Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

May 3
Read II Kings 6 -- 8

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Can you imagine being so in tune with God that you hear and heed all His warnings! It's daybreak (6:15); you're surrounded by the army of the enemy. Enemies, named or unnamed, surround all of us. But remember, God's army of angels protects us and the Holy Spirit guides us. Ever felt hunger? God uses the most "unlikely" to bring satisfaction (6:24 -- 7:20).
Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, could not deny that God had miraculously healed Naaman, the captain of his armies (5:1-15). Nor could he have "forgotten" that when they attempted to capture the prophet Elisha, the Syrian soliders were miraculously blinded and were then led by Elisha inside the walls of the capital city of Samaria (6:18-20). The soldiers were trapped and at the mercy of the king of Israel. However, at Elisha's command, the king prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away (6:23). Yet, a few years later, Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria (6:24-25).

The citizens of the once-proud, luxurious, fortress-city of Samaria that had forsaken the Lord were faced with all the horrors of famine. To surrender to Syria meant death for King Jehoram and slavery for his people. But remaining within the walls reduced the people to starvation and they were forced to eat the most repulsive and defiling food to remain alive. These pitiful conditions were the prophesied results of Israel's disobedience (Lev. 26:29; Deut. 28:53,57) and would be repeated again at the fall of Jerusalem (Jer. 19:9; Lam. 2:20; 4:10). As the king of Israel was passing by . . . there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. This ungodly king was finally forced to admit: If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? (II Kin. 6:26-27).

When it appeared there was no hope, the Lord brought Jehoram face to face with Elisha, who proclaimed: Hear ye the Word of the Lord . . . To morrow . . . shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria (7:1). The prophecy was miraculously fulfilled the next day when God sent fear into the hearts of the Syrian army and they quickly abandoned their camp and all their supplies so that food was in abundance for all. God, in His great mercy and long-suffering, once again miraculously spared His sinful people.

Christians need not fear tomorrow. Instead, we can rejoice in the promises of God: My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

Thought for Today:

Sin brings us to spiritual starvation, but obedience to the Word of God brings us to His bountiful supply of spiritual satisfaction.
Christ Portrayed:

By Elisha, who wept when he realized what Hazael would do to Israel and its people (II Kin. 8:11-12). We are reminded of Jesus as He wept over Jerusalem: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often would I have gathered thy children together . . . and ye would not! (Matt. 23:37-38).
Word Studies:

6:1 strait =b> small, too confined; 6:30 within =b> next to, underneath; 7:5 uttermost part =b> borders; 8:11 settled his countenance =b> stared intensely; 8:26 daughter =b> granddaughter.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Irwin & Joyce Koopman • Government Officials: Rep. Ralph Hall (TX), Gov. C.L. Butch Otter (ID), Sen. David Vitter (LA), Sen. Jim Risch (ID), and Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) • Country: Latvia (2.48 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Latvian and Russian • Religious freedom • 20% Protestant (mainly Lutheran); 20% Roman Catholic; 15% Orthodox; .9% Jewish; .4% Muslim; 43.7% Atheist/Agnostics/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Put on God's whole armor so that you may be able to successfully stand up against Satan's evil attacks (Eph. 6:11).
Optional Reading: Romans 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:15

[Judy Harder]

May 4
Read II Kings 9 -- 10

Highlights In Today's Reading:

God calls the young man the prophet (9:4). The task? To anoint Jehu as king of Israel. Why (9:7-10)? God often calls, anoints, and sets apart (Ps. 4:3; see John 15:16). Prophecy of Jezebel's death is fulfilled (II Kin. 9:30-37; see 9:10). Ahab's descendants in Jezreel are all executed (10:10-11). Jehu's 28-year reign ends (10:34-36).
Because of the wicked influence of Ahab and Jezebel, Baal worship was prominent in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. But, because of the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to Ahab and Jezebel's daughter Athaliah, it had also become popular in the Kingdom of Judah. Jehoram reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of . . . the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the Lord (8:17-18).

During this serious spiritual decline the Lord was preparing Jehu, a military commander of the Northern Kingdom (9:5), as His instrument of judgment (I Kin. 19:16; II Kin. 9:6-10). Jehu first killed Jehoram, King of Israel, and then Ahaziah, King of Judah (II Kin. 9:23-27). Then Jehu had Jezebel thrown out of a window and trampled her body with his horses; and, as had been foretold by the prophet, the dogs ate her body (9:33-37).

