Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 7, 2025

“the LORD looks at the heart.” – “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 2:9-17.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%202&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Boaz became the father of Obed, and Obed became the father of Jesse;  and Jesse became the father of Eliab his firstborn, then Abinadab the second, Shimea the third, Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, David the seventh;”  1 Chronicles 2:12-15.

———–

The names of Jesse’s seven sons leads us to meditate on how the LORD chose David above the other sons of Jesse to be the king of Israel in the following Scripture.  

“When they entered, he (Samuel) looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’S anointed is before Him.”  But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him;  for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel.  And he said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”  Next Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”  Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel.  But Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.”  1 Samuel 16:6-10.  

The LORD chose David.  “…  and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.  …”  1 Samuel 16:13.  And, David’s heart became “wholly devoted to the LORD” as we will read in one Scripture later in this devotion.

More generally, this devotion also leads us to be careful on how we judge others.  Do we favor those who have the best outward appearance?  Or, do we favor those, and seek to be around those, whose heart loves the LORD and his neighbor?

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30.

As wise and rich and powerful as King Solomon was, surrounded by dazzling opulence, we read the following about him.  “For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods;  and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.”  1 Kings 11:4.

Do we seek to have a heart like David whose heart was wholly devoted to the LORD?  

“And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  And He said to him, “What is written in the Law?  How does it read to you?”  And he answered, “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND;  AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”  And He said to him, “You have answered correctly;  DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE.”  Luke 10:25-28.

But, Reformed Doctrine teaches us that man’s condition was corrupted by the fall of Adam (through Adam’s sin), and it is a condition summarized as “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, as more fully taught in the Canons of Dordt.

Consider the following two articles from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled THIRD AND FOURTH HEADS OF DOCTRINE Of the Corruption of Man, His Conversion to God, and the Manner Thereof.

Article 1. Man was originally formed after the image of God. His understanding was adorned with a true and saving knowledge of his Creator, and of spiritual things; his heart and will were upright; all his affections pure; and the whole man was holy; but revolting from God by the instigation of the devil, and abusing the freedom of his own will, he forfeited these excellent gifts; and on the contrary entailed on himself blindness of mind, horrible darkness, vanity and perverseness of judgment, became wicked, rebellious, and obdurate in heart and will, and impure in his affections.

Article 3. Therefore all men are conceived in sin, and by nature children of wrath, incapable of saving good, prone to evil, dead in sin, and in bondage thereto, and without the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit, they are neither able nor willing to return to God, to reform the depravity of their nature, nor to dispose themselves to reformation.

We were “dead” in sin.  Ephesians 2:1-5.    We were hostile to God.  Romans 8:7 and Colossians 1:21.  We were in bondage to sin.  Romans 7:14-15.

“10 as it is written,

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” Romans 3:10-12.

The fallen condition of man is not that we are just affected or injured by the presence of sin.  Rather,  “… you were dead in your trespasses and sins,”  Ephesians 2:1.

“The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9.

But, there is hope!

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. ”  Ephesians 2:4-9.

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:26-27. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23. 

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” James 3:17.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

“… Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. …” Ephesians 1:3-8.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4.

“but just as it is written,

“THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”

… Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,”  1 Corinthians 2:9 and 12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 6, 2025

“Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people!”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 2:1-8.

“These are the sons of Israel:  Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.

The sons of Judah were Er, Onan and Shelah;  these three were born to him by Bath-shua the Canaanitess.  And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put him to death.  Tamar his daughter-in-law bore him Perez and Zerah.  Judah had five sons in all.

The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.  The sons of Zerah were Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol and Dara;  five of them in all.  The son of Carmi was Achar, the troubler of Israel, who violated the ban.  The son of Ethan was Azariah.”  1 Chronicles 2:1-8.

————- 

This start to the genealogy of the sons of Israel is surprising.  There is no act of righteousness mentioned here.  There are only acts of wickedness mentioned here as shown by the bold italic font.  And, that does not even include a questionable marriage to “Bath-shua the Canaanitess” and a questionable relationship to “Tamar his daughter-in-law”.  

And yet, we read the LORD saved the following.

“And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.”  Revelation 7:4-8.

But, the LORD did not only save Jews.  The LORD saved Gentiles too.  Immediately after the above Scripture, we read the following.

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;  and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,

“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”  And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying,

“Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.  Amen.”  Revelation 7:9-12.

“remember that you (Gentiles) were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.”  Ephesians 2:12-16.

