July 2

Isaiah 21, 23, 34
2 Kings 16
2 Chronicles 28, 29

The first part of today's reading describes God's impending judgment against Edom, Arabia, and Tyre. These passage emphasize a part of God's character that we don't usually like to think about. God is just who punishes the guilty with His holy power. Isaiah 34 gives the image of a sword descending in judgment, drenching the land with blood and fat, leaving Edom desolate. There's absolutely no way to sugar coat this: God cannot allow sin to go unpunished. We don't like to think about this, because we are all guilty. But it is important to remember not to take sin lightly.

The second part focuses on Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Ahaz was king for 16 years and very wicked. (no surprise there!) He sacrificed to other gods and provoked the Lord's anger. When he died, his son Hezekiah succeeded him. I image he was like a breath of fresh air to God! He actually did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, like his father David. He removed all traces of false gods and followed the commands that God gave to Moses. 2 Kings 18:7 says "And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook." It's amazing that no matter how much evil that his father Ahaz brought on Judah, through Hezekiah, the nation was turned back on the right path. This shows another aspect to God's character: His mercy and grace. It's encouraging to know that no matter how much we sin, its never beyond God's ability to forgive. Everyone who returns to Him is welcomed with open arms!