John 1:19-28 ESV

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

19 Ito ang patotoo ni Juan nang suguin ng mga Judio ang mga pari at mga Levita mula sa Jerusalem upang siya'y tanungin, “Sino ka ba?” 20 Siya'y nagpahayag at hindi ikinaila kundi sinabing, “Hindi ako ang Cristo.” 21 Siya'y kanilang tinanong, “Kung gayo'y, ikaw ba si Elias?” At sinabi niya, “Hindi ako.” “Ikaw ba ang propeta?” At siya'y sumagot, “Hindi.” 22 Sinabi nila sa kanya, “Sino ka ba? Bigyan mo kami ng isasagot sa mga nagsugo sa amin. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol sa iyong sarili?” 23 Sinabi niya, “Ako ang tinig ng isang sumisigaw sa ilang na lugar, ‘Tuwirin ninyo ang daan ng Panginoon, gaya ng sinabi ng propeta Isaias.’”

24 Sila'y mga sugo buhat sa mga Fariseo. 25 Siya'y tinanong nila, “Kung gayo'y bakit ka nagbabautismo, kung hindi ikaw ang Cristo, o si Elias, o ang propeta?” 26 Sila'y sinagot ni Juan, “Ako'y nagbabautismo sa tubig; sa gitna ninyo'y may isang nakatayo na hindi ninyo kilala, 27 na pumaparitong kasunod ko at hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng panali ng kanyang sandalyas.” 28 Ang mga bagay na ito'y nangyari sa Betania, sa kabilang ibayo ng Jordan, na pinagbabautismuhan ni Juan.

I AM THE VOICE

John the Baptist’s ministry had caught attention to the religious leaders, particularly the priests and the Levites. Definitely, his preaching of repentance and baptism were intriguing, if not threatening to them. They were beyond the norms of the religious system during that time. They couldn’t continue second guessing. It was best for them to know it from John the Baptist himself.

In many cases, the will of God is outside of the box. It may raise questions from others if we obey God for it is doing something out from the mold. Nevertheless, like John the Baptist, we must not be intimidated by what people think but be focused in fulfilling His will. Moreover, we should not cringe when we are compared with others, which is the natural tendency of people.

He knew his role pretty well as he claimed, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”[see Isa 40:3] He is the ‘phone’ while Jesus is "The logos [the Word.]. Doesn’t the "voice" bring awareness of "the word," which people are expected to hear and respond? Thus, he was conditioning the people so that they will be ready to receive the Messiah. He was so self effacing to say “he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” For this Jesus said about his greatness, that is “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” [Luke 7:28]

Jesus’ says that there could even be more than him should he is the least in the kingdom of God. John the Baptist is great but has not the monopoly of it. It is in his expendability that he exudes his greatness.

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John 1:14-18 ESV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

HE BECAME LIKE US.

The idea that Jesus is a mirage, or an illusion is wrong. Christ was a one hundred percent authentic human being. For, the ‘Word’ directly became flesh. This is not just that Jesus lived among men. Most notably, He became a man Himself.

The original word for ‘dwelt’ suggests the tabernacle of the Old Testament. It was a temporary structure, symbolic of God's "dwelling" with His people, while at the same time a literal physical place. Jesus is with us and among us, in human form, much as God was among His people in the tabernacle. The logic why Jesus is called Immanuel, meaning “God is with us.”[Mt 1:23]

He was an authentic, living or breathing person. Consequently, He had experienced everything humans do such as being tempted. The only difference is that He did not commit a single sin. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” [Heb 4:15]. He is the only perfect human being.

Meanwhile, Jesus’ coming was the fulfilment of prophecy as the Messiah. His cousin, John the Baptist was His forerunner as Isaiah prophesied;

“A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”[Isa 40:3]

However, His people did not receive Him. Why? Most people expected that the Savior would be a political or military leader. Unbeknown to them that in His humility “we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness.”[CSB] In fact Paul had articulated, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”[2 Cor 8:9] This marks the difference Jesus compared to Moses. By the law, man would know the truth that he is a sinner. But, Jesus came as the grace and truth. That is, with the knowledge of sin, he provides the solution of sin and the power to live the truth. In His sacrifice through His blood [1 John 1:7] is the only means of forgiveness and deliverance from the judgment we deserve.

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John 1:9-13 ESV

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

9 Siya ang tunay na ilaw na tumatanglaw sa bawat dumarating sa sanlibutan. 10 Siya noon ay nasa sanlibutan at ang sanlibutan ay ginawa sa pamamagitan niya, gayunma'y hindi siya nakilala ng sanlibutan. 11 Siya'y naparito sa kanyang sariling tahanan at siya'y hindi tinanggap ng kanyang sariling bayan. 12 Subalit ang lahat ng tumanggap sa kanya na sumasampalataya sa kanyang pangalan ay kanyang pinagkalooban sila ng karapatan na maging mga anak ng Diyos, 13 na ipinanganak hindi sa dugo, o sa kalooban ng laman, o sa kalooban ng tao, kundi ng Diyos.

