The Fall of Jerusalem
Introduction
For the last several weeks, we’ve been reading about Israel’s United Kingdom and how that kingdom broke in two due to sin and disobedience. This week we conclude this section of reading with the pinnacle story of the Divided Kingdom – The Fall of Jerusalem.
Begin your time with a quiet moment of prayer.
Connect
- What are some of your common responses a tragic event?
- In your upbringing, in what ways have you been encouraged or discouraged to express more unpleasant emotions like fear, sadness, regret, or anger?
Opening Thought
Times of crisis and tragedy awaken so many unpleasant emotions in us. Some of us were raised to bottle these feelings up or quickly respond with a more positive way of looking at things. We Christian homes, we may even quote hope-filled Scriptures in a desire to circumvent uncomfortable feelings.
This leads us to our main idea for this week:
Main idea for the week
We can express our most unpleasant feelings to God
Our Story for Today
The Israelite kingdom has been split into two kingdoms: the norther kingdom of Israel (or Ephraim) and the southern kingdom of Judah. God had promised to protect his people and preserve them in their land if they continued to follow him. Sadly, the people continued to stray. With a long run of unfaithful kings, Zedekiah steps into power and will be the last.
Unpack
READ
2 Kings 24:18-25:21
UNPACK
- How does the description of King Zedekiah (2 Kings 24:19) help us anticipate what is going to happen next?
- Can you recall a time in your life in which you knew your unhealthy actions would lead to negative consequences?
- When you read the about the destruction of Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:8-21), what feelings do you experience?
- What feelings do you believe God intends for us to have when we read this story?
- King Jehoiachin (Zedekiah’s predecessor) has a brief appearance at the end of our story (2 Kings 25:27-30). How does this strange story offer some hope?
- Can you recall a dark or depression time in your life, in which you found a small, strange space of hope that was helpful?
READ
Read the follow passages of Scripture aloud.
Lamentations 3:22-24
Psalm 30:5
UNPACK
- How do these two passages of Scripture help us frame our thoughts and feelings about the tragic fall of Jerusalem?
- In what ways can you continue to grow in bringing all your feelings to God, including the unpleasant ones?
Apply
Based on the verses we just read, there are some things that we can do in response. Take a moment to think about what your personal action steps for the week can be:
- How could you experiment with more emotional expression with Jesus, especially expressing anger, regret, fear or sadness (along with hope)?
- Are there any ungrieved losses in your life (trauma, death of loved one, unfulfilled dreams) that could be helped by praying and talking to someone?
- Is there someone in your life experiencing a tragedy? How could you come alongside them in a caring way.
Closing
The Fall of Jerusalem reminds us of several spiritual truths. First, God is faithful to his promises (including those promises to judge sin). We should prioritize God in our lives and help other to do so as well. Second, God welcomes the full range of our feelings when hardship strikes. Our feelings (including the unpleasant ones) are ways to express our hearts in connection with God. And third, no matter what the circumstances, we can have hope in God’s love. Suffering has an end; God’s love has no end.
Prayer
Spend a few moments in quiet prayer. Thank God for his love for you in Jesus. Offer up any areas of disconnect or disobedience. Express to Jesus whatever you are feeling. Then conclude with gratitude for forgiveness and hope you can share with others.