In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel. He ruled in Samaria for two years. In GOD's eyes he lived an evil life. He stuck to the old sin tracks of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who led Israel into a life of sin.
Israel was divided into two kingdoms after the death of King Solomon. The 12 tribes divided into Israel and Judah. The son of Solomon became king of the southern Kingdom of Judah. Jeroboam, a former official of King Solomon, became king of the northern kingdom of Israel. [read more about this here]
Azariah, king of Judah, did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, however he did not remove the high places and the people continued to offer sacrifices there. At the same time, Pekahiah, King of Israel lived an evil life and led his kingdom in a life of sin.
There seems to be a difference in the two kingdoms, as Judah had a leader who followed God while Israel's leader defied Him. But, there was still potential for trouble in Judah because the occasions for sin were not destroyed.
Often, we behave in a like manner. We have changed our lives and we live and walk close with God, but because of our sin nature, we don't totally remove things from our lives that might tempt and lead us astray.
It is similar to a person who is trying to change their eating habits, they cook healthier meals, attend meetings to learn better ways to feed the body and exercise as well, but still there is that corner in the cupboard with the chocolate chip cookies, or stuffed way in the back of the freezer is the pint of Cherry Garcia. Instead of setting ourselves up for success we are sabotaging our efforts.
Advent is the season we wait and we anticipate a New Life because of Jesus. Observing Christmas each year causes us to examine yesterday and look forward to tomorrow. This is the perfect season to remove the 'high places' in our lives. It is a time to purge the temptations and make a full turn-around. New Year's Day is around the corner.
Often, we behave in a like manner. We have changed our lives and we live and walk close with God, but because of our sin nature, we don't totally remove things from our lives that might tempt and lead us astray.
It is similar to a person who is trying to change their eating habits, they cook healthier meals, attend meetings to learn better ways to feed the body and exercise as well, but still there is that corner in the cupboard with the chocolate chip cookies, or stuffed way in the back of the freezer is the pint of Cherry Garcia. Instead of setting ourselves up for success we are sabotaging our efforts.
Advent is the season we wait and we anticipate a New Life because of Jesus. Observing Christmas each year causes us to examine yesterday and look forward to tomorrow. This is the perfect season to remove the 'high places' in our lives. It is a time to purge the temptations and make a full turn-around. New Year's Day is around the corner.
2 Kings 15:27-31
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