Tag: 2 Kings

From a Trickle to a Torrent: When God’s Life Flows Through You

In Ezekiel 47, we read about a river flowing from the temple, starting as a trickle but quickly becoming a mighty, life-giving stream. As the river moves, it transforms everything in its path, bringing life to barren lands and healing even the salty, lifeless Dead Sea. This vision is more than a geographical restoration; it’s a profound picture of what happens when God’s presence and power flow into our lives.

Like the river in Ezekiel’s vision, God’s work in our lives often starts small. It may begin as a single moment—a prayer, a conviction, an encounter with Him. At first, it’s ankle-deep. We feel the refreshing presence of God, but we’re still in control. But as we step deeper into the flow, we begin to experience something more profound. What starts as a trickle of God’s life begins to swell, transforming not only us but also the areas of our lives that feel barren or lifeless.

The deeper we go, the less control we have—and that’s a good thing. As the river gets stronger, it moves us, reshaping our priorities, our desires, and our hearts. Where there was once spiritual dryness, God brings healing. Where we once felt stagnant, He causes us to flourish. This river is a symbol of God’s uncontainable life, and He invites us to step into its flow, allowing His presence to transform us completely.

But here’s the challenge: many of us are content to stay in the shallow waters. We’re hesitant to surrender fully, fearing what might happen if we lose control. But God calls us to dive deeper, to let His Spirit carry us where we cannot go on our own. Just as the river brings life to everything it touches, when we allow God’s presence to fully immerse us, we become a powerful witness to the source of life and healing for others.

The question for us today is: are we willing to wade deeper? Are we ready to let God take us beyond the comfortable and into the transformative depths of His presence? When we do, the impact isn’t just personal. Like the river in Ezekiel’s vision, God’s work in us will overflow into the world around us, bringing healing, renewal, and life to others.

It’s Okay to Grieve

In today’s readings from Lamentations 5, Obadiah 1, and Jeremiah 40-41, we’re reminded that even the most faithful servants of God, like Jeremiah, experience deep grief and sorrow. Jeremiah, who had prophesied the eventual restoration and glory of Jerusalem, was still profoundly affected by the immediate devastation and loss that he witnessed.

This leads us to an important understanding: Joy in the Christian life is not synonymous with constant happiness or a cheerful demeanor in all circumstances. Rather, true joy is rooted in the hope we have in God—a hope that endures even through tears and pain.

Lamentations 5 presents a vivid picture of the suffering and despair experienced by the people of Jerusalem after the city’s destruction. Yet, even in this darkest hour, there is a cry to God—a recognition that He is still sovereign and that restoration is possible. This cry is not a denial of the pain but a hopeful acknowledgment of God’s enduring faithfulness.

Jeremiah himself, though a prophet of hope, did not ignore the realities of his present situation. His grief was real, and it was valid. However, his joy was found not in the absence of sorrow but in the assurance that God’s promises would ultimately come to pass.

This distinction is crucial for us today. We may face circumstances that bring deep sorrow, and it’s important to acknowledge and feel that pain. But biblical joy is the strength that allows us to look to God through our tears, trusting that He is at work and that His promises are true. It’s the assurance that even in our darkest moments, God is with us, and He will see us through to the fulfillment of His good purposes.

Why Your Life Needs to Burn Down… Sometimes

When I read today’s passage, one thought struck me above the others: Israel, now “desolate,” would finally have its “Sabbath Rest.” This isn’t just about a nation lying in ruins—it’s about the spiritual renewal that only comes after the flames of destruction have swept through.

Imagine a forest. For centuries, forest fires were a natural part of its life cycle. The flames would burn away dead wood, making room for new growth. Today, we try to stop any fire from breaking out, thinking we’re protecting the forest. But without those periodic burns, the underbrush grows thick, the dead wood piles up, and eventually, a fire does come—and it’s far more devastating.

Israel’s desolation was like that necessary fire. The nation had accumulated so much spiritual “dead wood”—idolatry, injustice, and disobedience—that God allowed a cleansing fire to sweep through. This wasn’t just judgment; it was a reset, a forced Sabbath rest. In the ashes of what was, God was preparing the ground for what could be—a new beginning, a renewal.

What does this mean for us? Sometimes, God allows parts of our lives to “burn down” so that we can experience true spiritual renewal. We might resist, thinking we’re protecting ourselves, but without these periods of cleansing, the weight of unaddressed sin, unresolved issues, and spiritual complacency only grows. When God strips away what’s unnecessary, He’s making room for new growth—preparing us for something better.

So, if you’re going through a time of desolation, don’t despair. It might be that God is clearing the way for something new. Let the old burn away, and embrace the Sabbath rest He’s offering—a time to reflect, repent, and renew your commitment to Him. After the fire, new life will spring forth.

The Dangerous Mistress of Success

In Ezekiel 28:16, we see the fall of Tyre, a city once renowned for its wealth, beauty, and power. Tyre was a prominent trade center in the ancient world, its merchants known for their success and influence. However, with prosperity came pride, and with pride came corruption. The very success that elevated Tyre to great heights also led to its downfall.

