A Chance to Change

O. T. #1777  "
Sept. 14, 2020
Jeremiah 22-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Chapters 22-25 are not in chronological order as events occurred. We studied about King Zedekiah of Judah in the previous chapter, although he was the last king of Judah. God sent Jeremiah directly to the kings of Judah to prophesy what was to come if the did not repent of their sins and turn back to worshiping Him.
In verse 4, we see that it was not too late to change. There was still time for the kings to obey what God had said in verse 3.

The faithful discharge of their duties (verse 3) would advance and secure their prosperity, plus the royal family and city.
Had they actually changed, there would have been a descendant of David sitting on the throne as king in Judah. but they would not do it. Therefore, Judah and Jerusalem would become desolate.

There was some hope of favor yet remaining, provided the king and the whole people received the admonitions of the Prophet; provided their repentance and conversion were sincere, God was still ready to forgive them. (Calvin's commentary on Jeremiah)

If only those kings had turned from evil and done what was right in God's eyes, according to His Word, then they could have rebuilt their nation. If only. Do you have any "if only's?"

Doing what is right is more than simply believing all the right doctrines about God. It means living in obedience to God. Good deeds do not save us, but they do display our faith (James 2:17-26). (Life Application Study Bible)

Our God is King of all nations, Majesty on High, is the One True, Living God, and Everlasting Father.

There is still hope for our nation (and individual) if we will confess our sins, turn from our sinful ways, and obey God.

LET IT GROW

Josiah was a good king of Judah, who did away with idols and restored worship of God in the Temple. He led a much needed revival and cared deeply about his people. He died at the battle of Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29). The next 3 kings to reign in Judah were Josiah's son, I think. Judah was a theocracy, so it was the king's responsibility to establish justice, enforce moral law, social justice, and worship. Jeremiah was sent to them to warn them of the coming judgments of God.

First was Shallum, called Jehoahaz (1 Chron. 3:15), who was the fourth son of Josiah. After his 3 month reign, Jehoahaz was carried off to Egypt. He was the first leader of Judah to die in exile.

Next was Jehoiakim, who was spiritually bankrupt. He was a puppet king installed by the Egyptians and was so self-serving and corrupt that he made his subjects work for him without pay to build him a massive palace (verses 13-14). He was not above shedding innocent blood, committing exhortation and oppression.  Jehoiakim was so disposed that his dead body was dragged off and thrown outside Jerusalem's gates (verses 18-19). No one mourned for this king.

The third king was Coniah, also Jehoiachin, was as a broken pot, useless to the Lord. When he took off the king's signet ring, it showed he rejected God's leadership. So he was useless to the Lord. (verse 24) He had no descendant to sit in the throne of David, though he had 7 sons. He brought a curse in his line.

Jesus Christ is a descendant of David, who will sit in the throne to rule in Jerusalem during the Millennium. It is through His mother's line, Mary, that His genealogy traces Him through Nathan's line, not Solomon. Joseph was the foster father of Jesus. The Holy Spirit caused Mary to conceive Jesus. Had Joseph been His father, He would not have been eligible to sit on the throne.

LET IT GO
As long as we are breathing, we have a chance to turn from our sinful lifestyle. We can change our ways to please God. So can others. That is good news to share. 
Thank You Jesus!