Sat.’s Devo - The Funeral Song of Judah

Read: Ezekiel 18:1-19:14; Hebrews 9:1-10; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 27:10 The people believed that the children had to pay for the parent’s sins and vice versa but God wanted to set things straight. He told them that the individual was responsible for their own sins and they chose how their life ended. If it ended in sin then they received death. If it ended in righteousness then they received life. *** God gave them a funeral song for the princes of Israel. He described Judah as a lioness who raised Jehoakim as his young lion. He taught him how to cheat and murder his prey. Jehoiakim was led in hooks to Babylon. *** Then Jehoiachin was put in his place and did the same thing. He was attacked by Chaldea, Syrian, Moab and Ammon from every direction. He was also taken to Babylon never to return. Next, Zedekiah was put as their leader and he was taken to Babylon also, “the vine transplanted to the wilderness”. God pronounced this as a funeral song that would one day be sung. *** In Hebrews, the holy place of worship was described. There was the Holy Place inside the inner tent which housed the lamp stand, and the table with the shew bread. This room was separated from the next with a curtain. Behind the curtain was known as the Most Holy Place. In it was the gold incense altar and the Ark of the Covenant. Above the Ark were the cherubim whose wings covered the Ark. Inside the Ark was the jar of manna and the stone tablets of the covenant. *** The priest carried out their duties in the first room but only the high priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year with blood which he offered for his own sins and the sins of the people. *** This system of worship was in effect till a better one could come. This system could not cleanse the consciences of the people. *** Thank you, Lord, that we live under a better covenant than the old one. Thank you that we have access to your throne all the time. May we come boldly to your throne of grace and receive mercy and help whenever we need it.