Friday, September 16, 2011

Psalm 108:1-6, 2 Chronicles 35:1-7, 16-25, Colossians 3:1-25 - Lectionary for 9/16/11 - Commemoration of Cyprian of Carthage, Pastor and Martyr

Sometimes it's difficult to keep our historical context in view, especially in reading Kings and Chronicles. At the end of our reading from 2 Chronicles today we see that Josiah's death spurred a lament from the prophet Jeremiah, who endured life in Jerusalem during the Babylonian captivity.

Before Josiah's death everything was looking up for Judah. Worship had been restored. There seemed to be a period of revival. All that came to an end shortly afterward. Did God's word prove ineffective? Not at all. Then, as now, God was in the world, very active, declaring the riches of his grace and revealing that our sinful unbelief brings destruction and bondage. What is our hope? It is not a political deliverer. They come and go. Our only hope is in the person and work of Jesus on our behalf. Only he can give us his eternal life, which we put on by faith in his name and authority over death. History then melts away, being replaced by life and salvation to all who believe. May this be a day of salvation by His grace.

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