April 6, 2024 - 2 Kings 22-25

These are the last kings of Judah – Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah – and what a sad story as their reigns brought an end to the kingdom.  Well, of course, there was the bright spot of Josiah who, upon hearing the reading of the Book of the Law, “stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book.  And all the people joined in the covenant” (23:3).  The history of Israel’s kings is such a mixed bag.  Even when a good and faithful king would arise, he would be followed by evil kings.  It was not sufficient that a good king occasionally ruled; the need was for consistently faithful rulers.  Consistency . . . back in January, some of us were having a conversation about New Years resolutions and how we make them only to fail consistently to follow through.  We make our vows.  We promise.  We determine to do better. But, as with the kings, unless there is consistent and faithful follow-through, the day is not won.  We act in fits and spurts but a faithful and truly blessed life requires us, as the writer of Hebrews put it, “to lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2).  And, so, we ask of the Lord”

May Thy rich grace impart

strength to my fainting heart,

my zeal inspire;

as Thou hast died for me,

O may my love to Thee

pure, warm, and changeless be,

a living fire.   -- Ray Palmer (1830)