October 18, Reading 1 – 2 Kings 20:1-21:18

Reading

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SAA Notes

Manasseh is born after Hezekiah’s recovery. Hezekiah’s response to the prophecy of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and of his own children, “as long as it doesn’t happen in my lifetime, that’s all right”, is a sad revelation of his later spiritual state and lethargy.

SJA Notes

* Mighty God, how sweet are Your words to our taste, sweeter than honey to our mouths!

“For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed.”

In one generation all the good that Hezekiah had achieved was undone. Idolatry returned in force, in step with false worship and child sacrifice.

“Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to the other.”

This is a strong word, a hard thing to dwell on.

God’s response is clear,

“Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such a disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.”

These are not empty words. We know what happens. The northern kingdoms were already dispersed, and now Judah comes into focus.

They are destroyed, cast down, scattered. God’s people in the wind.

For us – It is good to be reminded that god brought another event, one of great good and hope, that has great effect on the ears who hear.

Jesus’ act of sacrifice, His unfailing love, His obedience to the cross – These are truths that cannot be pushed aside.

You either reject Him or follow Him.

* Gracious God,

Thank You for Jesus!

Thank You for giving us a hope beyond this world.

Thank You that You are the one who continues to build Your church – It is Your body, Your people, You are our God and not the other way around!

Thank You Lord!

Amen.

October 18, Reading 2 – Lamentations 1

Reading

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SAA Notes

Before revival comes, we must see our wretchedness, our spiritual poverty, our nakedness. Meditate on verse 16. Think about the paradox of the crucifixion – the enemy prevailed and the enemy suffered complete defeat!

SJA Notes

* God Above, please show us more of You today from Your word.

“The Lord rejected all my mighty men in my midst; he summoned an assembly against me to crush my young men; the Lord has trodden as in a winepress the virgin daughter of Judah.”

How did this happen?

Here we have a song told from the perspective of Jerusalem/Zion, the city of God’s people.

How did these things happen?

“Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore she became filthy; all who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness;”

This is a sad state, a woeful recounting.

God ejected His people from the promised land. The earthly temple was destroyed. The leadership of the church and of the state was removed.

So as the people sat by the rivers of Babylon and wept lamentations, God’s people looked forward to MESSIAH, the true Lord’s Christ that would come and save them.

As with them, so with us – Looking to Jesus!

It is through HIM that we find things that are precious (that Israel had lost). Love. Joy. Peace. Hope. Faithfulness. Justice. Meekness. Humility.

The fruits of God in the Person of the Spirit. Our treasures being stored up in heaven.

These are what we find in Jesus (and in no other).

Amen!

* Lord God Above,

You are holy and just. There is none like You.

You are perfect and blameless. There is none like You.

We come before You and humbly ask that You would save and sanctify us Lord God.

Please wash us clean.

Please remind us of the hope that we have in You.

Thank You Lord!

Amen.

October 18, Reading 3 – 1 Timothy 4

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Paul gives much good advice to young Timothy. What might apply to your life? Bring some of his suggestions up to date –what groups today have taboos on Christian marriage and foods? (Think of groups opposed to Christian marriage and those who are obsessive about particular foods.)

SJA Notes

* Faithful God, thank You for the gospel message, the good news of Jesus Christ – Our King and Saviour.

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;”

What are these irreverent silly myths?

Paul gives us examples earlier in the passage – A devotion to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God has created.

Those are two very different-seeming realities that Paul pulls together. The spiritual realities mixed with ideologies we deal with in our day-to-day lives in this world.

How do we train ourselves for godliness?

Keep a close watch on ourselves and our teaching, always measuring what we are thinking and what others are telling us against the scriptures, setting an example in speech and conduct.

Godliness is of value in EVERY WAY!

* Father God,

Thank You that we can set our hope in You, a sure and steady hope on the Rock of Ages.

Please help us to practice our godliness, pursuing holiness, seeking Jesus.

Amen.