Today we complete our reading in the Book of II Chronicles. Our reading covers the death of Josiah, the reign of Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. These kings reigned over Judah between 640 and 586 b.c. As mentioned in yesterday's comments, Josiah was one of Judah's best kings and brought revival to the land. However, in spite of all the Reformation of Josiah, we find Jerusalem in exile and captivity as the book ends.
Chapter 36 reviews the Lord's grace and patience, and the reasons for the exile of God's people. Under the rule of Cyrus, king of Persia, a proclamation was made throughout all the kingdom to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This was done to fulfill the Word of the Lord, which was given by Jeremiah many years earlier.
Throughout I and II Chronicles we have seen the success and failure of God's people. God's people never knew failure when they followed the Lord, but never knew success when they followed the ways contrary to the Lord.
As I review these two great books, II Chronicles 7:14 comes to my mind as one of the outstanding verses. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Every Christian should memorize this verse, believe it, and follow the instruction given in it. Only then will the promises become a reality. God wants to forgive our sins. He wants to bless our nation. But we must first present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, that we might be used of Him. We must be clean vessels, meet for the Master's use.
