Jehoiachin

In A Tough Time

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;  and he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon; and changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.  And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.
2 Kings 25:27-30

Also read 2 Kings 24:8-12.

To the best of my remembering the prophet Jeremiah is not even named in the book of the Kings. I do remember reading the prophet though that he had warned the king, that if he would go out to the king of Babylon in surrender he and his might be taken, but would live (Jeremiah 21:8-10). It seems that that is what Jehoiachin had done. A few years later God remembers His promise, and blesses the former king of Judah. By the king of Babylon freeing Jehoiachin from prison, and feeding, and caring for him we see that the prophecies of the prophet are true.

In tough times, we sometimes have to make quick decisions, and in  making tough decisions, based on God’s direction from His word, His will will be done.

How does a Christian make decisions based on God’s direction? By being in the word of God systematically, daily reading and studying the word of God, putting it into our minds and our hearts. In the tough and rough times we will be prepared, and the Holy Spirit will bring it to mind and we will act on it.

If you are not a follower of Jesus Christ you need to know Him. You will never make the right decision about your life until you come to Christ Jesus. You will never know true love until you know the love of God; for God is love (1 John:4:8). You cannot know God who is love until you call on the One who died on the cross for your sins, that He was buried, and that He rose again; confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believing that He rose from the dead. Then you will have eternal life.

When you know Jesus you will have His help in tough times. One word of warning though. When you come to Jesus believing Him, things might get tougher and rougher; do not fear He is with you through it all, and He will never leave you, nor forsake you.

Prophets Speak – Christmas Day One Hundred Thirty and Three

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the first year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison, and spake kindly unto him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon, and changed his prison garments: and he did continually eat bread before him all the days of his life. And for his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.” Jeremiah 52:31-34 (KJV)

Jehoiachin was a king who “…Did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 36:9) yet finds Nebuchadnezzar to be merciful, and releases him from prison, and gives him a seat with himself.

What do I want for Christmas today?

I want to always walk in the mercies of GOD, to behold His goodness, mercy,  love and grace; and I want all to know the same mercy, love and grace that has been shown to me throughout my whole life that has been given to all who will receive it through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ Son of God, God the Son.