Bible Reading: 2 Kings 24:10-17
Memory verse: John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Have you ever wondered why the Holy Spirit ensured the stories of wars fought by the Israelites were included in the Old Testament? This was done because the Old Testament is the shadow of the new. Paul warned us to be careful to learn from the lives of people who were written about in the Old Testament, so that we don’t fail in the same way as they did. Another reason is for us to understand what we are up against, and know that if God brought them through, He is faithful to do the same for us.
In 2 King 24, Nebuchadnezzar came against Israel, and routed the land and the people. He took away everything of value both man and property. Verse 14 says, “Also he carried into captivity all Jerusalem: all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None remained except the poorest people of the land.” This is what Jesus was referring to in John 10:10. It shows how destructive Satan is, and so we must not be surprised when the enemy attacks. Always remember that if you let the devil, he will take your health, children, marriage, finances, job, and all. He is like a raging fire that burns everything in its path. However, Jesus came to give us life until it overflows with His goodness. It is time to take back everything that has been stolen from us by the enemy. He is out to take the best you have and what matters most to you, but the Word assures us that we have the power and authority to stop him. Choose to believe the Word, speak it over your life, stand your ground, and see the salvation of the Lord.