Bent Oak Church

Special message delivered by former pastor Kevin Weaver.

Special message delivered by former pastor Brad Lombardi.

As we wrap up the book of 2 Kings, the story doesn't seem to end well. The final events of this long story of Israel are destruction and exile. Jerusalem falls, and the people of Israel fragment and divide. But there is hope. It is small and perhaps unnoticed by some, but the final word of the book is that this still is unfished. 

As we come to the end of 2 Kings, it's surprising how uneventful the fall of Jerusalem is. In the end, the king simply surrenders to Babylon. Far from a dramatic last stand, the life and identity of Judah just fizzles out. Their sin has stripped them of faith. They can no longer see the story of what God wanted to do through them. So, all is lost. 

Josiah had led remarkable reforms throughout Judah and Israel, but upon his death, his son reverted back to idolatry in just three months. As God had spoken, Josiah would be spared, but judgment was coming for Judah. We take a closer look at God's wrath and his patience. 

Having found the book of the Law, Josiah set out to lead spiritual reforms throughout his kingdom. The list of idols and temples he removed is overwhelming. It was a massive project and a remarkable achievement. But for all his success, scripture summarizes his work with a much similar commendation. Josiah loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, and strength. 

After Hezekiah, Manasseh ruled for fifty-five years. He was one of the most wicked kings of Judah and unleashed decades of idolatry, violence, and human sacrifice. It would be nice if the good kings ruled long and the wicked kings were judged quickly, but 2 Kings reminds us that God is patient and the sun often shines on both the righteous and the unrighteous. God is faithful and patient even when we are not. 

Hezekiah's rule marks one of the high points in Judah's kingdom. Hezekiah repeatedly shows himself to be a man of prayer, but when a prophecy for the future warns of destruction, Hezekiah struggles to engage what will not be his to bear. It is a clear warning that even the most devout and faithful life can slip into self-centeredness. We find the better him of Hezekiah in Christ himself, who interceeds for those not only in the future but those who oppose and persecute him. 

With Israel surrounded and the Assyrians mocking their faith in God, Hezekiah prayed. The lord answered. He told Hezekiah not to fear. God can not be mocked, and God would respond to the boasts of the Assyrian king. The city of Jerusalem prayed, waited, and watched for what God would do. They witnessed an incredible miracle. 

With Israel defeated, Assyria turned its attention to Judah and Jerusalem. But before they launched their assault, they offered the people a path to peace. They reasoned with them to side with Assyria. Given Assyria's power and skilled propaganda, it was a very real temptation. 2 Kings 18 helps us better understand the true nature of all temptations and why temptations can be so difficult to recognize.