READING FOR NOVEMBER 28, 2025: 2 KINGS 14, 2 JOHN 1, PSALM 119:105-112                         2 KINGS 14  

Kings of Judah Mentioned         Kings of Israel Mentioned

The story of this chapter begins in Judah with King Amaziah taking over from his father Joash. To make life confusing for us, the king in Israel at that time was also named Joash. Like his father, Amaziah started out well with the exception of not removing the high places where people worshiped false gods. It is surprising that this was such a lingering problem among these kings. One wonders if there are stubborn sins or bad practice in our lives or the life of our church that we let continue, perhaps without our realizing it. Notice that Jesus says that we have a resource in this respect: “And He [the Holy Spirit], when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin” (John 16:8). Might we ask God to reveal these sins to us as David did?  “Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there and see if there is any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24).

Once Amaziah took full control, he promptly killed the servants who assassinated his father, King Joash. The text implies, though, that this was not wrong given the crime they clearly committed. He did show appropriate mercy by not punishing the sons of these assassins. In fact, the biblical basis for not doing this is quoted in the text from Deut. 24:6, which was written many hundreds of years earlier. We likewise should cite biblical reasons for our actions, not just what feels right to us. 

After a victorious encounter against Edom, King Amaziah foolishly challenged King Joash of Israel to a war. Joash tried to make peace through a marriage arrangement with their children, but fresh off his victory over Edom, Amaziah would not accept peace when it was offered to him. Judah’s resulting defeat to Israel resulted in damage to Jerusalem’s defenses and temple, in addition to having its citizens taken hostages. An entire nation suffered because of one man’s overconfidence. This is the last act recorded by King Joash of Israel, who was then succeeded by his son Jeroboam II.  King Amaziah lasted another 15 years before he, like his father, fell victim to assassins. Azariah, Amaziah’s 16-year-old son, was installed as his successor. Jeroboam II’s reign In Israel was 41 years of evil, but, in this case, the nation was able to regain some lost territory. The text says that God did not punish Israel during this period of evil rule. God is sovereign and acts according to His purposes, which may not always be understandable to us in this life. We know in the long run He will do what is right.  Upon his death, Jeroboam II was succeeded by his son Zechariah.

READING FOR NOVEMBER 28, 2025 CONTINUED: 2 JOHN, PSALM 119:105-112                          2 JOHN This letter is usually associated with the Apostle John, the son of Zebedee; however, it only says it is from the Elder. Interestingly there is a possible Jewish elder named John men-     tioned in Acts 4:5-6: “Rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, John, and Alexander.” This person might also be the unidentified disciple of Jesus mentioned in John 18:15: “Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.” This is not a big deal, though.

Also indefinite is the recipient of the letter. It states that it is written to a Christian lady and her children whom everyone knows and loves. It is possible her name is not mentioned to protect her identity during this period of persecution. Whoever it is, John says they all will experience God’s grace, mercy, and peace due to the truth and love of God. Truth and love are qualities that are often paired in the Bible. We must seek both of them (Eph. 4:15).  

John finds joy that some of the lady’s children are walking with the Lord. We, too, should be joyful for any of our children who walk with the Lord, while still praying for any who don’t. In fact, John says God commands that we do so. John then reminds the lady of one of the original commands: to love each other. Then he defines loving each other in a surprising way: obeying God’s commandments (vs. 6). Notice how this differs from a view by a progressive Christian: “Where the Bible supports Love, I follow it. Where it conflicts with Love, as I understand it, I reject it.”  Verses 7-11 confirm that love does not mean accepting any belief or lifestyle. 

PSALM 119:105-112 Verse 105 is the most famous verse in this longest chapter of the Bible. Can we honestly say with the Psalmist that God’s word directs our lives or do live like it is out of date or irrelevant to what actually matters to us? It sometimes seems one hears more fear about being thought of as a Bible thumper than not being led by God’s word. Some of the most accomplished individuals in every field of endeavor have been and continue to be directed by God’s word. Don’t be ashamed of it. 

After the Psalmist affirms its value, he commits to obeying it in the future. Notice this doesn’t mean he doesn’t experience great hardships. Just the opposite. Those who promise a trouble-free life for Christians, haven’t studied the Bible well. The Psalmist, however, does turn to God’s promises in his pain for what he calls “reviving.” This could mean keeping him alive. This kind of plea, too, is a key benefit of God’s word that all of us can utilize. 

The Psalmist then suggests that what we say to God can be a legitimate offering to Him. The writer of the Hebrews also takes up this theme: “Let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name” (Heb 13:15). Verses 109-110 both express the seeming irony of being in great distress yet completely obedient. Ever been there?  The solution, according to the Psalmist, is to make the Bible our joy and commit to obeying it to the end.