BESIEGED
Suggested Reading: 2 Kings 25
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Dung Gate is one of the gates in the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. The gate is situated near the southeast corner of the Old City, southwest of the Temple Mount.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Kings 25:10
And all the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls of Jerusalem all around.
This was a day of judgement! The capital city, the symbol of the nation, was destroyed by Babylon (modern Iraq). Things had never looked worse for God’s chosen people. Earlier they had been forcefully removed from the northern areas, and now from Judah and the city of Jerusalem. What of God’s promises now? What of the prophesies of the great future ruler who would reign forever, the Messiah, the Son of David?
Perhaps we have not encountered circumstances which looked as bad as they did for the captive Israelites. However, there may have been times when good things in our lives seem to have been destroyed, and God’s promises sounded empty.
Look ahead! Israel was restored under leaders such as Ezra and Nehemiah. The Temple and the walls were built again. The people of God came to know a long period of peace and prosperity. Greatest of all is that in the course of time, just five miles south of Jerusalem, in the city of David, Bethlehem, the Messiah Jesus was born. He is a Deliverer greater than all the prophets imagined.
We move in our reading for tomorrow into the book of Ephesians, perhaps the book that contains, more fully than any other, the essence of the teaching of the Apostle Paul.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, fill me each day with the joy that comes from knowing that the darkness and despair that may seem to be all around is only temporary. Please help me to look to the eternal reality of Your plans for my future. Plans that are greater than anything I could imagine. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!!!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m taking the time today to read at one sitting the entire book of Ephesians. We’ll consider over the next six days, God willing, the life-enriching and life-changing truths which Paul writes to the people of Ephesus, people in the greatest city of what was then known as Asia Minor. Paul spent two years there preaching the Good News of Jesus and establishing the church. Now he writes back to these people who are so precious to him. What joyful assurance he brings his loved ones! This is powerful teaching! Perhaps it’s obvious that I’m excited about the week ahead before we move back again into the books of Chronicles, which present more of a spiritual history of the dynasty of King David. The books of 2 Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings, which we’ve just completed, are more of a political history. I hope and pray for staying power for each reader. I call it sanctified stubbornness, the steel up each backbone which will never bend to the pressures of daily life that might steal away the great blessings which God has for us. Amen!!!
Yours for consistency…as Shakespeare wrote, “Consistency, thou art a rare jewel.”
David
P.S. As you might know, my son Ron and his wife Ann are currently in Moore, Oklahoma, reporting on the relief effort that God’s people are doing there in the aftermath of the EF-5 tornado that ripped through that city. Here is a link to the first of Ron’s reports. You can donate to Crossroads Relief and Development in order to help out with the efforts, which are being done in the Name of Jesus.
More calamity! This 25th chapter of 2nd Kings looks pretty desperate, for only a small remnant were left in the largely destroyed Judah to continue with farming and tending to the vines. Not all is lost however, the book ends on a hopeful note. Jehoiachin, the King that had been exiled from Judah to Babylon was 1.) Released from prison & changed from his prison clothes 2.) Sat at the King of Babylon’s table to eat his meals all the remaining days of his life 3). His throne was favoured among others & he was spoken to nicely. Now granted, this may not be seen as a miracle, but somehow I see God’s grace being granted in a small way, which may have led to the re-settlement and restoration of the Holy Land by it’s people at a future time. I am sure the King of Babylon was blessed for this kind action towards Jehoiachin. Hope! Have faith! For when all seems doom and gloom, God’s grace will break forth as a bright light reflecting your path, leading you forth from calamity.
I really like your wording, here, Scott: “Hope! Have faith! For when all seems doom and gloom, God’s grace will break forth as a bright light reflecting your path, leading you forth from calamity.”
You are such an idyllic writer–a joy to read! Bless you!
Scott – it is so delightful and inspiring to read your comments each and every day. Even when we read of destruction, you turn it into a positive light. Thank you for your comments this morning – Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!!!!!
I agree with Beverlee – love the wording “Hope” “Have Faith”
God bless you and all our fellow blog-buddies today!!!
Amen, David Mainse! At Polson Park on Sunday, Pastor Cathleen asked for special prayer requests from the congregation, during the service. I asked for prayer for Oklahoma. Praising God for the safety of Ron and Ann’s family, there. Though I am not happy Ron and Ann have to be there because of the calamity, it is a relief knowing 100 Huntley Street reaches so many people around the world that can help bring aid to the situation. Please know I am sending a donation. God bless the Crossroads Relief fund!
