Reading for today:  2 Kings 24-25 and 2 Chronicles 36
Original post:  August 26, 2014


Todays reading is a nice summary of what we have read over the last several weeks.   2 Chronicles gives almost no details about the reign on Zedekiah.  It only says "he rebelled, and was punished."  We learn much more in Jeremiah.   But it is interesting to think about how our lives might be summarized.   If we had to write a single paragraph that gave an accurate picture of our entire lives...what would we include?   Would we devote a line to our children, or other descendants?   Would we mention the size of our bank account at the time of our death?   What would we say was our life's passion?   Was it serving God, having fun, working.....?     What will you and I be most remembered for?     And, is that what we want to be remembered for?

In any case, the entire time of the exile (70 years) is almost completely skipped.  That means a whole generation lived in Iraq and we don't know anything about them.  Nothing is written.  And the reason for that is that is doesn't matter to the narrative.   The Bible isn't just a book of jewish history, it's the story of God delivering the human race through the jews.   So the exile is important only to help us understand justice, punishment and God's mercy and faithfulness.     God promises to bring them back and forgive them, and that's what He does.

And, that is exactly what He does for us.  God brings us back and forgives us when we have willingly walked away from Him.  He restores us and loves us and exalts us.   Once we have repented of our sins, He remembers them no more.  In His eyes, we are clean and pure...like it never happened.     Israel has sinned, but she will be forgiven.   She has strayed, but she will return.   She is captive today, but she will be released, and will rule.   Today she is downtrodden, tomorrow she will be exalted.   Watch Israel, because through that nation the Lord brings guidance to us all.

PR