“And the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father. 2 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. 3 The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.” 2 Chronicles 36:1-4
“This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there: 2 ‘Hear the word of the Lord to you, king of Judah, you who sit on David’s throne—you, your officials and your people who come through these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. 5 But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’” Jeremiah 22:1-5 NLT
“Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God.” 2 Chronicles 36:5 NLT
Lord of Righteousness,
Jeremiah spoke Your truth and gave a clear specific warning. They either did not take him seriously, were defiant in not wanting to live Your way or they just thought You, God would still help them anyway. They did not heed the word of a man of God. Jeremiah had it tough he was disbelieved, he was openly opposed and later suffered for his words of truth.
We can learn much from Him heavenly Father about longsuffering, steadfastness and obedience. Even though he did complained to You, God privately long and loud (Jeremiah 20:7-18).
Jesus too suffered for speaking the truth and He privately asked You, God ‘to take the cup from him’ when praying on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:42). All the disciples had fallen asleep.
Sometimes it is amazing to be one of Your children and singing Your praises. Other times it can be a long lonely walk. And no-one can truly know what we are going through but You, God by Your Holy Spirit. Help us when we complain and doubt and get fed up. Jeremiah said I wish I had never been born (Jeremiah 20:17). Jeremiah looked to You and went on to serve mightily His weakness became strength in You. Help us to look up to You and serve on this Sabbath day and this week and always. And perhaps humanly speaking Lord God not so much of the suffering and complaining?
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 17th August 2025
Holy Spirit, living breath of God
Breathe new life into my willing soul
Bring the presence of the risen Lord
To renew my heart and make me whole
Cause Your Word to come alive in me
Give me faith for what I cannot see
Give me passion for Your purity
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me
Holy Spirit, come abide within
May Your joy be seen in all I do
Love enough to cover every sin
In each thought and deed and attitude
Kindness to the greatest and the least
Gentleness that sows the path of peace
Turn my strivings into works of grace
Breath of God, show Christ in all I do
Holy Spirit, from creation’s birth
Giving life to all that God has made
Show Your power once again on earth
Cause Your church to hunger for your ways
Let the fragrance of our prayers arise
Lead us on the road of sacrifice
That in unity the face of Christ
Will be clear for all the world to see
Lyrics: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend