May 18, 2016

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” 
― J.R.R. Tolkien

2 KINGS 20-22

After Hezekiah's death more kings follow and resume their evil ways, except for Josiah...

 1Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. 2He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 3He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them. 4He built altars in the temple of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem I will put my Name.” 5In the two courts of the temple of the Lord, he built altars to all the starry hosts. 6He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.

 1Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

18Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: 19Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse^b and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’ ”

JOHN 6:45-71

Some of the disciples reject Jesus and stop following...

61Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit^e and life. 64Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

66From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

67“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

JOURNAL 

To read through the list of kings is a bit dizzying. One is evil, one follows God another rides the fence.  Simply put it's all messy. There are no clean-cut simple stories...they all have drama and conflict. I guess that is a lesson in and of itself.

The same is true in Jesus' dialogue with his disciples. To see some of them actually turn and stop following is a bit shocking. Yet when I really think about it...that's the nature of people and life. Nothing is ever simple...it's always messy. Yet in the end God uses it for good and fulfills his purpose. 

It is comforting knowing that my mess doesn't surprise God. He's seen it all and loves me through it. That is the beauty of these stories, that is the beauty of scripture. That is the wonder and beauty of God. 

1Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. - Romans 5:1-2