Jehu zealously executed all who remained of the family of Ahab in Samaria (10:1-17). He zealously destroyed Baal worship in the Northern Kingdom (10:18-28). But Jehu did not execute the wicked Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel and mother of King Ahaziah.

There was some good about Jehu and his 28-year reign over Israel (10:28,30). He had bragged to Jehonadab: Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord (10:16). But, there was also much that was wrong with him (10:29,31). After gaining security as king, we read that Jehu took no heed to walk in the Law of the Lord God of Israel . . . for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin (10:31).

To abolish the golden calf worship of Jeroboam would have possibly led the Northern Kingdom to return to the True Temple of God for worship (I Kin. 12:26-30), which could have led to a United Kingdom. Jehu did not take that risk. His zeal for the Lord and his reformation were but a partial turning to the Lord -- just enough to achieve his own ends. It is possible to be used of God and never be in complete submission to Him.

Our decisions should never be based on the protection of our self-interests but on our commitment to the Lord's interests. Then we can trust the results to God for no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11).

Thought for Today:

There is no substitute for complete submission to the will of God or complete obedience to His Word.
Christ Portrayed:

By Elisha who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu (II Kin. 9:1-6). Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint believers (John 14:16-17; 16:13; Acts 1:8; compare I Sam. 16:13). The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth (lives) in you (I John 2:27).
Word Studies:

9:23 treachery =b> treason; 9:30 tired her head =b> adorned her hair; 10:3 Look even out the best and meetest =b> Select the most capable; 10:27 draught house =b> public toilet.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter & Penelope Swanson and Helayne Abrams •Staff: Rita Guerra • Country: Lebanon (4.3 million) in the Middle East • Major languages: Arabic and French • Limited religious freedom • 55% Muslim (Shi'a, Sunni); 41% Christian (Maronite, Orthodox, Melchite, Protestant, Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac); 3% Druze; 1% Others (Jewish, Baha'i, Alawi, Jehovah's Witness) • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that prayer is one of the ways God uses to strengthen you in the power of His might (Eph. 6:18).
Optional Reading: Romans 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:15

[Judy Harder]

May 5
Read II Kings 11 -- 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Like her master, Satan, Athaliah orchestrates a takeover of those chosen by God (11:1-3; see John 10:10); but, God has His plan and His seed (II Kin. 11:4-21). The House of God is in disrepair. The people begin supporting the upkeep of the Temple (12:6-16). Don't get mixed up -- we have Joash king of Judah, and Jehoahaz and Jehoash kings of Israel (13:10).
When Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel, received word that her son, King Ahaziah, was dead, she seized the throne of Judah and proclaimed herself queen. To eliminate all competition, she thought she had murdered all of the royal family of David's descendants including all of her own grandsons (11:1; II Chr. 22:10).

Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada the high priest, was used of God to hide her one-year-old nephew Joash (Jehoash) from Athaliah's assassinations (II Kin. 11:2-21; II Chr. 22:11-12). He was the sole link that preserved the prophesied dynasty of David and the very lineage of Jesus Christ. Joash . . . was with her hid in the House of the Lord six years (II Kin. 11:2-3). Never underestimate the power of God to protect His children, even when they appear to be victims of evil circumstances beyond their control.

Joash was seven years old (11:21) when Jehoiada brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the Testimony (a copy of the Mosaic Law); and they made him king (11:12). Athaliah heard the excited shouts and ran into the Temple court just in time for her execution. Then Jehoiada made a Covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, which resulted in the destruction of the Baal temple and execution of its chief priest Mattan (11:17-18).

Jehoash (Joash) did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him (12:2; II Chr. 24:2). The faithless priests let the Temple fall into disrepair and the people still worshiped at the high places (II Kin. 12:3) which should have been destroyed; then, Joash had Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, murdered for prophesying against him (II Chr. 24:20-21). Soon after this, Hazael king of Syria . . . set his face to go up to Jerusalem (II Kin. 12:17). The Lord delivered a very great host into their (the Syrians') hand, because they (Judah) had forsaken the Lord (II Chr. 24:24).

