The Sure Word of God - II Chronicles 34-36 and John 19:1-22
As we come to the end of our reading about all of the kings of Israel and Judah, it is very significant that we read about the Book of the Law being found in the Temple and being read to king Josiah. How did they lose the Word of God in the first place? Why did they neglect it? After all, it was God's Word to them. It was His covenant with them. It shows how far the people had departed from the covenant. They did not even have a copy of it to read, and they were not aware of its contents. Josiah saw it immediately upon hearing it read. He knew that the wrath of God had to come upon them for all of their sinful rebellion against Him and their neglect of the covenant. He tried to make things right, but the people did not really want to keep God's Word. As soon as Josiah died they went back to idols. Then, God sent the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem and the Temple. It is fitting, since they did not honor the city where He put His name, and they did not want to worship Him. The Bible tells us that they did keep His Law of the Sabbaths because of the Exile. They were forced to follow His Word of allowing the fields to lay dormant every seven years. That was God's way of showing them that His Word is sure. It will not be broken. If people go against it, there will be consequences.
People do the same thing today. We have copies of God's Word, but how often do we read them? We know what we are to do, but do we do it? I am afraid much the same situation exists in America today as existed in Judah back then. I believe God will punish us severely if we don't turn back to His Word very soon. I am not talking about politicians or unbelievers. I am talking about God's people returning to God.
John 19 tells us about Jesus' crucifixion after His trials. Why did it happen that way? It is written in God's sure Word. Read Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. There is no way it would have happened any differently. God's Word proclaimed the truth centuries beforehand, and the Jewish leaders could have known Jesus was the Messiah and received Him, but they didn't. Why did they reject Him? It was their neglect of God's Word and their rejection of the clear teaching of God's Word. They were set on doing things their own way. That led to their downfall, and it will lead to the downfall of anyone who does not live according to God's Word. His Word is the only absolute truth we have in the world today. He was good enough to give it to us. We must not neglect it or reject it.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezra 1-2 and John 19:23-42.
People do the same thing today. We have copies of God's Word, but how often do we read them? We know what we are to do, but do we do it? I am afraid much the same situation exists in America today as existed in Judah back then. I believe God will punish us severely if we don't turn back to His Word very soon. I am not talking about politicians or unbelievers. I am talking about God's people returning to God.
John 19 tells us about Jesus' crucifixion after His trials. Why did it happen that way? It is written in God's sure Word. Read Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. There is no way it would have happened any differently. God's Word proclaimed the truth centuries beforehand, and the Jewish leaders could have known Jesus was the Messiah and received Him, but they didn't. Why did they reject Him? It was their neglect of God's Word and their rejection of the clear teaching of God's Word. They were set on doing things their own way. That led to their downfall, and it will lead to the downfall of anyone who does not live according to God's Word. His Word is the only absolute truth we have in the world today. He was good enough to give it to us. We must not neglect it or reject it.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezra 1-2 and John 19:23-42.