Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 36
The Chronicles close with a brief overview of Judah’s final days, beginning with Pharaoh’s deposing of Jehoahaz and replacing him with his brother Eliakim (whose name was changed to Jehoakim). Egypt’s intrusion into Judah’s business was cut short by Babylon, who came down to Egypt and plundered all the goods of that nation. Jehoakim’s reign was interrupted by being carried captive to Babylon. Jehoiachin (a.k.a. Coniah/Jeconiah cf Jer 22:28-30, Matt 1:11) ruled in his stead until Zedekiah was set up as vassal. Zedekiah eventually rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, leading to the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the 70 year captivity foretold by Jeremiah (vv 17-21, cf Jer 25:9-12). They were wiped clean like a dish (2 Kings 21:13). 2 Chronicles 36:15 testifies to God’s great love and mercy for His people. Time and again He sent His servants to Judah to admonish and exhort them to repentance. The text says God sent these servants early, indicating that He did not wait until Judah was beyond salvation, “But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy” (36:16). Jehovah is not some fickle, capricious despot! He loved His people and He still loves us today! The book concludes with God’s people restored by the decree of Cyrus. As we will see in Isaiah 48, Isaiah prophesied of Cyrus by name and deed more than 150 years before he was born!
New Testament reading: 1 John
1 John is a beautiful epistle from the disciple whom Jesus loved. As we noted on Day 83, John is often called “the apostle of love,” as he used the word “love” more than any other New Testament writer. However, it should also be noted, and is seen in this reading, John is also “the apostle of truth,” as he also uses that word more than all other New Testament writers combined. This also holds true for the words “know” and “knowledge.” What is our lesson? John was not solely focused on love to the exclusion of knowledge and truth. Love without knowledge or without truth is of no benefit. Jesus testified to this fact when He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
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