Joash's servants . . . slew Joash (II Kin. 12:20; II Chr. 24:25). The account of Joash illustrates that to forsake the Word of God results in untold miseries: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (hinder) the Truth in (because of their) unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18).

Thought for Today:

The promises of God never diminish, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.
Christ Portrayed:

By Jehoiada, who protected Joash and, in holy judgment, had Athaliah slain (II Kin. 11:4-16). Christ keeps us safe to fulfill His will and will return to judge all who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Thess. 1:.
Word Studies:

11:7 two parts =b> two companies; 11:8 compass =b> surround; 12:5 breaches =b> damaged places; 12:11 laid it out =b> paid it to them; 13:6 the grove =b> place to worship the goddess Asherah (Ashtoreth).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Alan C. Wallace • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Vincent & Rebecca Naughton • English International Shortwave Broadcasts in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East sponsored by Mrs. Sandy Fausnaugh • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Rep. Charles Gonzalez (TX) • Country: Lesotho (2 million) within the east-central part of the Republic of South Africa • Major languages: Sesotho and English • Limited religious freedom • 43% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 6% ancestor worship, divination, and spirit-possession cults • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christ will be seen through you (Phil. 1:20-21).
Optional Reading: Romans 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:15

[Judy Harder]

May 6
Read II Kings 14 -- 15

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Pay attention to the list of kings in the history of Israel and Judah. One dies; another takes his place. Some please God; some don't. For some, their greater sin is not only disobeying God, but also leading others to sin. How will God remember you and me?
Following the death of his father Jehoash, Jeroboam II ruled the Northern Kingdom of Israel for 41 years in Samaria (14:23), one of the longest reigns of any of Israel's kings. He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the Word of the Lord God of Israel, which He spake by . . . His servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet (14:25).

Scripture gives little credit to Jeroboam for his success, but the Lord foretold it through His servant Jonah. The Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. . . . but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash (14:26-27).

For about 30 years of his rule the nation enjoyed peace, prosperity, and political prestige unparalleled since the days of David and Solomon about 130 years earlier. Unfortunately, his military abilities were not matched by any desire for doing the will of God: He (also) did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord (14:24), and immorality and idolatry flourished. Finally, God commanded Amos to prophesy in Bethel the destruction of Jeroboam's kingdom (Amos 7:9). Both Hosea and Amos also spoke out against the spiritual bankruptcy, religious perversion, and moral wickedness that flourished during Jeroboam's reign (Hos. 1:1; 6:4-10; 10:1-15; Amos 1:1; 2:6-8; 3:13-5:27).

Sadly, this period of national prosperity did not cause them to be repentant and humble before God. The Lord showed His love for His people through the special prophets He sent to them (17:13). But the people rejected the Word of God. They attributed their prosperity to their idols and worshiped them more than ever, while immorality and violence continued to thrive.

But after Jeroboam's death, anarchy prevailed and Israel rapidly degenerated. If they had only repented of their sins, been obedient to the Word of God, and worshiped the Lord, their wonderful peace and prosperity surely would have continued.

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Rom. 6:16).

Thought for Today:

If we have not fully surrendered to the Word of God we do not know the fullness of His blessings and His plan for our lives.
Christ Revealed:

When the Lord struck King Azariah with leprosy and thrust him out from being king (II Kin. 15:5-7). This foreshadows the time when Christ shall reign upon the earth and all who ignore or refuse His merciful gift of salvation shall be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
Word Studies:

14:10 lifted thee up =b> made you proud; 14:12 put to the worse =b> defeated; 14:25 sea of the plain =b> the Dead Sea; 15:5 a several house =b> a separated house; 15:20 exacted =b> assessed, taxed; 15:25 in his room =b> in his stead, place.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Irwin & Joyce Koopman • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Official: Sen. Richard Shelby (AL) • Country: Liberia (3 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and more than 20 local languages of the Niger-Congo language group • Religious freedom • 41% ancestor worship and witchcraft; 21% Muslim; 13% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that at all times you will find pleasure in what pleases the Lord (Phil. 2:13).
Optional Reading: Romans 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:15

[Judy Harder]

May 7
Read II Kings 16 -- 17

Highlights In Today's Reading:

With the leadership in both Israel and Judah under evil control we see the things of God deteriorating. First the silver, the gold, and the bronze (16:8, 17). Disaster befalls the nation. We can avoid the same today (chap. 7).
Fearing the growing power of Assyria, Pekah, king of Israel, made an alliance with Rezin, king of Syria (15:37). Together they attempted to force Ahaz, king of Judah, to join them. When Ahaz refused, Rezin . . . and Pekah . . . came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him (16:5). Ahaz then made an alliance with the king of Assyria and gave him the silver and gold that was found in the House of the Lord to attack Syria and Israel (16:. Rezin was conquered and killed (16:9). Another palace conspiracy removed Pekah and Hoshea became king of the Northern Kingdom (15:30).

