Day 210 Chronological Bible Study
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Jeremiah 47; 2Kings 23:29-30; 2Chronicles 35:20- 36:1; Jeremiah 22:1-17; 2Kings. 23:31-37; 2Chronicles 36:2-5 How to Avoid Costly Mistakes Almost all of us are guilty of this at one time or another—impulse buying. We go into a store, not exactly sure what we want, see something we like, and buy it. A day or two later, we have buyers regret: why did we need that anyway? We wish we had not been so hasty. A lot of times, these decisions are minor and do not have much consequence. However, when we make a big mistake because we were rash in our actions, it can affect us or others in either significant or disastrous ways. How do we avoid costly mistakes? Seek to Honor the LORD From 640–609 B.C., Josiah was king of the nation of Judah. He was a good king. He destroyed the idols in their land and Samaria and required God's people to worship him, the true God of heaven. Afterward, Josiah cleaned up the temple, removed the images of false gods, and had the sacred place repaired and restored. While his workmen were cleaning it out and purifying it for use, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the Law of Moses (probably Deuteronomy). He told Shaphan, the scribe, to take it to the king. When he read it to the king, Josiah was alarmed. He sent a message to a local prophetess, Huldah, who resided in Jerusalem, to find out if these things were true. Indeed, they were true; God intended to use Babylon to destroy Judah for her evil actions and idol worship and then carry most of them into exile. Good King Josiah, however, would not see the destruction because he humbled himself and sought the LORD. Then, rather than satisfying himself with the assurance that disaster would not happen on his watch, he led the people in a tremendous revival. Do not get distracted Egypt’s attack on Gaza happens in 609 B.C. Josiah receives a report that Egypt is coming through their land to support Assyria against a fight from Babylon at Carchemish. Even though it is not his fight, King Josiah hastily attacks Egypt, fearing that an Egyptian or Assyrian victory could spell trouble for Judah. Apparently, he reckons that Babylon would exercise more mercy than his other foes. Josiah does not ask counsel from the LORD and ignores God’s warning. Pharoah Neco, the king of Egypt, tells Josiah to stay out of the conflict. But, Josiah does not listen and is shot with arrows and killed in battle. Upon King Josiah’s death, the people choose Jehoahaz, a son of Josiah, to be their king. He is not the firstborn. Perhaps his firstborn son was killed in battle or otherwise indisposed.The LORD sent Jeremiah to the new king to proclaim this message: “Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the alien, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. But if you do not obey these commands, declares the LORD, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin” (Jeremiah 22:2-5, NIV) Don't be self-indulgent. Do what is best for others The LORD would have brought Jehoahaz blessings if he would have obeyed him. However, instead of heeding the Word of the LORD, Jehoahaz pursues indulgent behavior. He builds his palace and does not pay the laborers. He is not a good king like his father. God says about him, “… your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion” (Jeremiah 22:17, NIV). If we want to experience God's blessings, we need to avoid indulgent behavior and do what is best for others. Jehoahaz’s selfish interest leads to his exile in Egypt. Pharaoh Neco replaces him with his brother Eliakim and changes his name to Jehoiakim. Unfortunately, Jehoiakim is also evil. Take Away Lessons We can avoid costly mistakes by seeking to honor the LORD, not getting distracted, and not living a self-indulgent lifestyle but living for others. Do we know God? He not only gives guidance, but He also offers forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life. We must not lead from selfish interests, or our organization and we may be harmed. We should realize the grace of God upon us and lead people in their best interests. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T ., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p.1194 Ibid, p.585 Ibid, p.584, 648). Focus Verse Philippians 2:3 (NIV) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
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