Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 25:13-21. Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2025&version=NASB1995
I quote only the following verses.
“Now the bronze pillars which were in the house of the LORD, and the stands and the bronze sea which were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon. They took away the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the spoons, and all the bronze vessels which were used in temple service. The captain of the guard also took away the firepans and the basins, what was fine gold and what was fine silver. …
Then the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest and Zephaniah the second priest, with the three officers of the temple. From the city he took one official who was overseer of the men of war, and five of the king’s advisers who were found in the city; and the scribe of the captain of the army who mustered the people of the land; and sixty men of the people of the land who were found in the city. Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. Then the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was led away into exile from its land.” 2 Kings 25:13-15 and 18-21.
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There is hope!
Let us meditate on Isaiah chapter 51 Scriptures below which conclude “The exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his bread be lacking.” Isaiah 51:14.
But, we must pay close attention to both today’s Scripture and the Isaiah chapter 51 Scriptures below. The hope is not for everyone. As we see in verse 21 of today’s Scripture, some were struck down and put to death. In the following Isaiah chapter 51 Scriptures and other Scriptures, we know that not everyone pursues righteousness. Not every one of Abraham’s descendants was blessed. See Romans 9:6-18. Not everyone is considered by the LORD to be “My people”. Not everyone is “the ransomed of the LORD”.
Other doctrine falsely preaches and teaches as if the LORD wants to save everyone, but His hands are tied, and the LORD can only do what man’s alleged free-will allows.
But, Reformed Doctrine truly summarizes Scripture and preaches and teaches that the LORD saves only His elect, but the LORD saves all of His elect. Here is a link to my summary of the Canons of Dordt which extensively quotes it in the format of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation – https://reformeddoctrine.com/summary-of-canons-of-dordt/
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
Who seek the LORD:
Look to the rock from which you were hewn
And to the quarry from which you were dug.
2 “Look to Abraham your father
And to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain;
When he was but one I called him,
Then I blessed him and multiplied him.”
3 Indeed, the LORD will comfort Zion;
He will comfort all her waste places.
And her wilderness He will make like Eden,
And her desert like the garden of the LORD;
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
Thanksgiving and sound of a melody.
4 “Pay attention to Me, O My people,
And give ear to Me, O My nation;
For a law will go forth from Me,
And I will set My justice for a light of the peoples.
5 “My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth,
And My arms will judge the peoples;
The coastlands will wait for Me,
And for My arm they will wait expectantly.” Isaiah 51:1-5.
“11 So the ransomed of the LORD will return
And come with joyful shouting to Zion,
And everlasting joy will be on their heads.
They will obtain gladness and joy,
And sorrow and sighing will flee away.
12 “I, even I, am He who comforts you.
Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies
And of the son of man who is made like grass,
13 That you have forgotten the LORD your Maker,
Who stretched out the heavens
And laid the foundations of the earth,
That you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor,
As he makes ready to destroy?
But where is the fury of the oppressor?
14 The exile will soon be set free, and will not die in the dungeon, nor will his bread be lacking.” Isaiah 51:11-14.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 