, wanting to gratify them more than doing the right thing, delivered Jesus to His accusers to be crucified as they requested. 

How many times have you given into peer pressure, allowing the crowd to dictate your actions, even though you knew in your heart, “this is wrong.” Actions have consequences. Even though Pilate believed Jesus to be innocent and literally washed his hands of the blood, still delivered Him to death. Therefore, Pilate is just as guilty of murder as were the chief priests who planned it and the Romans who carried it out. 

Our lesson here is to stand for the truth, not with the crowd. Do what is right, not what may earn you favor in the eyes of others - to satisfy God, and not man.

The Truth: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:16)

2 Kings 25 "A Ray Of Light"

 “So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table.” (v.29)

We ended yesterday with a bleak picture of loss and sadness for the nation of Judah: no land, no city, and no temple. Some were killed brutally, others taken into exile. And we were left wondering if Judah would ever be restored?

Then, a new king of Babylon took the throne, Evil-merodach, and a change occurred. He released Jehoiachin, king of Judah, from prison. Scripture also tells us that Evil-merodach, “spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor” in Babylon (v. 28), and that Jehoiachin was permitted a place at the king’s table where he ate well “for the rest of his life” (v. 29). Moreover, Jehoiachin was given a regular allowance to support himself and his family (v.29), sustaining the line of the tribe of Judah.

Here, in the face of utter darkness and defeat, we get a “glimmer of hope” for the nation of Judah. To those who knew the scriptures of God’s everlasting promise to Judah (2 Samuel 7:13-16; 1 Kings 11:39), this brought a ray of light into their darkness. Judah may have forgotten God, but God had not forgotten His people.

This glimmer of hope found in today’s passage will eventually lead us to none other than Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Of course, it would still be another five centuries of ongoing oppression under foreign nations, but eventually, out of that darkness, the Ray of Light would come - Jesus Christ.

The Truth: After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor. Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud. Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.” (Matthew 1:12-16)

2 Kings 24 “Judah Hits Rock Bottom”

 “Surely at the command of the Lord it came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; and the Lord would not forgive.” (vv.3-4).

Some people have to hit rock bottom before they will return to God. It sometimes takes loosing everything before a person can see the value in God’s Holy Word. 

In today’s reading Judah finally hit rock bottom and lost everything – their land, their city, their temple, and their freedom. The reason for Judah’s downfall: the egregious sin of its people under the leadership of Manasseh” (24:3b). 

Rebellion, denial, transgression, un-confessed sin all lead to judgment, for God is just. However, He remains compassionate, forgiving, merciful, and loving, to all who call upon His name and worship Him in spirit and truth. If you or someone you know has hit rock bottom, pray that God will use the loss and sadness to bring true of repentance in their life.

The Truth

“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

2 Kings 23 Josiah’s Covenant”

 “And the king (Josiah) stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.” (v.3)

Here Josiah makes a covenant in the presence of the LORD. Pledging himself to be the servant of God and to live in complete obedience to every requirement the LORD had given Israel. Once he did, the people followed, pledging themselves as well. This gave them one last great revival before God’s judgment upon the nation. 

What a great example of how one man recognized his sin, turned from it, pledged to serve God completely and became an example for others to follow. You too can be an example for others to follow by your stand for Christ. Seek Him while He can be found, recommit your life to Him, follow His Word and be that Godly example to others to spare them from His judgment. 

The Truth: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

2 Kings 22 "The Word Was Found"

Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan who read it. (v.8)

Because of the long line of evil kings, the record of God’s laws had been lost. So when Hilkiah found God’s law and Shaphan read it to King Josiah who tore his clothes in grief and immediately began making religious reforms in his own life and throughout the nation (v.11). King Josiah recognized the book's value and ordered it to be read aloud to all the people of Judah (23:1-2). With just one reading of God’s Word, he created a revival that changed the course of the nation (23:3-25).

Today, many people own Bibles. They are displayed on bookshelves, coffee tables and nightstands – literally collecting dust in our homes (just as “the lost book” found in the house of the Lord). However, we can only be changed by the truths found inside. Therefore, we must read it, hear it and practice it. Then, like Josiah, it will change our direction immediately and bring our lives into harmony with God’s desires - even changing the course of a nation, if national leaders will do the same.

