Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
In faithfulness to his promise to Abraham, God had established his kingdom within Israel, patterned on that of Eden: His people (Israel and those who joined them), in his place (Canaan), under his rule (the law), enjoying the blessing of his presence (in the temple). He gave them rulers to help, and bore with them for century after century. But as in Eden, they sinned, persistently. And so, in 722BC he gave the northern kingdom over to Assyria, and they were taken into exile and lost. Now, in 586BC, the same happens to the southern kingdom of Judah, under Babylon. As in Eden, he "thrust them from his presence" (24v20), with Jerusalem, and the temple, which signified God's presence, being destroyed. The lesson is that although God is slow to anger, in the end his judgment will fall. As we've seen throughout 1 and 2 Kings, his word always comes to pass. But what of his word of promise to Abraham? And what of that everlasting kingdom promised to David? The book ends with Jehoiachin (Judah's king) being strangely favoured in Babylon. God hasn't forgotten his people! As you read note the religious significance of these events.
2 Kings 23:31-24:30
2 Kings 23:31-24:30
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.