Justin Houtz

2 Kings 14, 2 Timothy 4, Hosea 7, Psalms 120–122

DateVersionReading Plan
November 1, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

2 Kings 14

2 Kings 14:26–27 (ESV) 26 For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter, for there was none left, bond or free, and there was none to help Israel. 27 But the LORD had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash.

Similar to the previous chapter (2 Kings 13:23), focus shifts here to God and His faithfulness to preserve and protect Israel. As the CSB Notes states, “God intervened to prevent his wayward people from being totally annihilated.” As we proceed through the accounts of the rising and falling of kings and quarrels between nations, we see God’s intimate involvement and supreme dominion.

2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4:1–2 (ESV) 4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

This is such a timely passage to read. Struggling with the balance of when and how much to encourage vs. correct and rebuke, I so often favor the latter. I can be quick to point out the faults of one’s actions but fail to celebrate and affirm rightful pursuits. Paul’s exhortation here speaks to this directly, that the saints are to be ready to preach the word in every season but to do so with patience and intent to teach. Our hearts must—and my own especially—must be oriented toward the upbuilding of brothers and sisters in Christ; that we would lovingly guide each other along the path of righteousness as the Spirit and His Word provides us lead.

Hosea 7

Hosea 7:13 (ESV) 13  Woe to them, for they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against me.

God through Hosea declares a woe and destruction upon Israel for her straying but also shows His heart in desiring to redeem her. In the CSB, it is “I want to redeem” which can also be translated as “I redeemed”, a reference to the exodus (Dt 7:8; 9:26; Mc 6:4), according to the CSB Notes. Despite the wickedness of His people, God is true to His promise that He will bring restoration and redemption. What affection and appreciation this should stir within us of His steadfast love, that “If we are faithless, he remains faithful” (2 Tim. 2:13a)

Psalms 120–122

Psalm 121:1–8 (ESV) 1  I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3  He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4  Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5  The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. 6  The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 7  The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8  The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

LORD, it is from You and You alone from whom my help comes, by the One who created the heavens and the earth. You will not let my foot be moved but will keep me and protect me because you never slumber. You, O LORD, are my Keeper, my Shade, and under You do I have all protection. You will keep from all evil, preserving me from the enemy, that my life and salvation in You would be sustained. O LORD, you are faithful to keep me and guard me in my every movement, both now and forever. Praise You for Your steadfast love, O LORD.

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