History – 2 Kings 11-15

Sometimes when we read the book of Kings and Chronicles, we get very confused.  This is because both of these books records what the kings that ruled in the Nothern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah did at the same time.  And furthermore, some of the names of the kings sound very similar; or the spellings of their name changes from chapter to chapter.

When I was younger (and more hardworking), I would draw a chart as I read through the Kings – to record down who were the Kings of the Israel and the Kings of Judah.  But now, with modern technology and being lazy, I will just go online and search for a chart of the kings and refer to it as I read the books of the Kings and Chronicles.

Whatever method you choose, if you have problem understanding the stories, take the challenge and start recording down who the kings were and whether they are of the Northern or Southern kingdoms.  Also take note of the various spellings of their name.  In this way, you will be an expert in the Kings in no time at all!

Bible Passage:  2 Kings 11-15

Did you notice one common phrase that is repearted over and over again as you read today’s and previous passages in the Kings?

“Now the rest of the acts of <insert king’s name>, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of <insert kingdom>?”

Indeed, the actions of every king was recorded down for future generations to read and remember.  Good and bad – they were all there for public scrutiny.  Nothing was hidden…. makes you wonder why would any one ever want to be king?

How Will We Be Rememberd?

It is all very well reading up on how others led their lives.  Sometimes we will criticize their weaknesses, laugh at their foolishness, marvel at their wisdom, even envy them for their successes or thank God we are not like them.

But have we ever thought how will we be remembered by others?

We are all very familiar with the story in Matthew 26:6-13 where a woman, who was so grateful for forgiveness and salvation, sacrificed her most beloved possession to honour her Saviour.  And true to the words of Jesus, this beautiful act of love, service and thankfulness is still being proclaimed throughout the world, whereever the gospel is preached, as a memorial of her.

Jesus honoured that woman for her faith.  And we still do that when we tell her story to encourage one another.

In Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18, there is the mention of a book called the book of Jasher (which means upright).  Now this book was written by historians who recorded down the names and accounts of some of Israel’s leaders.  But because they not inspired by God, these records were generally lost over time.

But the fact that records were written shows the importance people place on good leaders and they want to be able to remind others of what these godly men did.

Even in the books Chronicles, we see the name of David’s mighty and valiant men (1 Chronicles 11-12) as they did great things for their king.

Are our names written down for the service we render to our King of Kings?

So is it in the book of Kings where there are recorded the acts, faith and wisdom of godly kings and also accounts of some less than godly kings.

Indeed, I do not want to remembered for the evil that I do but there is no escaping from having all being revealed at the coming of our Lord.

I love this passage in Malachi 3:16-17

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,
And the LORD listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the LORD
And who meditate on His name.
“ They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts,“ On the day that I make them My jewels.
And I will spare them
As a man spares his own son who serves him.”

When true believers gather together in worship of the Lord, meditate on His name and serve Him, our Lord and Savious Jesus will remember and write down our names in a special book of remembrance.

In the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 11), we have the names of many Old Testament saints who honoured the Lord through their acts of faith.  We are able to see how these believers lived by faith, and how some even died in faith. Their names were written down in the inspired Word of God, to honour them and exhort others to be likewise faithful. The Lord remembers those who are His!

I wonder if the Scriptures are still being written today, would my name be written down?

And if it is written down, what would it say?

Hebrews 10:38 says that the just shall live by faith.  Am I living by faith? Am I serving by faith?  Am I seeking Him in prayer by faith?

Would the Lord have anything good to say about the way I lived my life in His name?  Or would He be sadly disappointed with me as He will with many at His second coming?

These, of course are important questions for us to consider.

Book of Life

However, what is even more important is having our name written down in the Book of Life.

There are seven references to this Book of Life in the book of Revelation. (3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19). We are told to rejoice because our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).

If our name is not found in this Book of Life, then we will be judged and cast into the lake of fire.  But we need not face this judgement if we turn in repentance and faith towards Jesus, and continue to obey His commands and do the things He wants us to do.

What Will Be Written?

As I was writing this, I was reminded of a testimony that Pr Lin gave during his lessons on Songs of Solomon.

He mentioned that there was a brother who was very lazy and always rejected Church work because he was either too tired, or he did not have the time, or he felt he did not have the ability to do the work.  This went on for quite some time.

However, he loved receiving rewards.

One night, he had a dream and in this dream, he saw Jesus holding an Account Book and Jesus called all the believers to Him so that they can receive their wages.  Naturally, he was first in line as he eagerly awaited the reward that he felt he deserved.

“What is your name?”, Jesus asked.

He told Jesus his name and Jesus flipped through the pages of the book and after a long pause in staring at the page, Jesus asked for his name again.

This brother now repeated his name and even indicated the church that he normally attends.

After some time, Jesus sadly showed him an empty page!

“This is not possible!”  “Perhaps you have recorded it under someone else’s name!”   “Or have you forgotten to make an entry Jesus?”

By now Jesus sternly told him, “You are lazy and refuse to work and yet you dare come here expecting a reward?”

Then Jesus gave him a good rap on his head!

It was so painful that he woke up and when he felt his head, it was swollen!

This brother was so troubled after that that he could not sleep.  So at 4 am in the morning, he ran to the church and woke up the Preacher, demanding for some work to be given to him.  As it was an unearthly hour, the Preacher told him to just wash the toilets.

And when the Preacher later woke up at 6 am, he was shocked… because the toilet now sparkled and the brother was diligently scrubbing every single tile.

Indeed, this is also a good warning for us.

We have all been given the ability to work for God.

Talent is secondary.  As long as we have the health and the willingness to work for God, we can surely find something that we can do for Him.

Yes!  We have all been given the ability to work for God.

Paul reminds us that…

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

When we want to work for God according to His will, He will give us the strength and ability to do it.

So let us work together to make sure that at the end of our lives in this world, we will be remembered in the right way and the right things are written down.

I have not shared a video for a long time… so here is one today. 

I am not sure how you feel about your name.  You may like your name or you may not.  But the amazing thing about God is that He Knows My Name even before time began.  We are so important to Him that He hears me when I call.  Just think about this as you watch this video…