The Truth: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24)

2 Kings 21 "Manasseh Did Evil"

 “Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.” (vv.1-2)

Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, was the worst of all the kings. Scripture tells us that, “he led his people astray so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites”(v.9). He literally undid everything his father had done. Therefore the Lord said:

‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab; I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become victims of plunder to all their enemies, because they have done evil in My sight, and have provoked Me to anger since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.’” (vv.12-15)

Leadership, especially that of God’s people, carries a great responsibility with grave consequences for any who misrepresents Him. Nations can be blessed of God through its leaders or held in reproach, depending upon their obedience to God’s Word. Legislatures, judges, senators, politicians, they all determine the course a nation will take. The key for any nation to become great on the earth and blessed by the Creator is, that its leaders lead by obeying the word of God and not taking the path, which leads to destruction.

The Truth: “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

2 Kings 20 “He Is The God of All the Earth”

“The Syrians have said, The Lord is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys.” (v.28)

The king of Syria, Ben-hadad, together with his great army, had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Israel and king Ahab. Since Palestine is rather mountainous, king Ben-hadad mistakenly concluded that they Israelites had been successful because their god was a god of the hills. If he could but engage them again in the valley, he was sure that he could easily overcome them.

A prophet of the Lord then spoke to King Ahab saying, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the mountains, but He is not a god of the valleys, ”I will therefore give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’ ” (v.28) When the battle came, God's people won an even more impressive victory.

Thus, both Israel and the Syrians were shown that God is not limited by time or space, He is the LORD of all the earth - even in the valley of deepest testing!

 The Truth: “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:22)

2 Kings 19 "Hezekiah's Prayer"

"O Lord our God, I pray, save us … that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God.” (v.19)

Here in chapter 19 we pick up the story in which we were left hanging from our previous reading. The unresolved question from chapter 18 was, “In whom will you trust?” Now trouble lay ahead for King Hezekiah of Judah. He had just received a menacing letter from Assyria's King Sennacherib who had conquered many cities, and Jerusalem was next on his list. In his letter, Sennacherib mocked the God of Israel, threatened to destroy the holy city, and bragged that none could stop him.

We now get our answer as to what king Hezekiah would do. He went immediately up to the temple and spread the letter before the Lord and prayed. In his prayer he acknowledged God as the One who created all things (v.15), he told Him that Sennacherib had reproached the living God (v.16), and finally, he pleaded with God to deliver Judah so that all the nations of the world would know that He alone is God (v.19). In answer to Hezekiah’s prayer, God sent the angel of the Lord who struck down 185,000 of the enemy, and Sennacherib withdrew (vv.20-36).

Wow! What an example of faith. Hezekiah resting in the One who made heaven and earth to work out this problem for him. Waiting on the LORD and not jumping in all emotional and on his own. So, when you find yourself in a situation where you need God’s help, lay it out before Him in prayer. He has promised His comfort and help (Hebrews 4:16). Then be patient, as God’s dawn of deliverance often comes when the hour of trial is darkest.

The Truth: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)

2 Kings 18 "The Voice Of Truth"

“Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their countries from my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” (v.35)

Here in chapter 18 scripture introduces the new king of Judah, Hezekiah and tells us in verse three, “he did right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done” (v.3). Moreover, Hezekiah “trusted in the LORD,” “held fast to the LORD,” and “did not cease to follow him” (vv. 5-6). In turn, “the LORD was with him” (v. 7) and gave him success in everything he did.

However this faithful servant is about to be severely tested. Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and raising the question, “In whom do you trust? Can you really depend on your God?”  

With this echo of the wicked serpent himself (cf. Genesis 3), the messengers cast doubt on God’s promises, contradicted God’s word, lied about God’s purposes, promised a better life under their terms, and reminded them that no other gods have yet stopped the Assyrians. It is here that the chapter ends with the questions hanging in the air: will Hezekiah and the nation continue to trust God or buy into the lies?

This is exactly how satan works, through lies, twisted logic, half truths. Through multiple voices he pulls at your mental state from every angle. If he can get you to give up your faith, your hope, your soul, and give in to his desires, he wins. However, it is during these times of satanic testing that we need to listen to the voice of truth.

