The Sunrise of Hope

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 52

Scripture Focus: He put off his prison garments. (Jeremiah 52.33)

Devotional Thought: As the fall days passed and the nights grew longer, Lana and I found ourselves enjoying our morning walks in the dark.  There were a particular few weeks when it seemed that the end of our walk coincided with the first glimmers of sunrise.  What a reminder of the sunrise of hope for the Christian!

Things were dark for the people of God.  Jerusalem had fallen, her leaders deposed or slain.  There was bitter strife and infighting.  Thousands of people were exiled.  Yet, there was a glimmer of light.  Jehoiachin, former king in Jerusalem who had been imprisoned by the king of Babylon, was "graciously freed and brought out of prison."  Not only so, he was given "a seat above the seats" of others who were with him.  He "put off his prison garments, and ... dined regularly at the king's table."  He was given "a regular allowance ... until the day of his death, as long as he lived."

What does that have to do with the sunrise of hope for the Christian?  Consider Jehoiachin's...

·       Demise.  Jehoiachin assumed the throne at the age of eighteen, but he only reigned three months.  He surrendered to the Babylonian king and was taken prisoner to Babylon.

·       Rise.  His imprisonment lasted thirty-seven years.  The Bible doesn't indicate that he had done anything to deserve his freedom.  It was graciously given to him.

·       Prize.  That Jehoiachin was given an allowance the rest of his life is symbolic of our reward in eternity.  "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning!" (Psalm 30.5, NKJV)

Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble, but let the story of Jehoiachin remind you that there is a sunrise of hope for the Christian.

Prayer: Though the way is dark now, O Lord, I trust in the sunrise of hope.  You will not leave me as a prisoner, but will lift me up out of this sorrow and grant me an allowance for eternity.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 127.1-5

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.