Tyre’s history is marked by a dangerous attachment to wealth and power. As the city’s riches grew, so did its arrogance and sense of invulnerability. They trusted in their trade, their fortified city, and their alliances, believing that their success made them untouchable. But this self-sufficiency blinded them to their moral decay. Ezekiel speaks of how their “abundant trade” filled them with violence, and their heart became proud because of their beauty (Ezekiel 28:16-17).

God’s judgment came upon Tyre not just because of their external actions, but because of the internal corruption that wealth and success had fostered. The very thing they had put their trust in became their undoing. Their success, instead of being a blessing, became a snare.

Today, our culture often defines success in terms of wealth, power, and influence—much like Tyre. But success, when pursued as an end in itself, is a dangerous mistress. It can lead to pride, self-reliance, and a gradual turning away from God. Just as Tyre’s wealth led to its downfall, so too can our pursuit of success, if it causes us to forget who is truly in control.

The lesson from Tyre is clear: success is not inherently bad, but when it becomes our focus and our measure of worth, it can lead us away from God. True success is found in a life that honors God, recognizes His sovereignty, and uses blessings to further His kingdom, not just personal gain.

The Allure of Destruction

Sin and evil rarely present themselves as dangerous or destructive. Instead, they are often wrapped in enticing packages, appealing to our fleshly desires and offering fleeting moments of pleasure. Whether it’s indulging in a secret sin, embracing a lifestyle that contradicts God’s commands, or simply turning a blind eye to the ways of the world, evil always promises quick rewards and instant gratification.

Yet, as today’s reading shows, the good times don’t last. The path of sin and evil ultimately leads us away from God and, therefore, away from salvation. As Ezekiel warned, sin’s consequences are dire. The destruction may not come immediately, but it is inevitable. What seemed like a harmless indulgence can quickly turn into a trap, leading to spiritual decay and, ultimately, destruction.

In Ezekiel 24:13, God speaks through the prophet about the people’s sins: “Because I tried to cleanse you, but you refused to be cleansed. So you will not be cleansed from your filthiness again until I have satisfied my fury on you.” The allure of sin led the people of Israel to resist God’s attempts at purification, and they suffered the consequences.

Today, we face similar temptations. The world offers countless distractions and temptations that seem harmless or even good on the surface. But if we are not vigilant, we risk being led down a path that takes us further from God. The temporary pleasures of sin are not worth the eternal consequences.

Let us not be fooled by the attractive facade of sin and evil. Instead, let us seek God’s wisdom and strength to resist temptation, knowing that true joy and peace come from following Him.

For Now Isn’t Forever

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves adjusting to our circumstances, whether they be moments of joy or seasons of hardship. This adjustment, while necessary, can sometimes deceive us into believing that our current situation is permanent. Psychologists refer to this tendency as the “status quo bias,” where we assume that the way things are now is how they will continue to be, leading us to resist change or fail to anticipate it.

I experienced this personally when my mother-in-law suffered a brain aneurysm. The aneurysm left her unable to recover, and though her body continued to function, the prognosis was bleak. For five days, our family sat with her in the hospital, watching and waiting. It was shocking how quickly the surreal became routine. The beeping machines, the sterile smell of the hospital, the cost of parking—they all became a new normal. When she finally passed on that fifth day, it felt as though she had died again, as we were jolted out of a reality we had inadvertently settled into.

The story of King Zedekiah demonstrates a similar situation. Zedekiah was granted a temporary reprieve when the Babylonian forces withdrew from Jerusalem to face another threat. Instead of seeking God or using this time to prepare, Zedekiah seemed to assume that this new reality would persist. He mistook the pause in pressure as a lasting peace. But as we read in Jeremiah 37, that peace was fleeting. The Babylonians returned, and Jerusalem’s fate was sealed.

Like Zedekiah, we can easily become complacent, mistaking temporary relief as a permanent state. But as Christians, we are called to live with a different mindset. We are reminded in Scripture to always be vigilant, to be in a constant state of readiness for whatever God may call us to next. We are not to settle into our current circumstances, assuming they will last forever, but rather to trust that God is at work in every season, preparing us for His next move.

Our lives are full of transitions, and while it’s natural to adapt to our surroundings, we must not let our temporary circumstances define our expectations for the future. Whether in times of peace or in the midst of trials, we should continually seek God, asking Him what He desires to teach us and how He wants us to prepare for what lies ahead.

Let us remember that for now isn’t forever. Our trust should not be in the permanence of our circumstances, but in the eternal God who guides us through them. We must remain ready, always seeking, always listening, and always prepared to follow where He leads.

How Will You Lead?

I’ve always been struck by the profound responsibility that comes with leadership, particularly in the church. Reading through Jeremiah 22-23, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of God’s words directed at the leaders of Israel. As a leader, these passages serve as a sobering reminder that shepherding God’s people is not about serving ourselves but about being faithful stewards of His truth.

In Jeremiah 23:1-2, God condemns the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of His pasture. This rebuke is not limited to the kings but extends to the religious leaders as well. Those who are supposed to guide and protect God’s people are instead leading them astray, prioritizing their own interests over the well-being of the flock. The failure of these leaders to listen to God and to faithfully communicate His message is a betrayal of their calling.

