BESIEGED
Today’s 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 judgment! 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 prophecies of the great future ruler who would reign forever, the Messiah, the Son of David?
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, Jesus was born.
We move in our reading for tomorrow into the book of Ephesians. After reading Kings, I think we need the encouragement we will receive from the Holy Spirit-inspired letter to the Church at Ephesus!
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, the largest city of what was then known as Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Paul spent two years there sharing 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 1st and 2nd Chronicles, which present more of a spiritual history of the dynasty of King David. The books of 2nd 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! Never give up!! I pray that there will be 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
Norma-Jean and I at Sea Level on our way down to the Dead Sea, which is over 1,300 feet below Sea Level. This was during our last trip to Israel 2 years ago.
Dear David – I really appreciate reading the bible in this way. This is my third time through reading the bible through this blog. Each time going through these scriptures, I am learning something new. God is an amazing God. Thank you for listening to your calling to do this blog. I really appreciate your commentaries as well, they give me much to think about. I pray that more people would come to read this blog. The bible is such a great book for life.
Blessings to you David.
Dear Pastor David: What a beautiful picture of you and Norma Jean thank you for sharing it. I prayed your prayer this morning, because of Calvary we do have a great future ahead of us. I am also looking forward to Ephesians, I like the way we move from the Old Testament to the New.
Blessings to all on this The Lord’s Day. Eleanor M.
Dear David,
I can’t thank you enough for your blog. This is my 2nd time through and I am excited every day to join our believers in reading through the Bible. I have been sick for the past 5 years and your blog has made a huge difference in my life.
I can relate. I started reading along with this blog when I was laid up in hospital after a car crash. It has really helped me to be consistent in reading the Bible and praying.
May God bless all His people and use us to bring many into His eternal Kingdom. Please, make us more like Jesus! Gratefully, in Jesus’s merciful name, amen
it is so surprising what God will do to get our attention!
A song “Sometimes it takes a mountain, sometimes a dessert, sometimes a raging sea to get a hold of me” You can google the song! It’s beautiful! Praise & thank the Lord that you are alive and doing well Rob! May God continue to bless you over and above your wildest dreams!
Amen, Sah!
I said the same prayer as you prayed David
Amen, sad ending to 2 Kings but looking forward to Ephesians. Thanks for sharing your photo of you and Norma Jean. Remember that time. Had a great Israel day at church. Our people really enjoyed the videos from two years ago on the big screen but only able to show a small portion. Trust you all had a good Sabbath day.
You two look great together, thank you for sharing Pastor David!
I’m also looking forward to being in Ephesians! However, although the Old Testament may seem tedious at times, it has a lot of history and meat to chew on. And it help when you, Pastor David, bring out tidbits and bring to life scripture, making areas come alive and more interesting. Thank you!