Swept Away

O. T. #876  "Swept Away"
Nov. 28, 2016
2 Kings 24-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

This chapter tells us of the final and last 3 kings of Judah. Johoikim, who reigned 11 years; His son, Jehoichin, reigned 3 months; and Zedekiah (Mattaniah), who was Jehoichin's uncle, ruled 11 years. All here did evil in the sight of the Lord. Had they listened to Prophet Jeremiah, then the outcome of Jerusalem would have been different. Babylon came in and took them captive. They had defiled their God-given land with blood and idols. They were not fit to live upon it, so God swept them away in order to purify the land again. It was like sweeping dirt off my front porch. (Of course, it accumulates again since I live on a dirt road.)
The people were deported in three groups, with the poorest people left behind to manage things under the direction of their own governors. The good news is that the captive Jews were allowed to live together. This made it possible for them to return as Ezra recorded.

How do we react wen things or loved ones are swept away from us? Are we going to keep ahold of God's hand in our life?

LET IT GROW

Falwell gives us an interesting note about Zedekiah: Though he ruled as king, Zedekiah was never recognized as king by Ezekiel or by God (Jeremiah 22:30), for the last legitimate king, Jehoiachin, was still alive, though in captivity.

David Jeremiah said that the Prophet Ezekiel was likely among the second group of Jews to be deported to Babylon as captives.

Do we let things like not so good test results from the doctor, money spent on car repairs, the oven quits, and it is raining today effect our attitude and mood for the day? (I'm speaking to myself, folks.)
It's a happy time of the year. So many things for which to be thankful. Nothing can change God's love for us. So I'm not going to let my happiness be swept away by those challenges. It's time to pit on Christmas music and get decorating.

Luke 2:12 says: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

My Savior, your Savior, our family's Savior was born to bring us goodness and light and eternal life. Now that is something put a smile on our faces.

LET IT GO

Sweep away those humbug feelings and let joy come into my life again.

Trust Jesus for all my needs.