Daily Reading: 2 Kings 25
So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king's table. (2 Kings 25.29)
Devotional Thought: At the end of 2 Kings, things look bad for the people of God. This bleak record, however, closes with an interesting postlude: “Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king's table.”
For thirty-seven years, Jehoiachin had been in prison, no doubt feeling forsaken. But God had not forgotten him! The end of Jehoiachin's life was marked by abundance, honor and grace!
· Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. Every day when Jehoiachin dressed himself, he was reminded that he was a prisoner. I’ve visited many people in prison and jail. I’ve seen them brought into courtrooms in cuffs and shackles. Their garments mark them as prisoners. When we are clothed with Christ, we put off our prison garments! We are no longer prisoners!
· Jehoiachin ate at the king’s table. The food in prison was barely edible. That prison food was exchanged for royal fare! After 37 years of near-starvation, Jehoiachin had more than he could eat of food that was finely prepared and served. The inmates I have known do not brag on the food. Quite the opposite! When we come to Jesus, not only are we released from prison, but we are given food from his table! Are you dining daily at the table of the Lord?
I’ve never seen a released prisoner wearing those old garments. I’ve never heard of people going to the jail just to eat lunch. Let's put off the old garment and start eating a new diet!
Have you ever felt forgotten? Have you ever been trapped in a prison of discouragement? Do you despair that things will ever get better? God has not forgotten you!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you went to the prison of death to set me free! When you defeated the grave, you secured my release! Clothe me in your righteousness and feed me the bread of life, I pray. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 20:1-5
1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah
4 May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!
5 May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
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