“Salvation belongs to the LORD;
Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.” Psalm 3:8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 5, 2025

“love your enemies …, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 1:28-54.  Here is a link to today’s Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%201&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael.  These are their genealogies:  the firstborn of Ishmael was Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah;  these were the sons of Ishmael.  …

Abraham became the father of Isaac.  The sons of Isaac were Esau and Israel.  The sons of Esau were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah.  The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna and Amalek.  The sons of Reuel were Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah.  …

Now these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king of the sons of Israel reigned.  Bela was the son of Beor, and the name of his city was Dinhabah.”  1 Chronicles 1:28-30 and 34-37 and 43.

—————–

Today’s Scripture is also mostly names.  Most of the names are sons of Ishmael, sons of Esau, and kings of Edom (the sons of Esau later became known as Edom or as the Edomites, Genesis 36:19 and 43), although we can peak ahead and see that the next chapter covers the genealogy of Israel (Jacob).  

Why is there such attention to the sons of Ishmael, sons of Esau, and kings of Edom?  For example, see Galatians 4:21-31 and Romans 9:13.

“Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.”  Romans 9:13.

But, nevertheless, they were all sons of Abraham, and the LORD did provide for them.

The LORD did provide for Ishmael.  In the following Scripture, we first see that the LORD comforted Hagar, Sarai’s maid, mother of Ishmael, after Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence.  Then, we read the prophecy about Ishmael.  

“Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur.  He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?”  And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”  Then the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.”  Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, “I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.”  The angel of the LORD said to her further,

“Behold, you are with child,
And you will bear a son;
And you shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction.
“He will be a wild donkey of a man,
His hand will be against everyone,
And everyone’s hand will be against him;
And he will live to the east of all his brothers.” Genesis 16:7-12.

The LORD did also provide for Esau.

“Esau said to his father (Isaac), “Do you have only one blessing, my father?  Bless me, even me also, O my father.”  So Esau lifted his voice and wept.

Then Isaac his father answered and said to him,

“Behold, away from the fertility of the earth shall be your dwelling,
And away from the dew of heaven from above.
“By your sword you shall live,
And your brother you shall serve;
But it shall come about when you become restless,
That you will break his yoke from your neck.” Genesis 27:38-40.

“And the LORD spoke to me (Moses), saying, ‘You have circled this mountain long enough.  Now turn north, and command the people, saying, “You will pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau who live in Seir;  and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful;  do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, even as little as a footstep because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession.”  Deuteronomy 2:2-5.

“You shall not detest an Edomite, for he is your brother;  you shall not detest an Egyptian, because you were an alien in his land.”  Deuteronomy 23:7. 

The lesson that we can glean from today’s Scripture is to love our neighbor, even our enemy.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven;  for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?  Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?  Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:43-48.

But, there is hope!

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;  for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:12-13.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 3, 2025

“What is man that You take thought of him …?”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 1:1-27.  I went from considering to skipping today’s Scripture to needing two days to cover it.  Normally, each devotion to covers about 750 words, more or less.  But, today’s devotion is about 1,160 words and tries to cover the important subject of “What is man that You take thought of him …?”  So, God willing, I will not post a new devotion until next Wednesday, February 5, 2025, to allow for more time for all of us to meditate upon this important subject before we proceed to the next devotion.  

“Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Ham and Japheth.

The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech and Tiras.  The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Diphath, and Togarmah.  The sons of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim and Rodanim.

The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.  The sons of Cush were Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raama and Sabteca;  and the sons of Raamah were Sheba and Dedan.  Cush became the father of Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one in the earth.

Mizraim became the father of the people of Lud, Anam, Lehab, Naphtuh, Pathrus, Casluh, from which the Philistines came, and Caphtor.

Canaan became the father of Sidon, his firstborn, Heth, and the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites and the Hamathites.

The sons of Shem were Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, Aram, Uz, Hul, Gether and Meshech.  Arpachshad became the father of Shelah and Shelah became the father of Eber.  Two sons were born to Eber, the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided, and his brother’s name was Joktan.  Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,  Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Ebal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan.

Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abram, that is Abraham.”  1 Chronicles 1:1-27.

————–  

Mostly just names in the format of a genealogy.  Not even “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:”  Matthew 1:1.

Why not just skip this Scripture? 

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  Emphasis added.  2 Timothy 3:16-17.

So, we include it and will meditate on three major points for the reasons for it.

First, today’s Scripture reads like the LORD is taking Inventory of all men. Taking an Inventory is a starting point for doing an Accounting. Most generally, it is good to remember that the LORD takes thought of man, the good and the bad, and that the LORD created man to rule over the works of His hands. Then, still within this first point, we will proceed to consider that the LORD delights in justice. “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12.

