2 Kings 17-18
H - "And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against Yahweh their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods and walked in the customs of the nations whom Yahweh drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced." - 2 Kings 17:7-8
E - God allowed Assyria to conquer and deport the northern tribes of Israel because they chose to walk in the customs of the nations instead of walking according to God's covenant and commandments. God gave Israel chance after chance to turn things around, but they were stubborn in their rebellion against him.
A - Father, today we have a choice whether to follow the customs of the nations or the New Covenant and its commands through Jesus. How am I doing? How are we doing? Show us where we are not walking in the New Covenant and its commands.
R - "Now is the time for my people to shine brightly in the darkness, speaking the truth in love. Be prepared to stand on the principles of my word. Trust in my deliverance, as Hezekiah did. Be absorbed in the things of the Lord. Make your positions clear and explain them. Warn New Zealanders of coming judgment. The time for them to change their mindset toward me is shortening. Call my people to remain loyal to me. Keep trusting in me. Make the most of the time, for the days are evil."
P - Father, 2 Kings 17 is a very important chapter. It shows that history is primarily theological, not economic or political. It is our theology that makes us who we are. So help us in the Church to have the right theology. And knowing and understanding it, may we live it out wisely. Thank you that we can always fully trust in you, no matter how bad things get. Thank you for the coming kingdom of Jesus our Lord.
- Jeff Coleman