BECOMING A CHILD OF GOD.

God took the initiative by coming into the world as the Light. But, as night critters flashed with a beaming light, many people hid and refused to acknowledge the Him. They did not receive Jesus. Not because they couldn’t but they won’t. men loved darkness than light. For example, the athiests and agnostics are running away from the existence of God. They don’t believe that God exist. But, why is it that they are fighting Him, who they believe doesn’t exist? It’s absurd for a man to claim that God is nothing but spend most their time defending against Him.

How far has man ran away from God, His grace of salvation does outpace or outrun him. He isn’t fed up to man’s stubbornness but had invited all to consider believing in Him. He came into His own, but His own did not receive Him. But, to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. [v.11,12]

This offer, Paul had stated it in saying, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”[Titus 2:11] By ‘appear’ means broadcasted as light shines everywhere. However, he only who does receive Jesus are given the authority to become the children of God. To be born again or anew is a result of his trust in Jesus that leads to his adoption. This birthing is not short of a miracle, is it? For, he is born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Clearly, to be born again and become a member of God’s family is the will of God. However, one couldn’t be a part of God’s family should He won’t receive Him into His heart by faith. This is our responsibility.

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John 1:4-8 ESV

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

- - - - - 

4 Nasa sa kanya ang buhay at ang buhay ay siyang ilaw ng mga tao. 5 Ang ilaw ay lumiliwanag sa kadiliman; at ito'y hindi nagapi ng kadiliman. 6 Mayroong isang tao na isinugo mula sa Diyos na ang pangalan ay Juan. 7 Siya ay dumating bilang saksi, upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw, upang sa pamamagitan niya'y sumampalataya ang lahat. 8 Hindi siya ang ilaw, kundi dumating siya upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw.

THE LIGHT

Not only that Jesus came as the giver of life, but He is also the ‘Light.’ He is the revealer of truth. And the ‘darkness has not overcome it’, to specifically mean, the darkness can’t ‘acquire’, ‘grasp’ or ‘lay hold of’ the light. Thus, many can’t see the beauty of the gospel because they misunderstand it. It is because of their ‘stubborness’ more than their ‘intellect.’ As Jesus said, “If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” [John 7:17] The evidence is apparent, but those who prefer darkness will not see it for what it is. Moreover, it has a sense of "seizing," as in taking possession.

Moreover, God has appointed a bearer of the light. John the Baptist wasn’t the Light. He bore witness to Him. He was calling Israel to "repent," which literally means to turn around, 180 degrees. Baptism was already practiced in this region, as a sign of repentance by those converting to Judaism. The fact that John did this to the Jews made him and his ministry intriguing and controversial. His role was exactly this: to "prepare the way" for the Promised One.

Today, whenever we notice a person who isn’t interested towards spiritual things like the gospel, let’s commit them unto prayer. That God will open their eyes to see the light of the gospel. They are blinded. And it’s only the Spirit that can open their eyes. [2 Cor 4:4]

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John 1:3 ESV

3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made

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3 Lahat ng mga bagay ay ginawa sa pamamagitan niya at kung wala siya ay hindi nagawa ang anumang bagay na ginawa.

THE WORD MADE ALL THINGS

God is the creator of the universe. The universe is not the product of chance, but by an intelligent design. Here, Scripture makes the interesting point that nothing created was created apart from Jesus. This is an interesting proof that He is God Himself. Why is this very important?

First, it proves what nature He is not. That is, Jesus is not a created being like an angel, a man, or some other formed being. In other words, He existed before creation. In His essence, Christ is divine. However, this doesn’t negate that He couldn’t adopt humanity. As Paul said, “He emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”[Phil 2:7]

Secondly, it proves of what nature He is. That is, Jesus is eternal. There is significant difference between things which begin to exist, and the One who has always existed. In other words, He did not "begin to exist," which did not "come into being." This one and only being is God. Most theologian term this as the "Cosmological Argument," or the argument from a "first cause." Christ, as God, is the “Uncaused Cause”.

In fact Paul has capsulized Jesus’ divinity by saying, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.“[Col 1:15-17]

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John 1:1-2 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.

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Sa simula ay ang Salita, at ang Salita ay kasama ng Diyos, at ang Salita ay Diyos. 2 Sa simula ay kasama na siya ng Diyos.

