Scripture
Our verse for today comes from 2 Kings 25:29, ” So Jehoiachin changed from his prison garments, and he ate bread regularly before the king all the days of his life. “
Background
Could we say that life is all about perspective? Maybe that’s a little strong, but perspective certainly affects all of our life. Visually, we need perspective to successfully get around and make sense of our surroundings. Socially, there is little hope of understanding people and allowing for their differences without a good sense of perspective. And spiritually, our entire relationship with our Creator and Savior God, how we view Him and how we view our sin, determines how we relate to Him, and if we’ll even relate to Him at all. Indeed, one set of facts could have various impacts, depending on one’s perspective. King Jehoiachin of Judah had been in prison in Babylon for thirty-seven years. But when Nebuchadnezzar’s son began his reign, he released Jehoiachin and gave him favor in his court. In fact, Jehoiachin joined the king for his daily meals, and was even given a daily allowance. Now, in prison, Jehoiachin certainly was fed. I would dare say that he was given a daily bread. And even though the food served with the king was infinitely better, I would bet that the more important upgrade for Jehoiachin was his perspective. No longer eating prison food behind bars, he spent the remainder of his life dining with the king. Even if it had been only bread and water, to eat as a free man among royalty was light years beyond whatever might have come his way in prison to be eaten in confinement.
Application
It’s all about perspective. Jehoiachin viewed freedom as so much more important than good meals behind bars. And rightly so. Nothing jumps out more at us than someone with a skewed perspective, like desiring steak in prison rather than freedom and bread. And so our lives need perspective, whether to rightly view our sin or to handle sorrow in a good way. Jehoiachin was given a portion from the king for each day, and our King has done no less. Regardless of what it is, it’s our portion from the King for this day. And with His perspective, we can experience it for His glory. So make His glory be the lens through which you gain your perspective.
Charge
As we seek Him today, try looking at your situation in a way other than you have been. Ask God to give you His perspective to see things as He would have you see them.
Author – Rich Holt | BCWorldview.org
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