TOPIC: KING JEHOIAKIM
MEMORISE: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12
READ: Jeremiah 22:13-17
Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;
That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.
Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?
He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.
But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.
MESSAGE:
Jehoiakim was the son of King Josiah, and he became the king Jof Judah after his father’s death.
Jehoiakim’s reign was marked by his rebellion against God and his refusal to listen to the prophets who were sent to warn him of the consequences of his actions.
In fact, the book of Jeremiah records that when Prophet Baruch read aloud the words of the Lord to him, Jehoiakim cut off the scroll and burned it in the fire (Jeremiah 36:14-24).
The words of the prophet to Jehoiakim in today’s Bible reading reveal that Jehoiakim was not only guilty of disobedience to God but also of maltreating and exploiting his people for his own gain.
He built himself a grand palace, but he did not pay his workers fairly, and he used his power to oppress the poor and needy.
Beloved, the story of Jehoiakim is a cautionary tale for us today. It is a reminder that not heeding God’s words has consequences.
Also, when you are in a leadership position, do not be distracted by the things of this world or become greedy and exploitative like Jehoiakim.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please help me to be faithful to You and keep Your commandments, in Jesus’ name.
HYMN 53:
‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS
- ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
- O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! - Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace. - I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend,
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jonah 1:1-4:11 Revelation 5:1-14
AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE & PASTOR FOLU ADEBOYE