“Pray for My will in every situation–even when you feel that the enemy is prevailing, and your heart cries out in grief and pain. This is where the battle becomes fiercest, and the foe looks for any agreement you may make with him against My goodness. O child, be strong in this battle with the strength I supply. My will can never be evil; it can only be good.
“As I manifest My glory in each victory, so I allow you to taste the fruit of that victory when you engage faithfully in battle. The greatest temptation is to give up, to resign from the field of conflict and seek false peace. If you do that, the enemy will pursue you, and you will not be prepared to win. Keeping your heart in line with My yet-unrevealed will, the enemy cannot assail that inner stronghold. He may rage furiously, but there we dwell together–the citadel of true faith.”
Echoes of Eternity, Listening to the Father, Hal M. Helms, May 28, p. 111.
So looking forward to Ephesians, tomorrow–Paul is my favourite! Wishing fellow saints a most blessed day!
A big AMEN to your words of hope David and to what Scott and Beverlee Shared. It was moving to see the U.S. military raise their flag amongst all destruction from this F5 tornado. I have always been touched these words in the Star Spangled Banner …
“O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”
To look up and see a home flag through the midst of destruction and battle, may have been the last sight for some, and others a symbol of victory knowing in their hearts that our Lord has brought them through! My prayers and support for the relief efforts underway and Crossroads participation.
Dear David: I have been moved and challenged and encouraged by this walk through Kings. I am sixty six years old and i’m a bit ashamed to say it was my first walk through Kings. I look forward to walking with you through Ephesians. I thank you for your encouragement for us struggelers. I have never before read right through the Bible so this is truely a challenge that I am enjoying, Yours for good health and peace. John.
Another moving blog today, David M., Scott, Beverlee, David. Also the interview of Ron’s with Josh and Sarah and their positive outlook. Thanks for sharing that, David and we do need and have been praying for them. I can’t imagine the devastation but as Sarah said, “It is just stuff and can be replaced.” We pray for those who lost loved ones. Thank God for the safety of your family, David. May the Lord give Ron and Jerry strength at this time.
Amen to your encouragement, Rev. Mainse. I prayed too, asking God to grant me “sanctified stubbornness, the steel up each backbone which will never bend to the pressures of daily life that might steal away the great blessings which He has for us”. Thanks Scott for your words, “Hope! Have faith!”, reminding me God’s words for me in Jeremiah 29:11 ” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Thanks Beverley for the prayer: “O child, be strong in this battle with the strength I supply. My will can never be evil; it can only be good.
…As I manifest My glory in each victory, so I allow you to taste the fruit of that victory when you engage faithfully in battle.”
Amen!
Again, I just want to say….How much I look forward to this blog every morning !
I don’t find it a chore at all, and being consistent has never been so easy ! Your comments David, together with Ron’s pictures, together with God’s word, are helping me see the bigger picture in a way I never have before. I’ve kind of avoided the old testament in the past and this has changed my whole perspective… Thank you again :0) Looking forward to yours and my fellow bloggers comments on Ephesians, which I do enjoy frequently, because it is so encouraging. :0)
Thank you fellow bloggers for your encouraging comments. In my devotion yesterday. One of the comments read It is not only the Shepherd who walks with you; There are other sheep as well. He intends us to also strengthen each other and that’s what this blog does. God bless each one!!!!
Thank you all D. Manise and bloggers alike, I can’t wait in the morning to to
get to this bible reading and all blggers comments, By the time I’ve done my
morning Bible reading , morning devotions, and prayers,I’m usaly late at the
blog, but I just to happy to read allyour comment, they are all so refreshing,
thank you all so much, keep up the good work…R…
Dear David and precious fellow bloggers
I am so proud to be a member of the Crossroads Ministery. You always seem to be at the right place at the right time and the Lord shows us one more time that out of tragedy shines his light . All the volunteers that come from different churches anxious to come and help to all those who are in crises right now ,shows Gods Love and care in action .
Will be looking forward to your teaching and guidance from you and Scott ,Beverley , Ger , David and all the other bloggers
Have a blessed day. XXXX Carole
Whenever I can sit down and devote some time to your blog, David, it is a time of great refreshing. I have fallen a few days behind due to unforeseen circumstances, but I am pressing forward. Thank you for your invaluable insights.
Hi David, l’m so glad your Sudbury story worked out so well, but l would have loved it better if you had taken some of the congregation with you and left the others with the deacon you chose, to hold a prayer meeting for your success in reaching lost souls in the town, that way everyone would have played a part.
Dear Brother in Christ, don’t bother about the word count. Each one of them are a blessing to us. May God bless you with good health.