Reading for today
Old Testament: 2 Kings 24, 25, 1 Chronicles 1
New Testament: Acts 24
Thoughts from today’s reading
2 Kings 25. We see that Judah is taken away into captivity. This was the first captivity of the Children of Israel after they had come out of the promised land. This also fulfilled the word of the Lord that if they did not observe all his commands, they would be taken out of their land.
Acts 24. We see Paul standing before the governor to defend himself against the accusation of the Jews, but in his defence is also a witness to what Christ has done for mankind.
This path of imprisonment was part of God’s plan for Paul to preach the gospel to the top rulers of the day.
Prayer
1. Heavenly Father, your word reveals to us consequences for disobedience and breaking your commands. May we be reminded that to obey is better than sacrifice, and that your commands are the pathway to a fulfilled life. Thank you that by the grace of Jesus Christ we can respond to your commands from a heart of flesh, that is willing to do the right thing, and not from a heart of stone that insists on its own way.
2. Lord, your ways are not our ways and your thoughts are not our thoughts. You see much further than we can, you know much more than we do, your power is much greater than our strength. May we trust you wholeheartedly on your plan for our lives even when it means that we have to pass through unpleasant situations. May we do all things to the glory of your name, amen.