Read: 2
Kings 17:24-40
This passage reads as a post-script to The Exile.
Now that Israel no longer occupies the land, Assyria must find people to live
there. They import people from
surrounding pagan nations to replace the Israelites. The giving of the land to
Israel is officially reversed. In Joshua’s time, God began to rid the land of
pagan nations and fill it with Israelites. Now the Israelites have been removed
and the land is, once again, filled with pagans. An interesting thing happens,
though. The Israelites no longer occupy the land, but it still operates
according to God’s principles. When the pagan inhabitants break God’s law, He
sends punishment. The Assyrians take note and send an Israelite priest back to
Bethel to teach the pagans how to follow God’s laws. Only a sovereign, powerful
God could use something as tragic as the exile to preach salvation to those who
do not know Him! The pagan groups began to worship Yahweh, however they do not
lay aside their foreign gods. They group Yahweh in with the host of deities
they already serve. Once more, we see people worshipping the Lord only for
personal benefit. True worship demands that we lay down our false gods. We must
worship God primarily for His
benefit. Yes, God wants to bless us. However, the blessings and benefits we
receive must flow from God obtaining the glory first and foremost.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Re-read verses 34-39 – these directions apply to
us today! Ask God to speak these truths directly to you and record whatever He
shows you in your journal.
2. Scripture is quick to note the legacy a person’s
relationship with God leaves for future generations (v 41). Based on the
condition of your heart before God, as revealed by your actions, will your
children and grandchildren love and fear Him wholeheartedly?
3. Pray for young people in the Church today. While
many have a godly heritage, they are living in an increasingly sinful,
rebellious world. Pray that they would find their identity in Christ at an
early age, and thus be protected from many schemes of the enemy. Pray that they
would know Christ intimately and have a deep love of His written word. Pray
that this would equip them for the many battles they will have to face in their
lives. Pray that they would find strength in godly community and learn to fight
the good fight of faith with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