As a preacher, this strikes a deep chord within me. The role of a preacher, much like the prophets of old, is to declare God’s word to His people. But how can we do that if we do not first listen to what He has to say? Jeremiah 23:16-22 makes it clear that those who claim to speak for God must be faithful to His words, not their own ideas or desires. This is not just a call to those who stand in the pulpit, but to anyone in a position of spiritual leadership—whether you’re leading a church, a small group, or your own family.

It’s easy to let our own agendas, insecurities, or even good intentions cloud our ability to hear from God. But as leaders, we must be committed to both truth and transparency. We must be willing to speak God’s truth, even when it’s difficult, and to do so with integrity and humility.

This is a commitment I continue to make in my own ministry, and it’s one I challenge all leaders to take seriously. We must shepherd God’s people with care, ensuring that we are faithful to His word and not leading others astray by our own neglect or self-interest. Let’s be leaders who listen, who seek God’s guidance, and who are faithful to the task we’ve been given.

Tell Me What I Want To Hear

In Jeremiah 26:11, we see the priests and prophets accusing Jeremiah of treason for delivering a prophecy of doom: “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.” Jeremiah’s words were not what the people wanted to hear, and their reaction highlights a common human tendency: rejecting uncomfortable truths in favor of comforting lies. This is echoed in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, where Paul warns that a time will come when people “will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

The accusation of treason against Jeremiah underscores the resistance to prophetic truth that contradicts personal or national expectations. Jeremiah’s prophecy was not treasonous; it was a call to repentance, aiming to avert the disaster that awaited Judah if they continued in their sinful ways. Yet, the people preferred to silence the prophet rather than heed his warning, demonstrating the peril of valuing comfort over truth.

This scenario isn’t unique to ancient Judah. Today, we can be just as prone to seeking out voices that affirm our desires and beliefs, rather than those that challenge us with uncomfortable truths. Whether it’s in politics, religion, or personal relationships, the temptation to surround ourselves with yes-men—those who tell us what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear—is ever-present. This leads to a dangerous echo chamber, where truth becomes a casualty, and growth is stunted.

Paul’s warning to Timothy is a timeless caution against this tendency. True growth, both spiritually and personally, requires a willingness to face hard truths and to be corrected. When we reject sound doctrine in favor of teachings that merely scratch our itching ears, we stray from the path of righteousness and risk falling into deception.

In our lives, we must strive to value truth over comfort. This means being open to correction, seeking out voices that challenge us, and remaining vigilant against the tendency to embrace only those messages that affirm our desires.

Useless Defiance

The story of King Josiah’s demise is a sobering reminder that human plans cannot override God’s will. Josiah was a devout king who led significant religious reforms in Judah, rediscovering the Book of the Law and purging idolatry. However, his downfall came when he chose to intercept Pharaoh Neco of Egypt without seeking God’s guidance. Despite Neco’s warning that he was on a mission from God, Josiah proceeded into battle and was fatally wounded (2 Chronicles 35:20-27; 2 Kings 23:29-30).

This incident underscores the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will. Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Josiah’s tragic end illustrates the peril of disregarding divine warnings and relying on personal judgment instead.

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the futility of resisting God’s plans. In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul’s partial obedience in dealing with the Amalekites led to his rejection by God. Similarly, Jonah’s attempt to flee from God’s command to go to Nineveh resulted in him being swallowed by a great fish, only to eventually fulfill his mission.

These examples remind us that true wisdom lies in seeking and adhering to God’s guidance. James 1:5 encourages us to seek God’s wisdom, assuring us that He gives generously to those who ask. Are there areas in your life where you are pressing forward with your plans without seeking God’s direction? Align your actions with God’s will and trust in His perfect plan.

Invaluable

In today’s reading from 2 Kings 23:1-28 and 2 Chronicles 34:29-35:19, we see King Josiah’s zealous reforms in Judah. His commitment to God is evident as he destroys items associated with idol worship. Despite their material value, these objects were detestable to him because they were dedicated to other gods. Rather than repurpose or sell these valuable artifacts, Josiah chose to obliterate them completely. This action teaches us about prioritizing spiritual integrity over material wealth.

Josiah’s actions underscore the importance of aligning our values with God’s will. The cultural and historical context of these artifacts didn’t justify their continued existence in Josiah’s eyes. He recognized that their presence, no matter how valuable in human terms, was a direct affront to God. This radical approach calls us to evaluate our lives and identify anything that could be a stumbling block to our faith. It could be habits, relationships, or pursuits that detract from our devotion to God.

Josiah’s decision to destroy the idols rather than repurpose them shows his commitment to spiritual purity. This principle applies to our own lives. If something, no matter how valuable, leads us away from God, it is better to remove it completely. By doing so, we create space for God’s presence and blessings to flourish, just as Josiah’s reforms led to a renewed covenant with the Lord and a period of spiritual revival in Judah.

Reflection Questions:

What valuable things in your life might be leading you away from your commitment to God?
How can you prioritize spiritual integrity over material wealth?
Are there habits or relationships that you need to reconsider in light of your faith?