Throughout the first and second books of Kings, we hear about the different kings who reigned in Israel, how they were often unfaithful to God and how they led the people astray from the path of faith. God gave them chance after chance, asking them to repent and to mend their ways, but the kings and the people often turned back to their evil ways and away from the Lord. Today, we hear about the Babylonians invading Israel, securing victory, and sending King Jehoiachin, the army, skilled craftsmen, and the king’s officers and functionaries into exile in Babylon, leaving behind the poor in Israel. The exile is a very difficult and painful event in Israel’s history, something that they never forget. The return to Jerusalem after many years in exile and the restoration of the Temple and the rituals there and the restoration of their relationship with God are all a big part of the history of Israel, part of which motivated the establishment of the country Israel in the Holy Land after WWII. This is a part of the history of the people of Israel and part of our faith history as well. It is important for us to put our trust in God and to follow him on our journey of faith, to not put our full trust and hope in the things of this world, which many of the kings of Israel did. May we learn from history.
No comments:
Post a Comment