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Hi guys! This is Vina once again. Now, it's time for 2nd Kings.

This book is sad and brutal at the same time. This may even be the inspiration of GOT. Moreover, it is difficult to talk about something because it is the same story with 1st Kings, just different characters.

But their main difference: In here, the time was ripe. Both the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah received the ultimate consequence of their unfaithfulness and idolatry: exile.

The former was conquered by the Assyrian Empire led by Shalmaneser, the latter by the Babylonians by Nebuchadnezzar. Their lands had been looted and destroyed. Their conquerors also relocated new groups of people to inhabit them.

There were still a list of Kings from both kingdoms before the exile  but I wouldn't discuss it here. I would like to focus on the lessons or "what-we-can-get-out-of-it" part. But don't worry, I'll share a short infographic about some selected kings.

So here are they:

1) People have free will.

Your faith and actions are of your own choice. It was disappointing that David's descendants had been in rebellion against God. But to each his own and a person can choose to walk in the ways of his fathers or not.

2) The Word of God is alive.

When Israel entered into a covenant with God, they were warned:

Follow God = Blessings

Disobey God = Curse

 Despite knowing this, they still chose to reject God and worship false idols. They have even forgotten Moses' laws. They did not care about the whereabouts of the Book of Law which was only found when King Josiah ordered the repair of the temple. Because they have turned away from God, they had to face the consequences of their actions.

3) God is still merciful.

Even though God is a God of Justice, He had showed mercy and consideration many, many times.

During Hezekiah's time, God saved Jerusalem from the Assyrians. When the king also fell ill and was about to die, he appealed to God, who listened to him and added 15 years to his life.

Secondly, when Josiah found the Book of Law, Shaphan, the secretary, read it aloud to him and he wept because they did not follow through the covenant. God had mercy towards Josiah and assured him that he would not be able to see the destruction of Judah.

Lastly, Jehoiachin, the exiled king of Judah was treated well by Nebuchadnezzar even if he was a prisoner.

4) Abortion is the modern-day child sacrifice.

Manasseh and Ahaz both sacrificed their sons to false gods, in particular Molech. This made God super duper angry as this Canaanite practice has always been detestable to Him.

In Leviticus 20: 1-5, He commanded the Israelites not to do it and that He will set his face against whoever does it.

Now, in modern times, we do not believe in those ancient gods. But it's worse because we have made ourselves Molechs. We have sacrificed our children for our own sake and convenience.

Some people abort their babies because it is bad for their finances, careers or even for their figures. Yes, that happens. People do not want their babies because it will make them fat or gain stretch marks.

The bottom line: They don't want their child. And so, they will play God and decide whether the child will live or not.

But then, who are we to decide if an innocent being will live or die?

Some say that even if the baby was given up for adoption, he would still be a liability and will live a bad life. But then, who are we to decide on his fate? That human being has free will and choice. He can create his own destiny. He might be alive because of wrong choices but that doesn't mean that his life will be in ruins.

Some also say that adoption and foster services will just put a strain on a country's finances. But, isn't abortion eating a lot of budget too? Instead of funding abortions, maybe we should allocate the money to the right, guilt-free alternatives.

So yeah, those are just some of my take-aways.

Second Kings was really sad. The chosen people, Israel who was supposed to be distinct from others and set a holy example, failed to be faithful to God.

I think God's heart was crushed. It was a long period before he punished them through exile. He might have been hoping for a revival but the people just went on with the cycle of sin - they would repent at one time, but the next second, they would commit the same sins again.

 The human heart is indeed flawed. It is a cold, hard stone. In strict standards, no one of us is really worthy of heaven. All have fallen short.

God could choose to remain it that way. Never mind the humans. They're evil anyway.

But instead, He gave us grace. He sent His only son to a be ransom for many. Up to now, this truth is unbelievable and truly heart-warming. #sentimental #teary-eyed

Well, that's all. Hope we?ll remember that always! May God bless us!