THE STORY OF TWO KINGS

THE STORY OF TWO KINGS OF JUDAH: third king Asa and the third last king Jehoiachin
(2 Chron 15 & 16, 2 Kings 24:8-16; 25:27-30)

Fearful young Asa, cried out to God for success,
So God saved him from Ethiopia, God gave him rest (2 Chron 14:6).
But on his 36th year of reign, when the king grew proud and big,
He turned from God to strategies, and died lonely and sick.

Fearful young Jehoiachin followed his old man’s wicked ways,
So God let Nebuchadnessar imprison him, for 36 years he counted his days.
One evening, Nebu threw his own son in jail - the two men became friends;
And when Nebu died, the Prince went to the throne, and made Jehoiachin a free man.

I love the stories of these two kings – and here's what I see -
God's ways are amazing, especially to those who are meek.
Don't forget Him when you're strong; when you’re in prison, be calm -
He’s never far, He’s just above you, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

WHAT SACRIFICE ARE YOU MAKING?

A reflection on Ahaz the 12th king of Judah (2 Kings 16, 2 Chron 28).

For Ahaz, king no. 12, “winning” was his goal in life;
His one big solid strategy: “Sacrifice!”“Sacrifice!”“Sacrifice!”
His faith, his values, his call, even his own sons (2 Kgs 16:3);
"Just get me to the top!" he cried. "Let me be number one!"

“I want God’s blessings!” he claimed. But he sought Assyria for strength,
Sure, he worshipped at the temple, but his fear was man.
Even when friends turned against him, he refused to submit,
So God humbled and disciplined Ahaz, and he made his exit.

What’s your daily offering at the altar of the high places –
Your sons? Your daughters? Your vows? Your childhood promises?
To get that "job satisfaction", what are you letting go?
What sacrifices are you making just to reach your goal?

What do you hold on to tightly? What’s your hand?
What gets you out of bed so early? Love for God, really? Or fear of man?
Why do you say, “I have no choice, to succeed this is the rule?”
When humility is the only sacrifice God asks of you?

So here’s a little test, be honest in your answers:
When was the last time you said, “Later” “Later” “Later” and “Later”?
Later, I will slow down but now is my chance;
Later, I will eat with them; later I shall dance.

Later, we’ll go on that holiday; later, I’ll stop and read;
Later, I’ll take a walk; later, I’ll plant that seed.
Later, I’ll build my house; later, I’ll make amends.
Later, I’ll switch off that phone; but now, I’ve messages to send.

But those we put aside for “later” are also on a journey –
They have dreams they must catch, they cannot tarry;
They grow up, they grow old, they’ll stop asking, “Why?”
And when your “later” finally comes, time and chance have passed you by.

Love God first, follow His rules, let Him build your castle –
He holds every key in His Hand, fear Him – your Lord and Master.
Don’t offer sacrifices that you are sure to regret,
Remember: your humility is the only sacrifice God will bless.

Talk To The Clay - reflections from the visit to the pottery

O clay O clay you’re not at all pretty,
But in the master’s eyes you’re a thing of great beauty.
Once you were nothing, actually, a lump.
But now in his hands, your life has begun.

O clay, O clay, let me give you a few tips -
On how to survive and find your perfect fit.
First, don’t be shocked when you’re thrown on the wheel -
Your world will spin, but don’t panic, keep still.

The trick is to stay soft when you’re squeezed and pressed,
And when he pours water on you, be grateful, don’t get stressed.
Nah, you won’t drown, he knows what he’s doing –
No need to scream and shout and, for goodness' sake, stop moving!

Stop saying, “Why O why does it take so long?”
“I want to be in control”, “I need to be strong!”
Let the one who sees from high above
Mold, shape, pedal, bend, do his work of love.

For now, O clay, life may not feel at all fun
But the master's gentle hands won’t leave you till you're done.
So shut up, sit pretty, submit to his ways -
He is the potter, you are the clay.