This chapter alone covered the reign of seven kings from Judah and Israel. This includes kings Azariah (Uzziah) and Jotham, from Judah, as well as kings Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah from Israel.  There was also Hoshea who assassinated Pekah and reigned in his place. 

The kings of Israel were clearly wicked – they “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord” (verses 9, 18, 24, 28), and made Israel to sin. While the kings of Judah looked somewhat righteous – “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (verses 3 and 34), nevertheless, “the high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places” (verses 4, 35). There was a contrast between the north and south of Israel, but as this history of kings showed, the lack of obedience to the Lord is consistent, whether in big or small ways. 

If we were to trace the history further down the line, we will know that kingdoms continue to rise and kingdoms fall, and no one king can rule forever, no matter how hard they try. Human kingdoms fail even if they might be a mighty force at one time. 

However, there is one kingdom that does not fail, and that is God’s Kingdom. God’s Kingdom does not fail. God’s kingdom is delivered and fulfilled through Jesus Christ the King. He was not born in the palace, but through a virgin birth in the manger. He does not ride through the streets on a horse, but on a donkey. He does not save through victories in battles, but victory over death. He does not rule through an iron fisted power, but through love and servanthood. He does not rule from a far away ivory throne, but is with and amongst us, ruling from the thrones of our hearts. Immanuel, “God with us”, is the hope of God’s kingdom. 

Do we recognise that while we are citizens of a country on earth that we are also citizens of God’s kingdom when we choose to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. Do we recognise that we have responsibilities to fulfil as part of this Kingdom of God?

As citizens of this unfailing kingdom of God, may we align our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and to be wholly obedient to Him. May the Word of God guide our paths as we choose to live our lives according to His commandments. May we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, relinquishing the control of our lives to Jesus, and asking God for guidance and protection each day. God’s Kingdom is eternal and unfailing.

Prayer: Dear God, you are Sovereign and in control. I acknowledge you as King of my life. Please direct my path each day, and guide me in all of my ways. May your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.