THE WORD

The universe had a beginning, contrary to the idea that it is eternal. Notedly, the Word was corollary in the beginning of the existence of the material world, not nullifying that it is even before it. As Moses accounted in Gen 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Simply said, the Creator was there during the creation acts and even must be before it. That the Creator and creation occurred simultaneously and He was part of the creation are preposterous thoughts, are they not?

John introduces to us an important term for Jesus referred to as "The Word." It is from the Greek word logos. As the first name attributed to Christ, He is the Logos, the definition, the meaning, the "Word" of God. The rest of the gospel is the unfolding or revelation to prove this claim to be true, particularly through His miracles.

Interestingly, the “Word’ was with God in and during creation. He was not separate but different. That is He coexisted but apparently different. And, He was God. Could a Being be “with God” in His creative acts and eternal existence, not be God Himself? A Being with God who is God Himself must be of similar nature but a different person.

While the creative acts of God shows His transcendence, the ‘Word’ emphasizes His Immanence. The purpose of the “Logos” is to communicate. How do we know God without His initiative to reveal to us? We know God because He made Himself known through the “Word” We use words to communicate, don’t we? And, we use the words of the receiver in order to be understood. The reason why the ‘Word” became flesh and dwelt among us.[John 1:14]

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2 Kings 25:27-30 ESV

27 And in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, graciously freed Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. 28 And he spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat above the seats of the kings who were with him in Babylon. 29 So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king's table, 30 and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, according to his daily needs, as long as he lived.

27 At nangyari, nang ikadalawampu't pitong araw, nang ikalabindalawang buwan ng ikatatlumpu't pitong taon ng pagkabihag ni Jehoiakin na hari ng Juda, si Evil-merodac na hari ng Babilonia, nang taong siya'y magsimulang maghari, ay pinalaya sa bilangguan si Jehoiakin na hari ng Juda. 28 Siya'y nagsalita na may kabaitan sa kanya, at binigyan siya ng upuan sa itaas ng mga upuan ng mga haring kasama niya sa Babilonia. 29 Kaya't hinubad ni Jehoiakin ang kanyang damit-bilangguan. At sa bawat araw ng kanyang buhay ay palagi siyang kumakain sa hapag ng hari; 30 at para sa pantustos sa kanya, may palagiang panustos na ibinibigay sa kanya ang hari, bawat araw ay isang bahagi, habang siya ay nabubuhay.

THE FAVOR

It was Nebuchadnezzar who took Jehoiachin as prisoner along with his mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men in Judah (2 Kings 24:16). Nebuchadnezzar also took ten thousand others into exile, leaving only the poorest behind, and he raided the temple (2 Kings 24:13–14; 2 Chron 36:10).

While he was imprisoned in Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar installed Jehoiachin’s uncle, Zedekiah, on the throne. He was rebellious against God and against King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Chron 36:12–13). After eleven years of Zedekiah’s rule, Jerusalem fully fell to Nebuchadnezzar. More exiles were carried off, and the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem’s walls and burned the temple and the palaces (2 Kings 25:9–10; 2 Chronicles 36:19; Jer 52:13–14). Jerusalem was destroyed.

Thirty-seven years after Jehoiachin’s deportation, he was given some freedom in Babylon. Evil-Merodach had become king of Babylon (2 Kings 25:27; Jer 52:31), and he “spoke kindly” to Jehoiachin and gave him a seat of honor at his table and a daily allowance (2 Kings 25:28–30; Jer 52:32–34). “So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king's table” (v.29).

The granting of grace isn’t always explanable, is it? It is an act done that transcends reason. This is a strange narrative—son of a puppet king of Egypt, imprisoned by the king of Babylon to make room for another puppet king, taken in the second wave of exiles, yet released from prison and given a gracious end to his life. We do not know what happened during his years in prison or why Evil-Merodach was so kind to him. What is evident in the story of Jehoiachin is God’s righteous judgment as well as His merciful grace.

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2 Kings 25:22-26 ESV

22 And over the people who remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, he appointed Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, governor. 23 Now when all the captains and their men heard that the king of Babylon had appointed Gedaliah governor, they came with their men to Gedaliah at Mizpah, namely, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of the Maacathite. 24 And Gedaliah swore to them and their men, saying, “Do not be afraid because of the Chaldean officials. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.” 25 But in the seventh month, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, son of Elishama, of the royal family, came with ten men and struck down Gedaliah and put him to death along with the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. 26 Then all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the forces arose and went to Egypt, for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.