The band “Casting Crowns” put it best in their song, The Voice of Truth:

         “Out of all the voices calling out to me,  I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth."

Do not be deceived by the lies of satan. Listen to the still, small voice of truth.

 The Truth: Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37) 

2 Kings 17 "Repent From Where You Have Fallen"

“So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence.” (v.18)

The first six verses of our reading today record the final end for northern Israel, including its destruction and deportation. However, the more important lesson comes in the next fourteen verses, explaining the reasons for Israel’s demise.

First, Israel did not remember its past. There’s an old saying, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This forgotten past included not only God’s grace in bringing them out of Egypt (v. 7), but also the fate suffered by their forefathers who refused God’s word and remained stiff-necked (v. 14).

Second, Israel repeatedly and thoroughly fell into pervasive idolatry. Their idolatry was a full-blown disobedience: worshiping Asherah, Baal, and the starry host; offering child sacrifice; and setting up altars throughout the land. Scripture summarizes their fate in verse 15 saying, “They followed worthless idols and they themselves became worthless.”

Finally, Israel ignored God’s repeated pleas for repentance. Twice God mentioned His grace in sending prophets to call the people back to Himself (vv. 13, 23). Yet Israel did not heed those calls. All of Israel’s forgetting, rejecting, and ignoring did one thing, it provoked God to anger and brought the most serious judgment of all, mentioned three different times: the loss of God’s presence (vv. 18, 20, 23).

Don’t let this history lesson go unheeded. Repent and renew your commitment to Christ today. Accept His grace and avoid His judgment.

The Truth: “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:22)

2 Kings 16 "A Dark Cloud On The Horizon"

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son; come up and deliver me from the hand of the king of Aram and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.” (v.7)

In our last chapter, two kings ruled Judah in relative stability for sixty-eight years. Now, with the rise of Ahaz, things take a turn for the worse, and the impending danger for Judah can be seen on the horizon.

Scripture tells us that the kings of Aram and Israel marched against Judah. Aram had already captured the important town of Elath, and now Jerusalem was under siege. What did Ahaz do? Instead of turning to God for help, Ahaz looked to the Assyrian king. Then he emptied the temple’s treasuries in order to secure his “salvation” from “Father” Assyria. The ploy worked (for the moment), but Ahaz’s actions clearly indicated a rejection of the true God who saves.

When the chips are down, in whom will you trust? The sin of Ahaz (and later repeated by his son Hezekia), was to place his trust in an alliance with an alien power over the living God. May our trust always be in the name of the Lord our God.

The Truth: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) 

2 Kings 15 "Heed God's Word"

Here in chapter 15 we are presented with a succession of five wicked rulers in a short amount of time. These kings in a span of less than thirteen years, all “did evil in the eyes of the LORD” (vv. 9, 13-16, 18, 24, 28). This short span of time became horrific and chaotic for Israel and should have acted as “warning signs” to any paying attention, but none of the leaders seemed to take notice.

However, there were two positive reigns that bookend the chapter; Azariah (also called Uzziah) at the beginning of the chapter (v. 1), then his son Jotham at the end of the chapter (v. 32). Collectively they ruled Juda for sixty-eight years, both of them doing “what was right in the eyes of the LORD “ (vv.3, 34).

The conclusion to draw from here should be clear: sin and disobedience lead to a downward spiral of chaos, but obedience to God’s Word brings stability. Therefore, heed God’s Word and avoid the downward spiral.

The Truth: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

2 Kings 14 “Amaziah’s Pride”

“Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us face each other.” (V.8)

Amaziah, king of southern Juda, like many kings before him started off well. After gaining control of the kingdom, he eliminated those officials who had assassinated his father, but spared their sons. Why? Because he knew God’s law, which said that children should not be put to death for their fathers’ sins (Deut. 24:16). He knew God’s word and put it into practice. In addition, Amaziah had great success in battle, defeating large armies and securing new cities. 

However, despite that impressive start, Amaziah’s end was not so wonderful. In arrogance, he challenged Israel to battle, lost miserably, and saw the temple depleted of its riches. Eventually he was forced from Jerusalem and killed by conspirators. 

