Keys to the Kingdom

O. T. #1598  "Keys to the Kingdom"
Jan. 2, 2020
Isaiah 22
And the key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder; so He shall open, and none shall shut; and He shall shut, and none shall open. (verse 22) 

LET IT GLOW

I can't say enough thanks to everyone who was a faithful Bible study friend with us last year. How I wish we could gather around my kitchen table with some hot tea and share what all we have learned this past year in studying God's Word together. Where has our walk of faith taken us in the Bible? Last year, on January 1, 2019, we were in Job 5. Then we studied Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Dare I say that we have found some encouragement, wisdom, love, and principles to apply in our life? God has taught me so much, brought me through turbulent times, and has blessed me beyond measure. Especially when we traveled around His Beloved Israel and Jerusalem. I pray He has blessed you, too. Please continue to pray for God's leading and direction as I prepare each lesson for us.

9. The Burden, Oracle, or Message to Jerusalem

The Valley of Vision refers to the city of Jerusalem, where God revealed Himself. Although Jerusalem sits upon a hill, it is surrounded by high mountains. So it can be considered a valley, also.
The city would be attacked unless God's people returned to Him. However, they trusted in their water under the wall as a reservoir, weapons, and even pagan neighbors. They partied hardy. During King Hezekiah's reign over Judah, the Assyrian Empire came in 701 B.C., but because the king prayed to God, the Assyrians failed.

Although, the weapons, wall, and water were not enough to secure Judah. Their work was pointless because they never asked God for help. Then in 686, King Manasseh rebuilt idols and high places of worship to pagan gods, and Judah became a subservant to Assyria, paying them money.  In 612, Babylon crushed Assyria's capital of Nineveh. Finally, in 605, Babylon conquered Judah.

Do we concentrate on our work for achievements, ignoring God and doing His work?
Do we carry on life as usual without asking God for His direction and help?


LET IT GROW

Not only were Isaiah's words of prediction for Judah's time, but for the time in the book of Revelation.
In verses 15-25, Shebna, the treasurer in the royal chamber, would die a pauper in a far country (Babylon).  Eliakim would replace him and reign as Hezekiah's prime minister.

The key of the house of David refers his responsibility in advising and protecting the Davidic line. God would fasten him as a nail in a sure place, as a large peg built into the wall of houses in that day which were virtually irremovable. Eliakim's descendants would enjoy the permanence of his position while Shebna would not. However, his nail was removed when Babylon conquered Judah.

Verse 22 is quoted in Revelation 3:7 by Jesus as John wrote to the church in Philadelphia.
Jesus has the keys to the door of heaven and the door of hell. When we keep His Word and do not deny His name, in the end remain faithful to Jesus, we will enter heaven. It is not by our works that gets us there, but faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Messiah. No one can pry open the door nor shut the door except Jesus.

Are we ready for eternity when the door is opened to us?
Jesus has the key to God's kingdom. Is He your Key?

LET IT GO

Thank You, Jesus, for being my key to heaven.
How wonderful that will be, when my Jesus I will see!!