Shishak conquers Jerusalem

2 Chronicles Chapter 12

When Rehoboam was established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord and all of Israel followed him. Because they were unfaithful to the Lord, King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and conquered Judah's fortified cities. The prophet Shemaiah told Rehaboam that the Lord abandoned him to King Shishak because Rehoboam abandoned the Lord. So Rehoboam and all the leaders of Israel humbled themselves before the Lord.

When the Lord saw their change of heart, he gave Shemaiah the message that because of their humbleness, he would not completely destroy them and would give them some relief. Instead of destroying the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Lord would make them subjects of King Shishak, so they could learn how much better it was to serve the Lord than to serve earthly leaders.

Thus, the king of Egypt took over Jerusalem and took away all the treasures of the Temple and royal palace. Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord's anger was turned aside and he did not completely destroy him. And there was still goodness in Judah.

King Rehoboam continued to rule, but he was an evil king and did not seek the Lord with all his heart. When he died, his son Abijah became the next king.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: A record of the invasion by Kng Shishak has been found on Eygptian stone that shows Shishak's army penetrated as far north as the Sea of Galilee.


HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Like the people of Jerusalem, it is never too late for us to repent, even in the midst of punishment. God is always willing to receive us back into fellowship with him. So if you are struggling and alone because sin has broken your fellowship with God, confess and be humble and it will open the door to receiving God's mercy.

Yours in Christ,
Mary


Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.