2 Kings 25

Bible Passage: 2 Kings 25

It all ends here – the downfall and utter defeat of both the northern and southern kingdoms. Those of us who have been following all the drama, rebellions and schemes, we reach the concluding chapter of 2 Kings on a sad note with the chosen people of God taken captive to the land of their enemies for 70 years.

Many of us as we follow the history of the chosen race, have probably questioned the foolishness of the kings in going against God’s principles and commands. But a comparison of these historical incidents with our modern-day happenings reveals the possibility that we may not have learnt from history. We also know and maybe have even experienced for ourselves the ugliness of man when his heart is not set right.

“This is my story, this is my song” (from hymn 236)

What’s our story today? What’s our song?

I venture to observe through all these recordings of the evil kings that they have turned from worshippers of the true God to worshippers of themselves. And this is true for ourselves in church to varying extents. The leaders of the chosen race begin to question God’s authority and principles. Submit to God? Do His will? Follow His words? I can make my own decisions and go ahead to do what I think is right. I am accomplished and independent and I have the support of my people – I am king. I want my views heard loud and clear.

“Perfect submission, perfect delight”

Some of us may become proud because of the talents we have. Instead of using our talents to edify others, church becomes a convenient platform to ‘showcase’ our talents and lord over others. We lose focus and forget our real song. Hymn 236 encourages us that God has been written into our stories and into our songs since we are baptised. He looks after us henceforth, keeping us from harm and saving us from sin and eternal punishment. Hence we are singing about God’s wonderful saving grace and the blessed assurance He gives us, not about ourselves.

The lack of fear of God in our hearts can also lead to unexpectedly ugly behaviour. Sometimes because of jealousy, we become a different person – we say and do things we normally would not say or do to cause hurt, to get back at someone, and then we regret afterwards.

Are we able to find delight in submission? When our stories are not about ourselves anymore, when we are singing the same tune, we can work better as co-workers, looking out for each other’s needs and spreading God’s words to our truthseekers. What would be going through the minds of our friends if they see a church with so many grievances amongst her members?

Let us walk in love (Eph 5:1-7), in light (Eph 5:8-14) and in wisdom (Eph 5:15-21).

“Filled with His goodness, lost in His love”

Before a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, it has to go through an arduous process. Many a times, I realise that it is only when I put more effort in prayers, and pray sincerely and with perseverance over an extended period of time, that God answers. Those cursory, mumbled and rushed prayers neither shed light nor provided clear directions. Also, it is a long and difficult process to renew oneself and rid of the old, but the bible encourages us to do it – Ps 51:10, Lam 5:21, Rom 12:2, 2 Cor 4:16, Eph 4:23, Titus 3:5, Heb 6:6.

Let’s pray together, for one another, that we may be filled with the goodness of God more than our own goodness, and be lost in His generous love, more than being lost in loving ourselves.