- So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king’s table, and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, according to his daily needs, as long as he lived. 2 Kings25:29-30 – In this last chapter of 2 Kings we see the final destruction of Judah. The temple is destroyed, the walls of Jerusalem destroyed, and the people are almost completely taken into exile. It’s a sad set of events to read, but all due to their rejection of God. Yet, in the last few verses, we get a glimpse of God’s grace. Jehoiachin, likely one of the last remaining family members of the line of David, is released from prison and shown a small amount of blessing from the King of Babylon. We may be wowed that the King of Babylon would be so kind to release Jehoiachin and provide all the things he did, but how much greater of a giver is our God over some pagan king! God has released us from the prison of death, He has welcomed us into His home and family, He has provided for our every need, and He even gave His own Son so that we could experience freedom. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:11, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” The grace the King of Babylon showed Jehoiachin is special, but the grace our Lord demonstrates to us is far beyond anything this world has seen. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3091
- And he burned the house of the Lord and the king’s house and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. 2 Kings 25:9 – Babylon destroyed everything. Babylon took almost everyone away from their homeland and cast them elsewhere. It’s seemed that the people of God had lost everything, yet what was most important they still had and would never be able to have it taken away. God will always be with His people. For us who have placed our faith in Him we can never lose what we have with God. No power can ever step in and take the life we have with God away. These powers can take all other things away, and even discourage us to think we have lost what we have in God, but we must remember the truth that what we have in God we’ll have always. Maybe right now all you do have is God, just know He is more than enough. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1048
- So the city was besieged till the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 2 Kings 25:2 – The eventual judgement on Judah has finally come in our readings. Babylon has shown up on the scene, and as we read in our chapter, destroys everything within Jerusalem. What I want us to note though is that the besiegement went until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. So, next question, when did it start? The ninth year. Meaning the land had the enemy’s presence, power, and attacks constantly with them for almost two full years straight. We can read a little in this chapter about the hopelessness and weakening this brought the people. The enemy came but didn’t leave quickly. We must accept this will be our story as well. Our enemy who is wanting to keep us from a life after Jesus isn’t just going to pop in once, spew a few discouraging words, then leave letting us do our thing. No, he is going to come, stay, and lay attack after attack on those seeking to pursue Jesus. But…just because the enemy is coming, has come, and is staying, this doesn’t mean our story is loss. Jesus too has come and is staying with us and we can lean into Him for our support against the attacks. He will provide the strength, peace, and provision we need to not just keep fighting but also enjoy this blessed life despite the present of the enemy. So yes, realize the enemy is here and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Don’t let that though discourage you from a faithful pursuit of Jesus. You will find all you need to withstand the enemy and live free in Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2231
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