Read 2 Kings 14
Highlights:
Reigns of Amaziah, Azariah (Uzziah), and Jotham over Judah; reigns of five of last six kings over Israel
And the LORD said not that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash (2 Kings 14:27).
The Lord has preserved His chosen people of Israel for thousands of years. The Covenant God made with Abraham has stood true through generation after generation. It will continue to do so through the end of all time as God continues offering redemption to the Jews as well as the gentiles.
Israel has come through many obstacles during the years since God chose Abraham. The nation has been in bondage to Egypt, Babylon, Medo-Persia and Rome. They have fought many wars, separated into two nations, seen droughts and famines and the people have been scattered all over the world.
Through all these trials and tribulations, God has protected His people. In contrast, many ancient world powers are not even thought of today. Though Israel was not united for a time, they were eventually reestablished as a nation.
We praise God that just like the people of Israel, believers in Jesus are now part of the chosen of God. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Pet. 2:9). God has extended the same love to the gentile that He did to Abraham and His descendants. God through the sacrifice of Jesus has now made a covenant with us to become His children. We are grafted into the vine to become part of God's family. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me (John 15:4)
Therefore, God will preserve the believer just like He has done for Israel. There may be times that we feel like there is no hope for us. Such times are just like when God stepped in on Israel's behalf and delivered them out of the situation they were in. He will do the same for all those that have made Jesus Lord and Savior of their lives. When troubles come your way, call on God. He will deliver you out of or carry you through the trial.
And the LORD shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (2 Tim. 4:18).
Thought for Today:
: Each part of the body of Christ is dependent upon every other part to survive, and must function only in its design. A liver cannot be a leg.
Christ Revealed:
When the Lord struck King Azariah with leprosy and thrust him out from being king (2 Kin. 15:5-7). This foreshadows the time when Christ shall reign upon the earth and all who have ignored or refused His merciful gift of salvation shall be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
Word Studies:
14:10 lifted thee up, made you proud; 14:12 put to the worse, defeated; 14:25 sea of the plain, the Dead Sea; 15:5 a several house, a separated house; 15:20 exacted, assessed, taxed; 15:25 in his room, in his stead, place.
Prayer Suggestion: Go to God in prayer with a heart and life that are keeping His Commandments and He will answer you (1 John 4:7-8).
Optional Reading: Romans 9
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 5:21
