idols – Be Still…

Ezekiel 8:1-18 – Idols Infuriate God

Read Ezekiel 8:1-18

We have a new time stamp for this reading. This new series of visions came to Ezekiel about a year after the first ones back in Chapter 1. This time, Ezekiel was in his house spending time with leaders of Judah who had also been taken into exile. Thankfully it doesn’t sound like they were in shackles or anything.

I imagine Ezekiel was quite surprised to be whisked away by the Spirit and taken back to Jerusalem. He describes it like a teleporting experience you’d see in a sci-fi thriller! Here one minute, gone the next only to appear in a different scene. Did you wonder if the leaders noticed he was gone or if this was just a mental excursion? Continue reading “Ezekiel 8:1-18 – Idols Infuriate God”

Micah 4:1-5 – In the Last Days

Read Micah 4:1-5

the word END with road and fire around it

Because we’re getting nearer and nearer to celebrating Christmas, that means the Advent season is drawing to a close for another year. What are some of your favorite ways to “get ready” for (1) the birth of Jesus and (2) Jesus’ return? Advent is that perfect time to reflect on both since there is a lot to do to “be prepared.”

Today’s reading puts us in that second focus of preparation. Micah speaks of the last days so we can get a picture of what that will look like. What are some of the images we have to look forward to? We see people coming together in one accord seeking more of Jesus. We see God resolving our disputes and bringing peace. An attitude of fear will have no place in those days.

2 Kings 21:1-18 – Goodness is Gone Again

Read 2 Kings 21:1-18

We always hope that our children grow up to become faithful, living fulfilling lives doing exactly what God designed them to do. Hezekiah would probably not be thrilled with how his son turned out. Granted, taking over as king at the tender age of 12 was probably quite a challenge. I can’t even imagine!

It’s amazing to see how all the good Hezekiah did during his reign could be so easily demolished by the next king. Was poor Manasseh that weak to have been lured by evil even worse than it was in the people God drove from the lands originally?

2 Kings 17:24-41 – Worship God Alone

Read 2 Kings 17:24-41

girl looking up to the sky, smiling, reaching her arms out in adoration

I had a light bulb moment. In the New Testament, we recall how there is so much animosity between Jews and Samaritans (those from Samaria). As we’ve been reading through the history of the kings, we’ve seen how Israel’s king was situated in Samaria. Now we know the history that happened to cause such disdain by the Israelites toward the Samaritans.

It must go back to the Assyrian take-over of Israel and how foreigners were brought in by Assyria and resettled in promised land. Not only did they oppress the Israelites and take away their homes, they brought with them their own way of doing things. God was not pleased and sent lions to devour some of the people.

2 Kings 12:17-21 – Overdeliver

Read 2 Kings 12:17-21

many different bright colored wrapped presents with bows, some blurred, some clear

If there had been a kitchen sink, I’m sure Joash would have given that to King Hazael, too. Do you wonder why Joash gave away so much? Was he that afraid that Jerusalem would fall under his watch? Was he prideful, a weak king, or a bit of a coward?

There is a time and a place for overdelivering. In our business, we learned early on that overdelivering makes for happy customers. We always appreciate doing business with people who overdeliver on their promises. It’s like a bonus you weren’t expecting. Here, Joash’s giving away all that has been dedicated seems a bit desperate. Do you think he checked in with God first?