Josiah and Judah Find the Word of God - 2 Chronicles 34
1. Text summary
Wicked Manasseh's son Josiah is faithful, and reigns starting at 8 years old!
He takes down all the Baal worship sites, and repairs God's temple. They find a Bible, which seems to be an unknown thing to them! Josiah repents and recommits Judah to serving God.
2. Jesus
Jesus can bring beauty out of ashes, spiritual life out of death.
3. Application
Give God's Word the weight it deserves in your life. There are things we do routinely that offend and anger Him, and He tells us so. He also shows us how to resolve that.
Josiah's Passover - 2 Chronicles 35
1. Text summary
Josiah keeps the best Passover since Samuel, because the priests and Levites were ready and worked hard this time.
Josiah dies in a needless battle.
2. Jesus
Jesus as our priest prepared a faithful and effective sacrifice for us, too.
3. Application
Honor pastors and church leaders who work to serve you the Word.
Do your own work well, to meet the needs of those around you.
Judah's Fall - 2 Chronicles 36
1. Text summary
Judah falls.
First Egypt conquers and deports King Jehoahaz.
Then Babylon conquers and deports the next puppet king Jehoiakim.
They come back for Zedekiah and tear down the temple and city.
(It seems from 35:3; 36:7, 18 that the ark went to Babylon, not Egypt.)
After 70 years, Cyrus sets prisoners free to go back to Judah and rebuild the temple.
2. Jesus
Jesus will let some of His lampstands go out, due to persistent unfaithfulness (Revelation 1-3).
Jesus restores His people, bringing them back to God.
3. Application
When we are unfaithful to God, it results in the long run in being the slaves of unbelievers, in one way or another.
Yet, death and judgment is not the last word. Look for God's grace bringing life after death, seedling growth after winter, obedience after a period of rebellion.
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