From: October 28, 2024
“So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king’s table” (Jeremiah 52:33 ESV).
In the final verses of Jeremiah’s prophetic book of judgment on Judah and the surrounding nations, a glimmer of hope appears. Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, who had been imprisoned by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, is released and invited to dine at the king’s table. Jehoiachin had only been king of Judah for three months before surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar and being taken captive along with many of Judah’s leaders.
Nebuchadnezzar installed Jehoichin’s uncle, Zedekiah, as a vassal king over Judah, but he later rebelled against Babylon. So Nebuchadnezzar’s army returned to Jerusalem and laid siege to it, ultimately destroying the city, its walls and the Temple. Zedekiah was captured, his family killed, and his eyes put out. All the key leaders of Judah were executed. Judah and the throne of David was no more.
So how would God’s promise to David be fulfilled? For God had promised, “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16). And God had revealed to Jeremiah, “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior” (Jer. 23:5-6).
How would God’s promise to David be kept? It would be fulfilled through Jehoiachin. Like a dramatic TV series where hope seems lost, just before the episode ends, a key character emerges from the rubble, offering a glimpse of renewed hope. Thus, we find Jehoiachin, also known as Jechoniah, in Matthew’s lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (See Matt. 1:12).
PRAYER: Dear Father, when all appears lost, Your Word and Your promises still remain. We therefore put all our hope in You. We have trusted in Jesus, the promised Son of David, as our Savior and Lord. We will not fret nor lose hope for He has come and He is coming again. In Jesus, all things are well and all things will be well. Fill us afresh by Your Spirit today with the joy and hope of Christ. In His name we pray, amen.
From: October 28, 2023
“Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive” (Titus 3:14 NLT).
As Paul gave Titus final instructions on supplying the needs of visiting ministers before sending them on their way, he gave this instruction concerning a believer’s readiness to help those with “urgent needs.” In Paul’s day, there were no civil emergency workers, no firefighters, no paramedics, and no 911 to call. The members of the early church learned to be ready to help with urgent needs. It was this combination of the gospel message and gospel compassion that turned the world upside down and increased the spread of the gospel. When plagues, persecutions, wars, famines or even hurricanes came, the gospel was carried in the same hands that carried help for those in need.
In this day of tight schedules and busy-ness, are we learning to devote ourselves to this kind of readiness to help those with an “urgent need?” Our readiness to help is often the key to their readiness to hear. People are more likely to hear the Good News when it is offered with a helping hand.
PRAYER: Dear Father, strengthen us to be productive in Your work. Not earning, but pouring out what You have given us freely. Help us not to become weary in doing good, trusting You with the results. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 28, 2022
NOT BECAUSE OF US BUT BECAUSE OF HIM
Be careful not to judge unbelievers as if you are better than they. Remember that God saved us not according to us, but according to Jesus. We have not earned salvation, nor are we able to work at keeping it. It is the mercy and grace of God which is revealed in Christ Jesus that both saves and keeps us. For we were once lost and dead in our sins too, but now we are washed clean and made alive spiritually because of Christ. So, stop judging others and stop judging yourself too. Rest in Christ’s finished work. Announce to everyone you meet this Good News of God’s grace and mercy that is found by faith in Christ alone.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your kindness and mercy that is revealed in Christ Jesus. For in Christ we have received new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. We thank You that there is no condemnation for us that are in Christ Jesus. For You have counted us dead to sin and alive to righteousness in Christ Jesus. Strengthen us today to tell everyone this Good News. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 28, 2016
As Paul gave Titus final instructions on supplying the needs of visiting ministers before sending them on their way, he gave this instruction concerning a believer’s readiness “to help cases of urgent need.” In Paul’s day, there were no civil emergency workers, no firefighters, no paramedics, and no 911 to call. The members of the early church learned to be ready to help with urgent needs. It was this combination of the gospel message and gospel compassion that turned the world upside down and increased the spread of the gospel. When plagues, persecutions, wars, famines or even hurricanes came, the gospel was carried in the same hands that carried help for those in need. In this day of tight schedules and busy-ness, are we learning to “devote” ourselves to this kind of readiness to help those with an “urgent need?” Our readiness to help is often the key to their readiness to hear.
From: October 28, 2015
Paul instructed Titus to teach the Cretan Christians in how to live before men, so that the gospel might be seen in them. Apparently, believers on this Greek island were not living lives that lined up with their faith. They were no different than the culture around them. Even the name, “Cretan,” was proverbial for being lazy and a liar (Tit.1:12). Therefore, they were to start being known for being submissive and obedient, to being good workers and peaceable, gentle, and humble to all. In other words, they were to show forth the Jesus that lived within them to those who lived around them. What are Christians in our generation known for?
From: October 28, 2014
Be careful not to judge those who are lost as if you are better than they. Remember that God saved us not according to us, but according to Jesus. We have not earned salvation, nor are we able to work at keeping it. It is the mercy and grace of God which is revealed in Christ Jesus that both saves and keeps us. For we were once lost and dead in our sins too, but now we are washed clean and made alive spiritually because of Christ. So, stop judging others and stop judging yourself too. Rest in Christ’s finished work. Announce to everyone you meet this Good News of God’s grace and mercy that is found in Christ alone.