Day 97 – 2 Chronicles: Kingdom of Judah

“But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.” 2 Chronicles 10:8 NLT

Reading 2 Chronicles 10:1 to 2 Chronicles 36:23

After Solomon’s death, the northern tribes revolted, and we read a little more about them in 2 Chronicles. The remainder of 2 Chronicles recounts the alternating periods of apostasy and reform in Judah. Throughout the reigns of 20 kings, the nation of Judah wavered between obedience to God and disobedience. The reigning king’s response to God determined the nation’s spiritual climate and whether God would send judgment upon his people.

In the end, Judah does not turn from its sin, and the tragic result is a 70-year captivity in Babylon. Sin in our lives will also lead to judgment and devastation. Although God’s judgment may seem slow, it is nevertheless certain. Our personal histories are shaped by the way we respond to God. Just as failure to repent brought the people of Judah captivity in Babylon, the abuse of our high calling by sinful living will ultimately bring us catastrophe and destruction. Through it all, God’s mercy and grace reigns supreme – He could have destroyed the nation, yet He spared their lives and kept them as a nation until today.

Prayer: Father, so often we want to follow our own will and do not seek Yours first. We listen to the opinions of people and follow advice according to worldly standards, while we neglect to ask You first. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we’ve acted like the wicked kings of Israel in following our own will. May we always seek Your will above all else in all of our lives. Amen.