Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

2 Kings 17-18

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Day 188 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as this morning we see Israel's (northern kingdom) fall. My commentary* describes "one of the darkest hours of God's chosen nation" and how "[d]espite prophetic warnings, Israel still rejects God, and the end is at hand for the northern tribes. Last-minute desperation will lead to an alliance with Egypt in an effort to stave off Assyria, but the cause is hopeless. After a three-year siege, Samaria will fall and many of the people of Israel will be led captive to Assyria. Their lands and homes will be occupied by settlers sent in from Babylonia and other Eastern countries. These new Samaritans will become a hybrid people and will develop an unusual mixed religion."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Detailed thoroughly in today's reading, there are many factors leading to Israel's fall, but in my mind lack of gratitude and humility are key - we must be thankful for all that God has done and that all that we are and have are from Him alone and not of our own doing.  We express our gratitude through daily worship and time with God.

I am struck with how BOTH Judah and Israel were complicit in Israel's fall.  From my reading this morning God "removed them from [H]is presence" (2 Kings 17:18, 23). We should never want this to happen!  Unity, encouragement of one another, and accountability in our faith are also important. 

God desires to get the attention of both kingdoms and so instead of a single kingdom as we see under David and Solomon, we get the divided kingdoms as today's reading refers back to 1 Kings 11 where Israel is "tore away" from Judah:

When he tore Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat their king. Jeroboam enticed Israel away from following the Lord and caused them to commit a great sin. 2 Kings 17:21

Today's reading is also a stark reminder how the church and believers must remain united in love of the Lord.  See also 1 Corinthians 12:12:26.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done so much for me and who continues to be with me - always!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I continue to sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.