Lessons learned


 

Some lessons we can learn from the Kings of Israel


I find it interesting that during the time of the Kings there were more bad kings than good! In fact, in my research, after the split in the 12 tribes of Israel, the northern kingdom had NONE and the southern kingdom known as Judah, only had 8!


So, to keep this short I’m only focusing on a few from the Kingdom of Judah


One of the “bad” kings was King Ahaz, look what 2Chronicles 28:22 says, “In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord.”

This verse stood out to me because in his time of trouble, Ahaz became even more UNfaithful! Instead of looking to the Lord, he turned to idols, false gods for help. And his situation only grew worse. Made me think, who or what  do I turn to in times of trouble? Who do I look to for help when distressed? In my past I have looked to someone or something else to solve my struggles, which only became worse,  but thanks be to God I am steadily learning that my help comes from Him! And He is faithful!


Who were some of the “good” Kings?


2Chronicles 27.6 says, “So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God.”

Jotham was one of the few good kings. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. NIV says "he walked steadfastly". NLT says, "he was careful to live in obedience" and the KJV says, "he prepared his ways". Sounds like he walked with God no matter the circumstances that surrounded him; he sought to do God's will.  He wasn't deterred by what those around him were doing. The people around him continued to be corrupt, to do what was evil. Seems like he didn't have much of a positive influence on those around him, but he didn't let that discourage him! He remained faithful and obedient to the Lord.

Jesus remained obedient as well. Even though there were those around Him who rejected Him, He did not let others behavior distract Him from doing God's will.  May we have the courage to do the same. Jesus reminds us, in John 16:33, we are to find our peace in Him. We will face trials and difficulties in life, but He has overcome, so can we!

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There was also  King Jehoshaphat! He was faithful to the Lord and encouraged others to do so as well. I love what he says in 2Chronicles 20:20, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”” 

Now he wasn't perfect, he had his issues. He tried to form alliances with the Northern kingdom of Israel, against the advice of the prophets and it never ended well. But the verses following up to verse 20 have always been an encouragement to me. There was an army coming up against Judah, and Jehoshaphat was afraid but he sought the Lord! He didn't get all panicky and look to everyone else for advice, he sought the Lord. He called the people to fast and he prayed. He reminded God of His character and His faithfulness to them in the past. He admitted their weaknesses, that they didn't know what to do but their eyes were on the Lord. They waited for God to show them how to handle the situation. And God responded! He told them not to be afraid of this great hoard that was coming against them, for the battle was not theirs but the Lord’s. Which leads to verse 20 where Jehoshaphat directed the people to believe the Lord and they would be established! He encourages us to do the same. Believe God is who He says He is. Believe His promises!


And lastly King Hezekiah. 

I love how he encourages the people in this verse from 2Chronicles 32:8, “With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.”

Hezekiah's words gave the people confidence. He encouraged them to trust God and not be afraid. He reminded the people and us that God is on our side,  He is fighting for us. In Isaiah 41:10, God promises He will strengthen, He will help, He will hold us up. 


So when we feel discouraged,  feel like giving up, or feel like nothing ever changes,  remember God's faithfulness, remember His promises, He is fighting for us! Hezekiahs’ words encouraged and lifted others up we can do the same! 















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