prophecy fulfilled – Page 3

Joel 3:1-12 – Judgment for Our Enemies

Read Joel 3:1-12

In our previous reading, Joel speaks of a time when those who call upon the LORD will be saved. This prophecy seeks to alert all the enemies who ever harmed God’s people that their judgment is at hand. They were not going to get away with their abuse of God’s loved ones. The time was coming for “pay backs.” God said to the enemies of his people, “I will strike swiftly and pay you back for everything you have done.”

We see here the example of God gathering all nations together in one place. The word Jehoshaphat means “the LORD judges,” so this was probably a symbolic reference, not necessarily a physical location. Can we assume that God still judges those who abuse us?

Jeremiah 52:1-11 – A New Season

Read Jeremiah 52:1-11

What’s going through my head right now is “déjà vu!” I feel like I have already lived through this text recently. (See Chapter 39 and also 2 Kings 25.) In effect, Chapter 52 serves as a conclusion or historical appendix of all the things God said would happen through Jeremiah. We’ll reflect on the fall of Jerusalem in a couple chunks.

Today we look at what happened to the kingly leadership. From what we read in Scripture, kingship doesn’t necessarily mean devotion to God. While Zedekiah’s future sounds painful, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise if he had been listening to Jeremiah. Zedekiah had plenty of opportunity to re-evaluate his life and turn toward God. It’s hard to imagine enduring such torture when it could have been avoided. This was certainly not a good “season” for Zedekiah.

2 Kings 9:30-37 – Jezebel’s Demise

Read 2 Kings 9:30-37

Jezebel had to be the vilest woman in the Bible. Her husband, King Ahab, was also evil, but he met his demise years earlier. Jezebel was the daughter of a foreign king who made it her life mission to have all of Israel worshipping her god, Baal.

Jezebel’s life is an interesting story of how a pagan queen became the villain of God’s people. One might applaud her for her commitment; however, it was hugely misguided. Imagine if she had been that determined to bring the people to repentance and to then follow the LORD! She had the financial means as well as the royal authority to get attention.

2 Kings 9:14-29 – Bloody Obedience

Read 2 Kings 9:14-29

quote: there will be no peace in any soul until it is willing to obey the voice of God (by D.L. Moody)

Sometimes it’s hard to read about how God’s plans involve so much bloodshed. It appears Israel’s new king, Jehu, isn’t afraid to take a life or order it be done. It’s as if his obedience to God’s call on his life is the focus, and he will do whatever it takes to help God’s plan be fulfilled.

Sadly, the king of Judah got in the way here as a nearly innocent bystander. Guilty by association I suppose. We have also heard that he was related to Ahab by marriage, so his death makes total sense if Jehu is cleaning house as God had proclaimed.

2 Kings 9:1-13 – Being Used by God

Read 2 Kings 9:1-13

man facing away from camera with right arm extended up in offering with sun rays beaming off of him

Often, prophets deliver unpleasant news. Today, the recruited prophet was going to anoint the next king of Israel and deliver news of prophecy that would soon be fulfilled. All to his own peril! Why else would he be told by Elisha to flee? The new king would not waste any time in implementing the punishment against Ahab’s dynasty.

This unnamed prophet, while bold and brave, was not the only one being used by God. Jehu would become the next king, and he would be God’s instrument to do away with the family of Ahab, just as Elijah had predicted some 20 years earlier. God’s timing had brought everyone to this turning point.