LIVE AND SERVE GOD TODAY

All the Jews were brought to Babylon except the poor. Thus, Gedaliah , the grandson of Josiah’s Secretary Shaphan, was appointed as governor to those left behind in Judah. He was under the watchful eyes of the Babylonians. He admonished the people saying, “Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.” Unpatriotic as it sounded yet it was the best they could do. The best they could do under this situation of deserved and unstoppable judgment was to simply accept it from the hand of God and do the right thing under the Babylonians.

Did Gedaliah know the words of Jeremiah? Most probably, that is, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.”[Jer 29:4,6] Nothing could be best other than abiding in the will of God even though we couldn’t comprehend everything about it.

However, Ishmael with ten others differed so that he killed Gedaliah along with the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. Definitely, this could cause retaliation so that all the people fled to Egypt. A fulfilment that the land will be deserted, as Jeremiah declared, “Be warned, O Jerusalem, lest I turn from you in disgust, lest I make you a desolation, an uninhabited land.” [Jer 6:8] This was a 180 degree-turn. While Moses had brought them out from Egypt many years back, this time they went back to seek refuge in Egypt from Babylon.

Today, we are in pandemic captivity. God has allowed this and let us subscribe to His plan. Let’s not be a victim of a covid scare but be a victor by blooming in and for Christ. How could we make this Covid pandemic work for God and us? May God help us.

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2 Kings 25:8-17 ESV

8 In the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month—that was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon—Nebuzaradan, the captain of the bodyguard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. 9 And he burned the house of the LORD and the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. 10 And all the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls around Jerusalem. 11 And the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon, together with the rest of the multitude, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried into exile. 12 But the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and plowmen.

13 And the pillars of bronze that were in the house of the LORD, and the stands and the bronze sea that were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon. 14 And they took away the pots and the shovels and the snuffers and the dishes for incense and all the vessels of bronze used in the temple service, 15 the fire pans also and the bowls. What was of gold the captain of the guard took away as gold, and what was of silver, as silver. 16 As for the two pillars, the one sea, and the stands that Solomon had made for the house of the LORD, the bronze of all these vessels was beyond weight. 17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and on it was a capital of bronze. The height of the capital was three cubits. A latticework and pomegranates, all of bronze, were all around the capital. And the second pillar had the same, with the latticework.

BURNED AND BROKEN DOWN

A few weeks later of their attack to Judah, Babylon made the final demolition of the city. Every important building was burned - the house of the LORD and the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. More people were deported leaving the poorest to be vinedressers and plowmen. Some were excuted. [v.18-21]. The temple was stripped with valuable items; the bronze pillars, parts of the movable stands, the bronze Sea and gold and silver wares.[see v.13-15]

This horrible sight had punctuated the end of the glory days of Judah. But, it was the start of the new dealings with God’s people – their 70 year captivity and to begin their exile in Babylon. Jeremiah who lamented for this captivity had sparked hope, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” [Jer 29:5-7]

Then, Jeremiah declared, “For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.”[Jer 29:10]

God as the covenant keeping God, had decreed this, saying, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”[Jer 29:11] And, that they should look forward to their promised return, saying, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 

-2 Kings 25:1-7 ESV

And in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came with all his army against Jerusalem and laid siege to it. And they built siege works all around it. 2 So the city was besieged till the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 3 On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land. 4 Then a breach was made in the city, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, by the king's garden, and the Chaldeans were around the city. And they went in the direction of the Arabah. 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him. 6 Then they captured the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, and they passed sentence on him. 7 They slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him in chains and took him to Babylon.

THE LAST SIGHT

The Babylonian built barricades all around the city to starve the inhabitants. It worked. But, King Zedekiah had planned an escape. He had ran out of the city and probably thought that his strategy was successful. And, that he had escaped the judgment so that Jeremiah was wrong in his pronouncements against him. Yet God’s word was demonstrated to be true. He was captured in the plains of Jericho.

“It seems ironic that here, at the very spot where Israel first set foot on the Promised Land, the last of the Davidic kings was captured and his monarchy shattered. Here, where Israel experienced her first victory as the walls of Jericho fell before unarmed men who trusted God, was the scene of her last defeat.” (Dilday)

As one of the cruelest acts, they killed his sons in his front before taking out his eyes. This last sight should be a very horrible experience to the king. This fulfilled the mysterious promise God made through Ezekiel regarding Zedekiah shortly before the fall of Jerusalem, that is, “ I will also spread My net over him, and he shall be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldeans; yet he shall not see it, though he shall die there.” (Eze 12:13)

His last sight should have reminded him of his lost sight to the truthfulness of God’s word. God won’t lie. He could have lived in Babylon had he surrendered peacefully as Jeremiah said. Nothing could be further from the truth. Likewise today, we are warned not neglect God’s word in order not to regret. Jesus said, “ If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”[John 12:47,48]

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