Warnings for the Kings

JEREMIAH CHAPTER 22

The Lord told Jeremiah to go speak directly to the king of Judah. Say to him to listen to this message and let his officials and his people listen too. He urged them to be fairminded and just. Help those who had been robbed and quit all the evil deeds. Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans and widows. Stop murdering the innocent. And if you obey me, there will always be a descendant of David on the throne in Jerusalem. If you do not heed this warning, this palace will be a pile of rubble.

Regarding the palace, the Lord said it was beloved as the fruitful Gilead and the green forests of Lebanon. But he would destroy it and it would become deserted . And when people pass by and ask why I destroyed such a great city, the answer will be because they violated their covenant with the Lord. He told the people to not mourn the dead king Jehoahaz, but weep for the captive king being led away because he will die in a distant land.

Destruction is certain for Johoiakim, who built his palace with forced labor. A beautiful palace does not make a great king. His father Josiah reigned a long time because he was just and right in his dealings. You were warned, says the Lord. He tells of handing over Jehoiachin to King Nebuchadnezzar and telling Johoiachin that none of his children would ever sit on the throne of David.

BIBLE NOTES: Good King Josiah died at the battle of Megiddo and his son Jehoahaz reigned only three months before being taken away to Egypt by Pharaoh Neco. He was the first rule to die in exile.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Johoiakim had been hard headed and hard hearted since childhood. God warned him ut he did not listen. His prosperity took a high priority than his relationshiop with god. Many times in our days, we find ourselves feeling comfortable and not taking the time for God. We need to stop and consider what our priorities are.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:


HEALTH: Pray for Gabe.

Pray for Gary and Steve my insurance men who have prostate cancer.

Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.

Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and for her sister Wanda’s soul which went to heaven.

Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with a form of MS.

Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.

Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.

Pray for Judy’s husband who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pray for her too, that she can deal with the side effects of his illness.

Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who has been undergoing chemo. Pray also for Charly who longs to be 100 percent again and walk without an aid.

Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.

SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary

RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John

LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian

SUPPORT: Pray for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom. Pray for our famers and those who raise livestock during this terrible drought.