“4 What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our LORD,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:4-9.

It is good to also remember that the LORD delights in justice and righteousness, not only delights in lovingkindness, and the LORD exercises all three things, lovingkindness, justice and righteousness, on the earth.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Psalm 97:1-2.

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;” Romans 3:19.

“So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12.

Second, the variety of good and bad men in today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on the point that the LORD does not only save Jews, but the LORD also saves Gentiles, people “from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

“And they *sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals;  for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”  Revelation 5:9-10.

Third, like names were written in today’s Scripture, it is also good to meditate on the hope that our names are written in the “book of life” to use the term for it in Revelation 21:27.

“… He chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,” Ephesians 1:4-5.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”  And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.  Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.  Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”  Luke 10:17-20.

The names written in the “book of life” are not the most mighty, most wise, most intelligent, and most noble, but rather, the names are God’s choice of those whom He will save. Furthermore, we should not be surprised that many really do not believe in God’s choice, preferring to believe in man’s choice and man’s free-will and man’s ability to control his own destiny, because God chose to hide “these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.”  

At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.  Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.  All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.”  Luke 10:21-24.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | March 2, 2025

“My grace is sufficient for you” – “But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 25:22-30.

“Now as for the people who were left in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, he appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan over them.  When all the captains of the forces, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, namely, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of the Maacathite, they and their men.  Gedaliah swore to them and their men and said to them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans;  live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.”

But it came about in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family, came with ten men and struck Gedaliah down so that he died along with the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah.  Then all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the forces arose and went to Egypt; for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.

Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he became king, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison;  and he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the throne of the kings who were with him in Babylon.  Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes and had his meals in the king’s presence regularly all the days of his life;  and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.”  2 Kings 25:22-30.

————-     

In today’s Scripture above, 2 Kings 25:22-30, it is unusual that the LORD’S name was not mentioned, particularly because this Scripture closes out the end of the book of 2 Kings. But, we can perceive that the LORD gave some good things even though the LORD was in the midst of exercising His wrath against Judah.  See the parts of today’s Scripture above highlighted in bold italic font.  The LORD gave good instruction through Gedaliah to the remnant remaining in Judah, and the LORD gave good things to Jehoiachin king of Judah through Evil-merodach king of Babylon even though we read earlier in 2 Kings 24:9 how evil Jehoiachin was.   

But, we notice that despite the good instruction of Gedaliah, the people did not trust Gedaliah, and they struck Gedaliah down and went to Egypt;  for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.

On the other hand, although we do not read how Jehoiachin king of Judah responded to his captivity before Evil-merodach became king of Babylon nor how Jehoiachin responded after his release, we can presume that Jehoiachin did well enough throughout all the time of his exile because he “… had his meals in the king’s presence regularly all the days of his life;  and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.”  Verses 29-30.

The lesson that we can glean from today’s Scripture is that in the midst of our trials, tribulations, and troubles, and at all times, we should wait for the LORD and hope for His lovingkindness and trust Him at all times. 

At times, our situation may seem pitch black, like Judah in captivity and exile we may feel that the LORD has deserted us, but the dawn will come, and there will be instruction and some other good things that the LORD will give us, sufficient grace, to get us through it all.    

“20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:20-22.

“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:8-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 28, 2025

“So the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion”

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.

—————   

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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 27, 2025

“I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever. I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 25:1-12.

“Now in the ninth year of his reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, camped against it and built a siege wall all around it.  So the city was under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah.  On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land.  Then the city was broken into, and all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls beside the king’s garden, though the Chaldeans were all around the city.  And they went by way of the Arabah.  But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho and all his army was scattered from him.  Then they captured the king and brought him to the king of Babylon at Riblah, and he passed sentence on him.  They slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, then put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him with bronze fetters and brought him to Babylon.

Now on the seventh day of the fifth month, which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem.  He burned the house of the LORD, the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem; even every great house he burned with fire.  So all the army of the Chaldeans who were with the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem.  Then the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon and the rest of the people, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away into exile.  But the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and plowmen.”  2 Kings 25:1-12.  

—————-  

Even when it seems hopeless, there is hope for God’s elect!  Praise God!!

“18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19 To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:18-22.

“6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.

8 O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.” Psalm 34:6-10.

“17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:17-19.

“10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:10-11.

“The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:22.

“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:1-2.

“8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
9 I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.” Psalm 52:8-9.

And, despite all the trials, troubles, and tribulations that King David had, times when it must have seemed hopeless to him, he concluded and proclaimed what is our hope too! Praise God!!

