Jeconiah

 Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Like these good figs, so I will acknowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place for their own good, into the land of the Chaldeans.’     Jeremiah 24.5

As the Babylonian army marched toward the city to besiege it, the Israelites continued to stray further from the Lord and His commands. Unaware of the impending judgment, they disobeyed His law and let their hearts grow cold in their love for Him. 

King Jeconiah took the throne of Israel at eighteen years old. His father, King Jehoiakim, did evil in the sight of the Lord, King Jeconiah followed in his father’s footsteps. The days were dark for the people of Israel as the world they knew was destroyed. They wondered if God would keep His promises and save them. Held captive in Babylon, they wondered how the promised Messiah would come if Israel was destroyed. 

King Jeconiah did not lead well and found himself in prison for thirty-seven years. When released, he was brought into King Evil-Merodach’s presence. He spoke kindly to Jeconiah and invited him to eat at his table all the days of his life. His life was not only preserved, but he was under the king’s care. The Lord watched over Jeconiah even in his disobedience and preserved His promise. He was working His plans for good even when it looked dark. Indeed, God was with him. 

Father, help me to trust You when the darkness comes. Give me faith to remember You are with me and courage to walk in boldness knowing You are working all things for Your good plan. In Jesus' name, Amen

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.     Romans 8:28