A little over 30 years after Jeroboam's death, the words of the prophets were fulfilled as the Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed. The king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea . . . shut him up, and bound him in prison. Then the king of Assyria . . . went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea the king . . . took . . . Israel away into Assyria (II Kin.17:4-6).

Hoshea was the last king of the Northern Kingdom which began as the most powerful with the most powerful tribes. The real reason for Hoshea's defeat and the deportation of the remaining tribes of the Northern Kingdom was their disloyalty to God: They left all the Commandments of the Lord their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. . . . Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of His sight (17:16-23,33).

The Southern Kingdom of Judah was also permeated with idol worship. In his zeal to disregard God, His Word, and His prophets, Ahaz, king of Judah, did not permit worship of Jehovah in the House of the Lord (16:10-18; II Chr. 28:24). He filled Jerusalem and Judah with shrines to Baal and the goddess Ashtoreth and favored the immoral sodomites (II Kin. 16:3-4; II Chr. 28:2-4,22-25).

We see this same disloyalty today in some who call themselves Christians. They have their names on church rolls, attend church briefly on Sunday, and yet the rest of the week they live as if God did not exist. They seem to have no genuine heart's desire to please the Lord. The important warning for today is that disregard of the Word of God makes self the god -- the one who makes life's choices. And whoever or whatever gets our attention and loyalty becomes our idol whether it is a person, place, thing, or activity -- then defeat becomes inevitable.

Jesus said of those in His day: This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me (Matt. 15:.

Thought for Today:

Evil nations rush to try to remove God and His Word from their thoughts but to the faithful His promises are still true (Ps. 33:12-21).
Christ Revealed:

Through the original Brasen (brass) Altar made by Solomon (II Kin. 16:14; II Chr. 4:1). The Brasen Altar is a type of the cross on which Christ, our whole burnt offering, offered Himself to God (Heb. 9:14). Unlike the necessary daily sacrifices offered by the priests on the Brasen Altar, this He did once (once for all), on the cross, when He offered up Himself (7:27).
Word Studies:

16:11 against King Ahaz =before King Ahaz arrived; 16:13 meat offering =meal or grain offering or unleavened bread, oil, and a portion of incense (see Lev. 2:1); 16:18 entry without, turned he from =be removed the covered walkway for the king of Assyria.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. A.C. Tarjan • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Uncle Willard • English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Larry & Carol Lake • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO) and Rep. Candice Miller (MI) • Country: Libya (5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and Italian • No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted • 98% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that the Lord protects you and provides for your needs (Phil. 4:4).
Optional Reading: Romans 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:15

[Judy Harder]

May 8
Read II Kings 18 -- 20

Highlights In Today's Reading:

We learn from Hezekiah. God protects Hezekiah from the fiery plight his brother suffered from their evil father (16:3). His godly character is recorded (18:3-8). When threatened, he spreads the threat before the Lord and prays: Save Thou us (19:14-19), and God does (19:32-36). Sick unto death, he prays again, receives a miraculous recovery, and the sundial moves backward (20:1-11).
Ahaz had been one of the most wicked kings in Judah's history. The prophet Micah publicly proclaimed the warning of God against the leaders in Judah, for they hate the good, and love the evil. . . . make My people err. . . . Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps (Mic. 3:2,5,12). In the third year of Hoshea . . . Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. . . . And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (II Kin. 18:1-3; II Chr. 31:20-21). He did not follow the ways of his evil father Ahaz; instead, he believed the prophets of God, including the unpopular Micah. Hezekiah not only benefited from the godly ministry of Micah, but gained great encouragement from the faithful prophet Isaiah as well. Hezekiah removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, all of which were used for idol worship. He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah. . . . For he . . . kept His Commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses (II Kin. 18:4-6).

