Daily Reading: 2 Kings 24
For because of the anger of the Lord it came to the point in Jerusalem and Judah that he cast them out from his presence. (2 Kings 24.20)
Devotional Thought: The last several chapters of 2 Kings detail how the nation of Israel falls apart. Israel had lost her independence as faithless kings had placed their trust in surrounding nations. She had also lost her land, wealth, and finally even her people as they were carried away in exile. This seems a sad fate for the Lord’s chosen people, but none of it should have been a surprise. Throughout all of the wicked leadership, God sent prophets to warn the kings and the people of the consequences of disobedience and faithlessness.
The nation of Israel was only as good as the god she served. In the end, it wasn’t the Assyrians or the Babylonians who destroyed Israel, but Israel herself. The spiritual apathy and decay that was evident throughout Israel’s history led to her ultimate downfall. Had they kept the Lord’s commandments, worshiped Him alone, and trusted Him to lead their nation, how different the story would be! But they preferred blind, deaf, and mute idols to the living God, forgetting that, “those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them” (Ps. 115.8).
How easy it is to see glimpses of Israel’s history in our own nation. Created by prayer and faith, our nation has turned to self-reliance, self-morality, self-determination, and self-centeredness. Christian faith and morality are increasingly scoffed at and ridiculed, replaced with the idolatrous worship of enlightenment, tolerance, and progressivism. In a culture where such immorality is rampant, we must guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In a culture where Christians’ core beliefs are considered hatred and bigotry, we must respond with love. In a culture determined to repeat Israel’s history of idolatry, we must pray as never before!
Jenny
Prayer: Lord, we pray for our nation and its people. Hearts are far from You, and yet we pray for a miracle of healing, unity, and love in the hearts of those You are calling. Guard and protect the truth and the hope You have placed in the hearts and minds of Your children.
Psalm of the Day: 19.7-14
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
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