FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020
TOPIC: SUDDEN DEATH
TEXT: 2 Kings 12:17-21
KEY VERSE:
“And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.” - (2 Kings 12:20)
General William Nelson, a union general in the American Civil War, was consumed with the battles in Kentucky when a brawl ended up in his being shot in the chest. He had faced many battles but the fatal blow came while he was relaxing with his men. As such, he was caught fully unprepared. As men ran up the stairs to help him, the general had just one phrase, “Send for a clergyman; I wish to be baptized.” He never had time as an adolescent or young man. With only minutes left before he entered eternity, the one thing he cared about was preparing for eternity. He wanted to be baptised. Thirty minutes later he was dead.
King Joash in our text took all the hallowed things dedicated by himself and his fathers, together with all the gold in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and in the kings house, sent them to Hazael, king of Syria, as a present to turn him away from Jerusalem and avoid possible death in war with the invading nation. But death still came from where he least expected it - from his servants. They made a conspiracy and slew him while he was in the house at Millo. Joash had forsaken the Lord.
Death is inevitable; it is described as a necessary end. Some people, like Joash may escape or avoid situations they consider could endanger their lives, only to fall victim to death unexpectedly.
We should live as if death can come at any time. Living so wickedly like Joash carries a heavy penalty. And going into eternity without the opportunity to have one’s sins forgiven is very terrible. Giving one’s life to Christ guarantees forgiveness, peace and a new life.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Life is short and death is certain.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Kings 1-2
HIGHER EVERYDAY
FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2020
ALL THAT GLITTERS - 2
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 2:22-26
MEMORY VERSE: "Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation" (1 SAMUEL 2:22).
Though almost universally used now, Shakespeare is the best-known writer to have expressed the idea that "shiny things aren't necessarily precious things" in the original editions of his play, _The Merchant of Vernice. The book carries the line, 'all that glisters [glitters] is not gold.' This proverbial expression was in general circulation well before Shakespeare's day. For instance, the 12th century French theologian, Alain de Lille, also wrote, "Do not hold everything gold that shines like gold."
Our Bible text of today is quite instructive. The two sons of the chief priest in Israel, Eli, were notorious for immoral conduct. They slept with women who went to God's house in Shiloh for worship. Imagine such a terrible sin! Were they not married? You may ask. Yes, at least, Phinehas was (1 Samuel 4:19). Adultery and formication may seem great, but are ways of death - physical and spiritual. Are you free? How is your closeness with members of the opposite sex in your church, school, neighborhood, or even people living in your home? Stolen waters are sweet? Not really. Repent before it is too late.
QUOTE: Stolen waters are sweet.
CHALLENGE: Avoid walking by sight.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, guide me in my life's choices.