“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 26, 2025

“The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 24:10-20.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2024&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon went up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege.  And Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon came to the city, while his servants were besieging it.  Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he and his mother and his servants and his captains and his officials.  So the king of Babylon took him captive in the eighth year of his reign.  He carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king’s house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, just as the LORD had said.  Then he led away into exile all Jerusalem and all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths.  None remained except the poorest people of the land.

…  For through the anger of the LORD this came about in Jerusalem and Judah until He cast them out from His presence.  …”  2 Kings 24:10-14 and 20.

————  

“However, the LORD did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath with which His anger burned against Judah, because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked Him.”  2 Kings 23:26. 

It is scary to fall into the hands of an enemy.  How much more terrifying it is to fall into the hands of the Almighty LORD?!

“But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell;  yes, I tell you, fear Him!”  Luke 12:5.

But, there is hope for properly fearing the LORD, even a reward!  

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.

“The LORD favors those who fear Him,
Those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 147:11.

“26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And his children will have refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
That one may avoid the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27.

“The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches, honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4.

“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,
You will be happy and it will be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
Within your house,
Your children like olive plants
Around your table.
4 Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the LORD.” Psalm 128:1-4.

“6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for,
And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.
7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:6-7.

“The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.” Proverbs 19:23.

“9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:9-11.

“12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
13 His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
15 My eyes are continually toward the LORD,
For He will pluck my feet out of the net.” Psalm 25:12-15.

“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.” Psalm 34:7.

“9 O fear the LORD, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:9-14.

“Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:13.

“18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19 To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:18-22.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10.

“Praise the LORD!
How blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
Who greatly delights in His commandments.
2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 112:1-3.

“You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD;
He is their help and their shield.” Psalm 115:11.

“Oh let those who fear the LORD say,
“His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 118:4.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 25, 2025

“Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling.”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 24:1-9.  Here is a link to this devotion – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2024&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant for three years;  then he turned and rebelled against him.  The LORD sent against him bands of Chaldeans, bands of Arameans, bands of Moabites, and bands of Ammonites.  So He sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken through His servants the prophets.  Surely at the command of the LORD it came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood;  and the LORD would not forgive.”  2 Kings 24:1-5.   

——————

“Surely”, we pay close attention to the sovereignty of the LORD and His exercise of justice upon “Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD”.  Verses 2-4.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

We tremble in the fear of the LORD.  We do not rejoice in unrighteousness.  1 Corinthians 13:6.  

“4 Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And trust in the LORD.” Psalm 4:4-5.

But, we rejoice that the LORD delights in exercising justice on earth. The LORD declares: “I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things”. See above Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.
4 His lightnings lit up the world;
The earth saw and trembled.
5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD,
At the presence of the LORD of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare His righteousness,
And all the peoples have seen His glory.” Psalm 97:1-6.

“Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.” Psalm 2:11.

“7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.” Psalm 91:7-9.

We also rejoice in the LORD’S lovingkindness to us.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” Romans 5:8-9.

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.” Romans 9:22-24.

“10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:10-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 24, 2025

“For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 23:28-37.

“Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?  In his days Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates.  And King Josiah went to meet him, and when Pharaoh Neco saw him he killed him at Megiddo.  His servants drove his body in a chariot from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb.  Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and anointed him and made him king in place of his father.

Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem;  and his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.  He did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.  Pharaoh Neco imprisoned him at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem;  and he imposed on the land a fine of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim.  But he took Jehoahaz away and brought him to Egypt, and he died there.  So Jehoiakim gave the silver and gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land in order to give the money at the command of Pharaoh.  He exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land, each according to his valuation, to give it to Pharaoh Neco.

Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem;  and his mother’s name was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah.  He did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his fathers had done.”  2 Kings 23:28-37.

————

Despite how good Josiah king of Judah was, and despite how good his deeds were, “the LORD did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath with which His anger burned against Judah”.  See 2 Kings 23:25-27. 

In today’s Scripture, so quickly after this pronouncement, we see the beginning events of the fulfillment of the LORD’s word.  Even though we know, as stated so often throughout Scripture, that the LORD would fulfill His word, it is sobering and scary to to see it happen, action by action.  

So, what can we gain from today’s Scripture?

Through God’s grace, we can fear the LORD more and we can seek the only mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ, as covered at length in the last devotion.  

Consider the following Scriptures.

“But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell;  yes, I tell you, fear Him!”  Luke 12:5.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”  1 Timothy 2:5-6.

“And there is salvation in no one else;  for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12.

“10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:10-12.

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