And he [the angel] said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made the heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7
In Revelation 14, John has a vision of angels flying over the earth telling the nations to repent of their sins. The first angel tells all the nations, tribes, and people of the earth to give God glory, fear Him, and worship Him. The angels’ message is true for me today, telling me to put my trust in God and give Him glory I want to take for myself.
Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done…Therefore… He was also given into the hand of the king of Israel, who struck him with great force. 2 Chronicles 28: 1, 5
2 Chronicles 28 tells of Ahaz, king of Judah’s, disobedience towards the LORD. As a result, the LORD delivers him into the hand of his enemies, including Israel, who was warring with Judah. Israel stuck Ahaz’s army down and killing many and taking many more into captivity. But the LORD did not forget about Judah, despite their disobedience. The LORD sent Oded, a prophet, with a message for Israel.
“Behold, because the LORD, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, he gave them into your hand, but you have killed them in a rage that has reached up to heaven. And now you intend to subjugate the people of Judah and Jerusalem, male and female, as your slaves. Have you not sins of your own against the LORD your God. Now hear me, and send back the captives from your relatives whom you have taken, for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.” 2 Chronicles 28: 9b-11
Despite Judah’s sin and the horrible sins of Ahaz, the LORD has mercy on Judah and orders Israel to return the captives back to their homes instead of enslaving them. Just as God had mercy on Judah, so I should have mercy on others.
When he had gone out, Jesus said “…A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:31a, 34-35
Dear God. Please help me love others as You have called me to. Please give me strength to carry out all of Your will and help me turn to You for the help and strength I need. Amen.
Nathanael (nborger2017)
Sixty-six books in a year 