Hezekiah also led the nation to keep the Passover and renew its Covenant with the Lord. So there was great joy in Jerusalem. . . . Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came . . . even unto heaven (II Chr. 30:26-27). We learn from Hezekiah that people are blessed and prayers are answered when the Word of God is honored.

There are a few in every generation who faithfully let all the Word of God be their Guide. True Christians believe Christ died as Savior for our sins, have turned from sin, and now yield to the lordship of His indwelling Holy Spirit to guide them as they read their Bible.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Rom. 8:8-10).

Thought for Today:

The failures of our past cannot keep us from the blessings of God when we turn from our sin to obedience to the Word of God.
Christ Portrayed:

By Hezekiah, who was faithful in leading the kingdom of Judah back to God and His Word (II Kin. 19) -- a foreshadowing of Jesus' words to the Pharisees in His attempt to awaken them to their need to see themselves as sinners and recognize Him as their Savior (Mark 2:17).
Word Studies:

18:6 clave =b> clung, was devoted to; 18:17 Tartan =b> the title of Assyria's general, commander in chief; Rabsaris =b> the chief financial official; Rabshakeh =b> the chief officer, or possibly chief cupbearer; 18:31 by a present =b> by paying tribute; 19:3 bring forth =b> give birth; 19:7 blast =b> spirit of bad fortune; 20:3 sore =b> bitterly and loud.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Robert Pagel • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Official: Rep. Vernon Buchanan (FL) • Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe • Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything (Phil. 4:6).
Optional Reading: Romans 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:15

[Judy Harder]

May 9
Read II Kings 21 -- 23:20

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Judah's good king Hezekiah was followed by his evil son and then his evil grandson (21:1-2,19-22). But, how about his great-grandson Josiah (22:1-2)? His priests discover the Law, a lost treasure (22:. The king follows it and institutes religious reforms reversing apostasy dating back to Solomon's time (23:13).
Manasseh was more evil than his grandfather King Ahaz. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen (II Kin. 21:2). As a result, Manasseh was conquered and bound in chains by the cruel Assyrians. They often put a hook in the nose of the captive king and led him like an animal into captivity where he would experience extreme humiliation and intense suffering.

After his captivity, he humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers (II Chr. 33:10-12). Surely, it was an answer to his father Hezekiah's prayers. Manasseh experienced the forgiving love of God toward all repentant sinners.

The amazing miracle was that Manasseh was released from the Assyrian prison and returned to Jerusalem. This answer to his prayer removed all doubt and Manasseh knew that the Lord He was God (33:13). Another amazing miracle was that he was restored as king of the Southern Kingdom. He immediately destroyed all the false gods and altars he had built, repaired the altar of the Lord, and re-established worship of the One True God (33:15-16). But he could not undo his many years of wicked rule nor restore life to the men of God whom he had executed (II Kings 21:16). Think of the thousands whom he had taught to worship Baal, Molech, and Ashtaroth, the false gods and goddesses with their immoral practices of prostitution and human sacrifice.

We should be deeply grateful that God will forgive everyone who truly repents of their sins and lives to please Him, regardless of their past. There are just as many false gods today to lure us away from allowing Christ to be supreme Lord in every decision, regardless of all else. Baal has been replaced by anything or anyone that becomes our foremost interest in life.

Finally, Nebuchadnezzar became the instrument of God to execute His judgment by devastating Jerusalem, its Temple, and the land of Judah. Thus, the prophecies of the Lord were fulfilled (25:1-17; Jer. 52:12-23).

The destruction of the once-glorious Kingdom of Judah reminds us that even the greatest present-day nation on earth, with its wealth, military might, and nuclear defense, cannot survive when its people repeatedly reject the Word of God. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (Prov. 14:34).

