Light in the Darkness

Introduction

This evening, we are going to be working through the book of 2 Kings.

This is a book about the decline of Israel into division and then captivity.

It is not meant to be a happy story but one of warning and one of vindication for God’s judgment.

So how do the stories of faithfulness that we see throughout the book fit into that overarching narrative of failure.

That is going to be one of our main focuses this evening.

Descending Into Darkness

The pattern is clear (2 Kgs. 3:2-3; 10:29; 13:2; 15:9; 17:9, 16; 21:9).

We see both a consistent image of departure and a progressive element as they get worse and worse.

All of the warnings fall on deaf ears (2 Kgs. 17:13-14, 40; 21:9).

The falls are inevitable (2 Kgs. 17:18-20, 23; 21:10-15; 24:3-4).

Lights Along the Way

There are many positive stories of faith throughout the book (2 Kgs. 4-6; 11; 18-20; 22-23).

Oil multiplied for the widow (4:1-7)

The Shunammite woman & her son (4:8-37)

Naaman (5)

Samaria Siege reversed (6:24-7:20).

Hezekiah

Josiah discovers the law (22)

Josiah’s reforms (23)

The light only served to condemn the darkness (Lk. 4:25-27; Rom. 10:19-21).

What light has God shown in your life (Lk. 12:48; cf. Ezek. 16:51-52)?

A Scene of Hope

It would seem that the ending would be one of darkness (2 Kgs. 25:21-26).

But, instead, the book ends with a light of hope (2 Kgs. 25:27).

It is like the movie has faded to black with ominous music playing.

But then, the light comes back on.

Here is a man who was taken away into captivity early and you might almost have forgotten.

His name is Yahweh will establish.

Now that God has torn everything down, He shows that He will still establish.

The king of Judah is lifted from prison to a place of privilege.

He is lifted from beggarly poverty to rich provision.

All the days of his life.

This final light points to God’s faithfulness (Rom. 3:3-4).

Conclusion

The book of 2 Kings shows us that God has made every effort to bring His people near but they would not listen.

The question today for you and for me is the same as for them.

Not: Has God spoken?

Rather: Have we heard, have we obeyed?

But it is also a message of hope and confidence. No matter what things look like, no matter how despairing the future appears, God will establish and accomplish victory.

And the question for those in captivity (sojourners and pilgrims) is will you trust in Him?