The king had a godly start that ended in misery and defeat. Clues as to why are given early on: he was no King David, for he allowed the high places to remain (vv. 3-4). Early faithfulness soon turned to incomplete devotion and arrogant. 

Amaziah should have listened to the word of Jehoash (vv.8-12), but he did not. He provoked a fight he could have avoided and paid dearly. 

The Truth: “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

2 Kings 13 "God's Kindness To Israel"

"And Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. But the LORD was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence." (vv.22-23)

This chapter recounts the story of two evil kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash. Both received the same indictment: “He did evil in the eyes of the LORD,” and both continued Israel’s pervasive idolatry (vv. 2, 11). As a result, the nation of Israel suffered for its disobedience and the Arameans persisted as a thorn in Israel’s side, oppressing them continually. Yet in the midst of this oft-repeated cycle of sin and idolatry, surprising moments appear when the kings softened and God’s grace and mercy showed through. 

Jehoahaz, we are told, unexpectedly “sought the LORD’s favor” (v.4). The response? Seeing their great suffering, “The LORD listened to him” and sent a deliverer (this could also be translated as “savior”) to rescue them (vv.4-5). Then there was Jehoash, the second wicked king. Hearing of Elisha’s impending death, the king went to him in tears over the coming loss of God’s prophet in Israel. The response? Through Elisha, God demonstrated the hope of salvation and life (vv.17-21)

Israel deserved the discipline we see in our text, yet God refused to forsake them. He gave them many blessings and saved them from many problems and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence. Hazael (king of Syria) oppression of Israel was allowed – even planned – by God as a way to discipline this wayward nation. In 2 Kings 8:12, it records Elisha’s prior knowledge of the calamity Hazael would bring upon Israel.  

However, the great message here is, God is always ready to listen and forgive those who turn from evil and seek Him, no matter what they have done. Therefore, call on Him today, seek His forgivness and find unexpected grace and mercy.

The Truth: “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’ (Acts 2:21)

2 Kings 12 "A Summary Of The Reign Of Jehoash"

"In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash became king, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. But the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places." (vv.1-3)

Back in chapter 11 we saw that Jehoash was anointed king (by Jehoiada) when he was only seven years old. Jehoiada helped preserve Jehoash's life when he was a baby and he continued to have a Godly influence on him while he (Jehoiada) lived.

However, without his mentor, Jehoash changed drasticly. It seems he relied too heavily on Jehoiada and never had a faith of his own. Scripture tells us, “he became influenced by the leaders of Juda after Jehoiada died” and “left the house of the LORD God and served wooden images and idols” (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

This story reminds us that we cannot rely on others for our spirituality. We must have our own relationship with God and be wise enough to call on Him for wisdom and guidance. It also shows the dangers of listening to ungodly advice. For like other kings before him, Jehoash started well but finished his reign poorly.

The Truth: "Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the Lord understand all." (Proverbs 28:5)

2 Kings 11 "The Davidic Line Preserved"

"But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him from among the king’s sons who were being put to death, and placed him and his nurse in the bedroom. So they hid him from Athaliah, and he was not put to death.” (v.2)

Back in 2 Samuel 7:16, God had promised that King David’s line would be “established forever.” Now here in 2 Kings, that line was teetering on the edge of destruction. Athaliah, the mother of now-dead Ahaziah, seized the throne and proceeded “to destroy the whole royal family” (v.1).

If all heirs of the kingly line were killed, God’s earlier promise would fail. Enter the faithful priest Jehoiada and his wife Jehosheba. Two previously unknown figures in history quietly stepped forward to save the infant Joash from certain destruction, hiding him away from ruthless Athaliah, and raising him for seven years in the temple. When ready, Jehoiada publicly presented the boy and proclaimed him king. The wicked usurper Athaliah was soon put to death.

Today’s reading reminds us of a similar story in the New Testament. There, another small child in David’s line (Jesus), was whisked away from certain death at the hands of a raging, paranoid ruler (Herod the king) - Matt. 2:13-18. Many times through scripture satin has tried to end the Davidic Line through which Jesus would enter the world, right up to His birth. But, praise God for His hand of preservation, both of His covenant with David and the promised Messiah as well.  

The Truth: "Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.  When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet (Hosea) saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” (Matt. 2:13-16)