Thought for Today:

Though God will forgive and restore us, it does not mean there will be no ill effects of our sinful living.
Christ Portrayed:

By the prophets (II Kin. 21:10). God, who . . . spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).
Word Studies:

21:3 the host of heaven =b> the whole array of heavenly bodies -- the gods of the Assyrians; 21:6 observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits =b> practiced witchcraft, fortune-telling, devil worship, black magic; 21:12 ears shall tingle =b> will be astonished with horror; 23:17 title =b> monument, grave marker.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Country: Lithuania (4 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Lithuanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 5% Russian Orthodox; 1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you contentment in your circumstances, whether in plenty or in want (Phil. 4:11-12).
Optional Reading: Romans 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:15

[Judy Harder]

May 10
Read II Kings 23:21 -- 25

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Passover is held after years of disregard. Note Josiah's desire that he might perform the words of the Law (23:24). The people see Josiah's religious reforms in three decades of peace and prosperity, but Josiah dies in battle (23:29-30). Then history sadly records a string of very evil kings, the nation is defeated, and Jerusalem and the Temple are destroyed.
Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left (22:2; II Chr. 34:2). More than three hundred years before Josiah was born, his birth was prophecied and even his name foretold (see I Kin. 13:2). About 125 years before the Northern Kingdom had been deported to Assyria, it was also prophecied that his kingdom would go beyond the border of Judah to Bethel, in the former Northern Kingdom territory, where Jeroboam had built one of the golden calf worship centers. The altar that was at Bethel . . . and the high place he brake down. . . . Josiah . . . took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar . . . according to the Word of the Lord which the man of God proclaimed (II Kin. 23:15-16; see I Kin. 13:1-2).

Josiah was the last godly King of Judah before the destruction of Jerusalem. He destroyed all the idolatrous practices in Jerusalem and throughout Judah (II Kin. 23:2-20) during his religious reforms (23:24). He was one of the best kings in the more than 450-year history of the monarchy.

Josiah was thorough in his efforts to restore true worship to the One True God. But many continued to practice the evils promoted by his father Amon and his grandfather Manasseh during their combined 57-year reign. Consequently, after his death, the people . . . took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah . . . and made him king. . . . And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord (23:30-32).

The death of Josiah ended the prosperity of Judah. Just three months after his death, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was defeated by the Egyptians, who then placed Jehoiakim (Eliakim) on the throne (23:29-34). The last four kings who followed Josiah were all puppet-rulers, controlled first by Egypt and then Babylon. During the reigns of these kings there were a series of deportations.

By His judgment on His chosen people, the Lord has warned us that He will not let sin go unpunished. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7).

Thought for Today:

Because we are Christians, there is no guarantee that our children will be also. We must train them in the Word of God for them to know the way (Prov. 22:6).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Passover (II Kin. 23:21-23), which, as a type, foreshadowed Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Passover Lamb, who delivers us from spiritual death through His sacrificial death. I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:

25:12 husbandmen =b> farmers; 25:16 without weight =b> beyond measure; 25:27 lift up the head =b> release from prison.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Official: Rep. Dean Heller (NV) • Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe • Major languages: Luxembourgish and German • Religious freedom • 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and give thanks to the Lord for your brothers and sisters in Christ (Col. 1:2-3).
Optional Reading: Romans 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:20

[Judy Harder]

May 11
Read I Chronicles 1 -- 2

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The genealogies are very important because they document the promises as well as the prophecies of God regarding Jesus the Messiah (see Matt. 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38). The journey begins with Adam (I Chr. 1:1), continues to Jesus, the last Adam (I Cor. 15:45), and concludes when He reigns as King of kings, and Lord of lords (I Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
The first nine chapters of I Chr. reveal the well-planned design of God, who daily controls the destiny of each of His faithful followers and hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). This ancient genealogy reveals the exact plan and choices of our Creator in selecting the people who were to serve Him, beginning with Adam, Sheth . . . Henoch . . . Noah . . . Abraham; Isaac . . . . and Israel (Jacob) (I Chr. 1:1,3-4,28,34; Gen. 5:1-32). Here Jacob is called by his new name "Israel" in accordance with his status as the greatly-honored bearer of the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant (compare 35:9-12).

The long list of genealogies was to encourage the Israelites, after their captivity, to realize how God foretold their return to Jerusalem. It confirms how He continued to guide the line of the Messiah from Adam, the first man, through Abraham and David.

Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden brought about mankind's physicial and spiritual death, for by one man's offence (sin) death reigned (Rom. 5:17). But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13). That is why Jesus said: Ye must be born again. . . . of the Spirit (3:7-8). Upon acceptance of Jesus' substitutionary death on the cross for our sins, true Christians receive a new spiritual nature, the nature of God, and their names are recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 21:27).

