How can we avoid repeating Jehoiakim's mistakes in our own spiritual lives? A Snapshot of Jehoiakim (2 Chronicles 36:5) “Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God.” One short verse captures a reign that spiraled downward because the king hardened his heart against God’s clear word. Where Jehoiakim Went Wrong • Despised Scripture—Jeremiah’s scroll was cut up and burned (Jeremiah 36:23). • Ignored prophetic warnings—Jeremiah, Uriah, and others pleaded with him (Jeremiah 26:20-23). • Trusted politics over repentance—aligned with Egypt, then Babylon, but never sought the LORD (2 Kings 23:34-24:1). • Practiced oppression—“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness… who makes his neighbor serve without wages” (Jeremiah 22:13-17). • Refused personal humility—unlike his father Josiah, he would not tear his clothes or seek the Book of the Law (2 Chron 34:19). The Underlying Heart Issue Pride. Jehoiakim believed he could shape his future without submitting to God’s revealed will. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Avoiding Jehoiakim’s Mistakes Today 1. Receive God’s Word with a soft heart • Daily reading and steady obedience (James 1:22). • Quick repentance when corrected (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Honor God’s messengers • Listen to biblical preaching; weigh counsel against Scripture (Hebrews 13:7). 3. Choose repentance over maneuvering • When sin is exposed, confess and forsake it rather than shifting blame (1 John 1:9). 4. Walk in humility, not self-reliance • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). 5. Practice justice and mercy • Refuse exploitative practices; actively seek the good of others (Micah 6:8). Promises to Embrace • “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) • “To this one will I look: to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2) • “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Closing Encouragement Jehoiakim’s story stands as a sober marker on the road of faith. By treasuring Scripture, welcoming correction, and walking humbly with our God, we can choose a different path—one that invites blessing instead of judgment. |
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