THE LORD SPOKE (July 7)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 35-36

Look at it through Jeremiah's eyes. He was probably born during King Manasseh's long reign of 55 years. They weren't good times (II Chron. 33:2-9) as Manasseh undid almost everything good that King Hezekiah had accomplished before him. "Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites" (II Chron. 33:9). There was a brief reprieve when Manasseh did finally respond properly to God's judgment (II Chron. 33:11-16) but by then the people were set in their evil ways and didn't change with him. His son Amon only "increased his guilt" during the two years of his reign (II Chron. 33:21-23). All this Jeremiah lived through as a young man.

But then Josiah became king at the age of eight (II Chron. 34:1). By the age of 16, he was actively seeking the Lord in his own life (II Chron. 34:3a) and four years later he was ready to lead a major reform in Judah (II Chron. 34:3b). Six years into it, the Book of the Law was found in the Temple (II Chron. 34:14) and the reform was given a new impetus. The renewal of the Passover celebration came in the eighteenth year of King Josiah when he was 26 years old. We know that Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry about 626 BC. That would be about the time that Josiah was 14 years old - already king but not yet embarked on his own spiritual pilgrimage. So it means that Jeremiah was a guiding source of strength and spiritual guidance throughout King Josiah's life, right up to his death in 609 BC at age 39 (II Chron. 34:1,24). No wonder he mourned when Josiah died (II Chron. 35:25).

It also means that Jeremiah had to live through the subsequent kings and sad history of Judah:

• Jehoahaz (3 months)
• Jehoiakim (11 years) - "he did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (II Chron. 36:5)
• Jehoiachin (3 months, 10 days) - "he did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (II Chron. 36:9)
• Zedekiah (11 years) - "he did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (II Chron. 36:12)

No wonder Jeremiah was a prophet of doom. After Josiah there wasn't much good to be said. Did you notice what it says about Zedekiah? He "did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord.... He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the Lord, the God of Israel" (II Chron. 36:12,14). Like king, like people! Even though God "sent word to them through his messengers again and again...they mocked God's messengers, despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy" (II Chron. 36:15-16).

No remedy but still hope. The Babylonians came. They ransacked Jerusalem, trashed the Temple, and killed the people. But the book concludes with yet another gracious promise of restoration. It came from the pen of the Persian King Cyrus but make no mistake! The source was God (II Chron. 36:22). It's just like Him! I know. He's done it for me too.


New Testament: II Thessalonians 1

“How to trouble trouble when trouble troubles you.” It probably wouldn’t make it as a book title but that’s the gist of what Paul tells the Thessalonians in the opening verses of this second epistle.

They had suffered “persecutions and trials” but remained strong - an example to other churches (II Thess. 1:4). Their severe sufferings (see I Thess. 1:6 and 2:14) were, in fact, evidence of God’s hand upon them. He allowed the persecution for their own strengthening. Their endurance led to greater spiritual and moral character.

Do you recall Paul’s three-fold commendation of these brothers previously? He praised their “work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope” (I Thess. 1:3). Now he repeats his commendation of their faith and love (II Thess. 1:3). But notice what he does next: he encourages their hope by reminding them of Jesus’ promised return. It is this which inspires renewed effort, endurance in the long haul, and faithfulness under persecution.

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled.... This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven...on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed.... (II Thess. 1:6-10)

It is the hope we have in Jesus that which inspires renewed effort, endurance in the long haul, and faithfulness under persecution.

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.

All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.