The Lord is personally involved in every Christian's life as we submit to Him. Just as we recognize this in the lives recorded in this history of Israel, we also discover how the Lord is seeking to lead us individually. As we prayerfully continue reading all His Word, He progressively reveals to us His will for our lives.

Things that happen to believers are never "accidents"; they are allowed by our Father, the Master Engineer, to prepare us to be the persons He can use to accomplish the purpose for which He created us. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to the Lord that we accept every opportunity to serve Him, even when it may seem to us that we are not qualified.

Soon the eternal books will be opened (Rev. 20:15) and, at that time, whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).

Thought for Today:

Every builder knows the importance of a good foundation. Christians must build upon the perfect foundation which is Jesus Christ (I Cor. 3:11).
Christ Portrayed:

By the first Adam (I Chr. 1:1). Christ is the last Adam. We have eternal life because the last Adam was made a quickening (life-giving) Spirit (I Cor. 15:45,47).
Word Studies:

1:6 sons of =b> descendants of; 1:10 begat =b> became the father of; 2:21 threescore =b> sixty.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Darrell Kerns • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian • strongly Orthodox country • 67% Macedonian Orthodox; 23% Muslim; 3% Catholic; 2% Protestant; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the Lord and praise Him openly, for He has redeemed you through His blood and forgiven all your sins (Col. 1:12-14).
Optional Reading: Romans 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:20

[Judy Harder]

May 12
Read I Chronicles 3 -- 5

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Check out David's descendants in chapter 3. Chapter 4 gives a lot of attention to the tribe of Judah, which is the earthly tribe from which Jesus descended. Here's Jabez and his famous prayer (4:9-10)! Learn a lesson from the accounts in 5:18-22 vs 5:25-26).
Two tribes are contrasted and we see the outcome of each and the reasons why. One is the tribe of Simeon (4:24) whose allotment of land was within Judah on the south and included Beersheba and Ziklag (Josh. 19:1-9). Their genealogy ends by saying: They smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day (I Chr. 4:43).

The smaller tribe of Simeon is contrasted with the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (5:1). The Reubenites were more powerful, but the chapter ends saying: They transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. And the . . . king of Assyria . . . carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh (5:25-26).

Instead of crossing the Jordan River and possessing the land God had chosen for them, the Reubenites preferred to live in the fertile lands on the east side of the Jordan, outside the promised land and far from the place of worship (Num. 32). They chose what they thought would bring them much greater success. But, the Reubenites were among the first tribes to be conquered and taken as slaves to Assyria. The Reubenites are an example of people who are so involved in the things of the world that God and His Word are not given first consideration. They are willing to settle for less than His best in order to receive material gain and satisfy their own ambitions and pleasures.

Many disqualify themselves from being used of God because they are not stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (I Cor. 15:58). They are driven by emotions and impulses. Reuben, unstable as water (Gen. 49:4), is an example of the New Testament warning: Let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:7-8).

This is surely true with Reuben and those who followed his example. They started out great: They cried to God . . . and He was intreated of them; because (at that time) they put their trust in Him (I Chr. 5:20). But Reuben's instability became obvious as time passed for they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land (5:25). They chose the pleasure-seeking, self-satisfying, seductive world over loyalty to God.

Surely, this points out the importance of the warning: Flee . . . youthful lusts (II Tim. 2:22). Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (I Pet. 2:11). Friendship of the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).

Thought for Today:

The things of this world often look good to us, but if they are leading us into failure they are not God's will for our lives (I John 2:15).
Christ Revealed:

Through the genealogy of David (I Chr. 3:1-24). Christ the Son of God was also called the Son of David: The Book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:23-38; Rom. 1:3).
Word Studies:

3:9 concubines =b> slave women that legally became secondary wives; 4:10 coast =b> border ; 4:40 fat =b> rich, good; 5:11 over against =b> across from.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Dean Kearns • English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Eva R. Johnston and Mr. & Mrs. Bob Franklin •Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Gov. Dave Heineman (NE), Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ), and Rep. Jared Polis (CO) • Country: Madagascar (15 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique • Major languages: French and Malagasy • Increasingly anti-Christian • 43% witchcraft, ancestor worship, and some astrology; 21% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to write His precepts in your heart (Col. 3:16).
Optional Reading: Romans 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:20