Day three hundred three
Yesterday I had an interesting conversation at work. One of the customers told me that I had a great name and that it was filled with symbolism. He proceeded to talk about light over the darkness and several other deep thoughts. My remark was something like, "That's a bit too deep for me this morning. I don't think I want that kind of responsibility." He looked at me and in his pleasant voice said, "Dawn sometimes you need to go deep." I finished his transaction, we chatted a little more and then he left. He was gone, but those dang thoughts were now in my head. He had definitely given me something to think about.
He was right, sometimes we do need to go a little deeper. Even when it makes us feel uncomfortable. I should probably say, especially when it makes us feel uncomfortable. So this morning I prayed that I might be strong and dig a little deeper. That instead of trying to live in an "ignorance is bliss" state, I would seek for the knowledge He would have me find and that I would take accountability for it. Growing in the gospel can be so hard sometimes!
Yesterday I had an interesting conversation at work. One of the customers told me that I had a great name and that it was filled with symbolism. He proceeded to talk about light over the darkness and several other deep thoughts. My remark was something like, "That's a bit too deep for me this morning. I don't think I want that kind of responsibility." He looked at me and in his pleasant voice said, "Dawn sometimes you need to go deep." I finished his transaction, we chatted a little more and then he left. He was gone, but those dang thoughts were now in my head. He had definitely given me something to think about.
He was right, sometimes we do need to go a little deeper. Even when it makes us feel uncomfortable. I should probably say, especially when it makes us feel uncomfortable. So this morning I prayed that I might be strong and dig a little deeper. That instead of trying to live in an "ignorance is bliss" state, I would seek for the knowledge He would have me find and that I would take accountability for it. Growing in the gospel can be so hard sometimes!
2 Kings 24-25
There are times when you read the scriptures and suddenly, when you least expect it, you get it, you see the big picture. You see God's plans within plans. These two chapters are a great example of that type of experience. There is so much more to it than you see.
So what is going on in these chapters?
Background
Under the reign of King Josiah we saw that there had been a short revival in the nation of Judah. The temple was restored, the Passover celebrated, the high places torn down. Unfortunately, when Josiah died, things went back to their terrible normalcy of sinful rebellion against God. Two of Josiah's sons will sit on the throne and both do evil in the sight of the Lord, just as so many of their ancestral kings had done before them.
We pick up in chapter 24, with the Assyrians on the decline and the Egyptians trying to fight off the Babylonians. As much as they try they will be no match for them. The Babylonians, under their general Nebuchadnezzar, defeated Pharaoh Necho II and the Egyptians at the battle of Carchemish on the Euphrates River.
On the way back home from the battle, Nebuchadnezzar stops in Jerusalem, leaves Jehoiakim on the throne, and takes the cream of the crop from Jerusalem. In that group of people were Daniel, and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. We tend to know these guys by the Babylonian names they were given, Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-Nego. After the king leaves, Jehoiakim begins to rebel, so the king sends other nations to keep them in line.
There will be a second invasion of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. In this second deportation and invasion many of the temple implements were taken, plus many of the best people were also taken back to Babylon.
There will be a second invasion of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. In this second deportation and invasion many of the temple implements were taken, plus many of the best people were also taken back to Babylon.
When we get to King Zedekiah he not only does evil before the Lord, but he was also foolish in his decision to make trouble against Babylon. In fact Jeremiah warned the nation that they would be taken captive by the Babylonians and they refused to heed those warnings. Instead they tried to rebel against Babylon. This leads to the third invasion by Babylon in which the city of Jerusalem is destroyed along with the Temple.
The Plan
Now this all seems so cut and dry, the people of Judah are being punished for their sins. The Lord's prophecies would be fulfilled. But there is so much more going on here!
The Israelites craved idols, so where does God take them? To the land of the idols! This seems like one of those situations where you saturate a person in something until they get their fill. It must have worked because they never craved idols again!
I have used this plan with my own children. We have had a bowl of M&M's or a basket of candy out on the table for years. The plan was to have it accessible and let the boys learn moderation. It worked! We can have candy out at our house and it will last for weeks. It is usually the visitors that consume the candy.
Yet Another Plan
Here is another interesting point: As the people are being carried away, God has three strategically placed voices.
One in Jerusalem to speak to the remnant. His name is Jeremiah and he is known as the weeping prophet. He would call the people to accept their chastening and to turn to the Lord. God would call Jeremiah to buy a piece of property when it would seem worthless and unnecessary. This was a sign that the people would return and a promise that there is hope in the midst of despair.
Another voice in Babylon, the Prophet Ezekiel. He would prophesy to those in captivity. His message: You are going to return, God has not forsaken you.
One voice in the palace, the Prophet Daniel. Daniel is known for his ability to interpret dreams. He will prophesy of the coming Messiah, he will bring hope for the nation, and he would prophesy of the world empires crumbling.
God always has voices strategically placed!
There's more
It is also interesting that one of the indictments of the prophets is that the nobles abused the poor. Did you notice who was carted off and who stayed? The nobles are carted off and the poor are left to take care of the land. A little divine justice there!
It is also interesting that one of the indictments of the prophets is that the nobles abused the poor. Did you notice who was carted off and who stayed? The nobles are carted off and the poor are left to take care of the land. A little divine justice there!
So what does this mean for you and me? There are plans within plans going on in our lives too. We don't always recognize them, but they are there. Here are a few examples:
Making a Change
If you find yourself dealing with some of the same challenges or temptations maybe you need to look at these situations and ask yourself, "What is God trying to teach me?" Sometimes we are bombarded because we need to learn to let go or get our fill! This is usually His way of letting us know that we need to change.
The Voice
Who are the people that God has put in your life that warn you, teach you, and love you like these prophets did. He always has a voice in your life, probably several. Is there someone in your life that you turn to when seeking spiritual advice? Someone you trust to tell you like it is? Well you can thank the Lord for placing that person in your life!
Consequences
Our actions have consequences and if we are misbehaving the Lord will put situations in our lives that bring about justice. These are usually not pleasant experiences because they involve some humbling on our part, which is never easy. Also, if you are part of the problem, the Lord will remove you if He needs to for the benefit of others.
What a great way to end 2 Kings, having to dig a little deeper to put it all together! The Lord never ceases to amaze me with His wisdom and organizational skills. He knows how all the pieces need to fall for us to succeed and He does it flawlessly. Oh I wish I were more like Him!
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