The history of Israel and Judah reveals the futility and hopelessness of trusting in earthly kings. Even the best of political leaders are temporary and have no power over people’s hearts. But recognizing this reality refocuses our hope to where it should always have been—toward a greater promise and an enduring victory that comes only through an eternal King.

Real reform must end in a tomb one way or the other.Either it leads to futility where good intentions go to die. Or it leads to resurrection hope.

Summary: In whom do you trust when your security is threatened? Ultimately, neither your own effort or the strength of your friends will save you. God must act.

David Keddie is a Ruling Elder at Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Lawrenceville, NJ. For almost 20 years, he has served on the staff of Princeton Christian Fellowship, a student ministry at Princeton University. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity degree at Westminster Theological Seminary.

The Kingdom of Israel collapsed because of its ongoing rebellion against the LORD. But the lesson of Israel’s exile can be our hope if we turn to the true king they rejected.

Craig DiBenedictis faithfully served as Calvary’s pastor for over 33 years, from 1985 to 2018.  He lives in Brick with his wife, Linda, and remains active in ministry through the encouragement of local pastors and involvement in global missions.

Even when it seems like God’s promises are in danger, He is always at work. The true and rightful King reigns even as we wait for his full revealing and reign.

Many people say they want the truth, but really don’t. However, if truth is truth, you can’t actually escape it and make it untrue. 

The mission of the church is to celebrate and proclaim the good news that though separated from God by sin, we have been reconciled with God by Christ and will be presented to God as holy.

An obscure king of the northern tribes of Israel is an example of how God judges sinful leaders and offers grace in the midst of evil.