Day 132 One Year Bible Read Along

Summary of 2 Kings 15-16:

2 Kings 15-16 narrates the reigns of several kings in the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah. The chapter begins by introducing Azariah (also known as Uzziah) as the king of Judah. Despite his initial faithfulness to God, Azariah later succumbs to pride and attempts to offer incense in the temple, resulting in him being struck with leprosy. After his death, his son Jotham takes over the throne of Judah.

Meanwhile, in Israel, a series of kings rise and fall rapidly. Menahem becomes the king of Israel and reigns for ten years, but his rule is marked by violence and oppression. After his death, his son Pekahiah succeeds him but is assassinated by Pekah, who then becomes the king. Pekah's reign is filled with turmoil as the Assyrians invade Israel and capture many of its territories.

The chapter concludes with the reign of Ahaz, who becomes the king of Judah. Ahaz does evil in the sight of the Lord, introducing idol worship and even sacrificing his own son in the fire. He seeks assistance from the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III, but this alliance leads to further destruction and oppression.

Key People/Places/Events:

• Azariah (Uzziah): King of Judah
• Jotham: King of Judah
• Menahem: King of Israel
• Pekahiah: King of Israel
• Pekah: King of Israel
• Ahaz: King of Judah
• Tiglath-Pileser III: Assyrian king
• Assyrian invasion of Israel
• Idol worship and sacrifices

Questions to Consider:

1. How did the actions and decisions of the kings in Judah and Israel affect their respective kingdoms?
2. What were the consequences of idol worship and turning away from God?
3. How did alliances with foreign powers impact the stability and well-being of Judah and Israel?
4. What lessons can be learned from the rise and fall of these kings in terms of leadership and faithfulness?
5. How did the Assyrian invasion shape the geopolitical landscape of the region at that time?

Summary of John 3:1-18:

John 3:1-18 is a well-known passage that features a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night, acknowledging Jesus as a teacher from God due to the signs He has performed. Jesus responds by telling Nicodemus that in order to see the kingdom of God, one must be born again.

Confused by Jesus' statement, Nicodemus questions how a person can be born again when they are already old. Jesus explains that being born again refers to a spiritual rebirth, a transformation that comes through faith in Him. He emphasizes the necessity of being born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus further elaborates on the purpose of His coming into the world, highlighting God's love for humanity and His desire to offer eternal life through belief in Him. He uses the analogy of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness to illustrate that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.

Key People/Places/Events:

• Jesus
• Nicodemus: A Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council
• Spiritual rebirth
• Kingdom of God
• Moses and the serpent in the wilderness

Questions to Consider:

1. What does it mean to be "born again" in the context of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus?