Burning Houses or Burning Bridges

O. T. #878  "Burning Houses or Burning Bridges"
Nov. 30, 2016
2 Kings 25-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

Babylon struck Jerusalem and Judah. If only they had worshiped God alone and not idols. Oh, Jerusalem, the beloved city of God, if only you had repented.

Falwell sums up verses 8-10: Nebuzaradan, captain of the Babylonian guard, sacked Jerusalem, burning both the Temple and palace and breaking down the city walls (23:27).

Burned houses instead of burned bridges-as Babylon burned the Lord's House, the king's house, and the people's houses, Judah could have repented, stopped worshiping idols, thus burned their bridges behind them. But no, it did no happen that way. Only a few remained faithful to the God of Israel.

MacArthur explains the details:

1. First, Jerusalem's most important buildings were burned. (verse 9)
2. Second, the Babylonian army tore down Jerusalem's outer walls, the city's main defense. (verse 10)
3. Third, Nebuzaradan organized and led a forced march of remaining Judeans into exile in Babylon. (verse 11)
4. Fourth, the items made with precious metals in the Temple were carried away to Babylon. (verses 13-17)
5. Fifth, Nebuzaradan took Jerusalem's remaining leaders to Riblah, where Nebuchadnezzar had them executed. (verses 18-21) This insured that they would never lead another rebellion against Babylon.

Only the unskilled laborers were left behind to tend the vineyards and farm the fields.
The Jews thought God would protect them from invasion because of the presence of the temple in Jeremiah 7.
Everything made of gold, silver, or brass, vessels dedicated to the Lord, in the Temple was taken as spoil. Certainly, the glory of the Lord had departed the Temple (Ezekiel 8:11).


LET IT GROW

Years of warnings of this coming destruction was given to Israel and Judah. Yet they would not return to Him. I'm sure it must have sadden the Lord to have to allow all of that destruction on His children. Jesus felt this sadness again later.

Jesus said to His disciples and the multitude in Matthew 23:37-38:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stoned those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

We know that the Jews went on to kill the Messiah sent to them. They did not recognize Jesus as their Savior, whom  they were expecting to come. They looked for Him to come free them from the ruling Romans. A King of the Jews came, but they crucified Him.

Do we have any bridges that we need to burn behind us-ill feelings, unforgiveness, blame, jealousy? Isn't it time to burn them?
Isn't it time to move forward with Jesus?
Friends, let us adore and worship our King Jesus as Christ the Lord. Shall we let His love fill our hearts today?


LET IT GO

Be a vessel used for God's glory.

Burn those ugly bridges behind me and go forward with Jesus today.

Love Jesus and others.