The history of God’s people, under their various kings, is like a
rollercoaster. There are high-points - “They would be the Lord’s
people” (2 Kings 11:17). These high-points are often followed by
low-points - “Joash did what the Lord considered right ...but the
illegal places of worship weren’t torn down” (2 Kings 12:2-3). The reign
of Jehoahaz was one of decline - “He did what the Lord considered
evil” (2 Kings 13:2). The decline continued under the reign of Jehoash -
“He did what the Lord considered evil” (2 Kings 13:11). Despite all
the sins of the kings, there was still hope. This hope did not come
from the kings. It came from the Lord: “The Lord was kind and merciful
to the Israelites because of His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”
(2 Kings 13:23).
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be
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