King Josiah was Jehoiakim’s father. Josiah had purged the land of false prophets and priests. He reinstituted the observance of Passover which had fallen by the way side due to the previous kings who worshipped idols. He stood up for the poor and needy against those who were taking advantage of them, and the Lord stood up for him.
Jehoiakim raised taxes. He built himself a beautiful palace and did not pay the workers. He put to death innocent people. When he died, he was buried with the burial of a donkey. No one mourned the loss of him. [2]
King Solomon wrote by the Spirit of the Lord, “There is one who makes himself rich yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor yet has great riches.” [3]
Love for God and for others is great riches! Egotistical goals achieved do not satisfy.
The Apostle James wrote by the Spirit of the Lord, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” [4]
Let love flow! It will flow to the lowest places where people need and appreciate it the most.
The Lord says not to be partial to the rich over the poor. Don’t be judges with evil thoughts. God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him. He says that mercy triumphs over judgment. He mentions Rahab the former harlot who, given the opportunity, believed in Him, as an example of a person whose faith did His work. [5]
King Solomon wrote by the Spirit of the Lord, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” [6]
The Apostle Paul wrote by the Spirit of the Lord, “Now I urge you, brethren, to note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” [7]
So, it is best to be filled with love for God and love for people, and not to be drawn away by the bling of the proud. The Lord says, “The God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” [8] In other words, the taunts of those who are serving themselves and persecuting the Lord’s servants will soon end, and the Lord’s servants will survive thanks to God’s grace.
King David wrote by the Spirit of the Lord, “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance. But judgment will return to righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.” [9]
When the Lord returns, the wrongs will be gone, and the rights will be forever. Blessed are the instructed of the Lord and blessed are we as we hold to His promises and live according to His law of love.
[1] Jeremiah 22:15-17
[2] Jeremiah 22:9, 13, 18-19
[3] Proverbs 13:7
[4] James 1:27
[5] James 2:1-13, 23-26
[6] Proverbs 10:12
[7] Romans 16:17-18
[8] Romans 16:24
[9] Psalm 94:12-15
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