Mon.’s Devo - God is Faithful to His Promises

Read: 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1-17; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 20:20-21 When Josiah had cleansed the land of idolatry, he set out to have all Judah celebrate the Passover. He did everything according to the law of Moses that he had found in the Temple. They offered over 46,000 animals on the altars that day. There had not been a celebration like that since the days of Samuel. *** Once Josiah restored the Temple he heard that King Necco of Egypt had come up to fight at Carmesh and went out to meet him. Necco told him he was not there to fight him, but was on his way to fight someone else. He said he was on God’s mission. He was speaking the truth, but Josiah didn’t stop to ask the Lord and went disguised into battle. He was wounded and was brought back to Jerusalem where he died. *** In the next twenty-two and a half years, Judah went through four kings: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. The people of Judah installed Jehoahaz as king. the king of Egypt installed Jehoiakim as king and took Jehoahaz to Egypt. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took Jehoiakim to Babylon and Jehoiachin became the king. Then Nebuchadnezzar took him to Babylon and installed Zedekiah as king of Judah. *** Instead of turning to the Lord, the people refused to hear the warnings of the prophets and became more and more idolatrous. God brought the army of Babylon against them who plundered, murdered and took the rest captive. They left Jerusalem, its Temple, and the walls in ruins and left the poorest of the poor to care for the land. *** For 70 years the land enjoyed its Sabbath and at the end of the time God had set, the king of Persia who was now in power issued a decree that all the people could return to Jerusalem and build a Temple at Jerusalem to the Lord. He added, “And may the Lord be with you!” Just like God had promised. *** Paul wrote a letter to the believers in Corinth reminding them that God is faithful to what he promises. He encouraged the to live in harmony and love and be single -minded in their mission to love Jesus and spread his gospel. Paul had heard they had gotten hung up over which leader they followed. He told them that Jesus was not divided into factions and they didn’t need to be either. *** We see that in today’s church. If we just remember that Christ is the head, it keeps everything in perspective. No man has it all right, so we should use God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to be our guide and have grace and mercy for leaders who are trying to know the truth. *** Lord, may our goal be to see you high and lifted up and not a man. Thank you that you are always faithful to your promises.