And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon. 2 Kings 25:7
The story of Zedekiah is my favorite profile of a rebel to teach teenagers. You have to read in 2 Kings, Jeremiah, and 2 Chronicles to get the fullest understanding of this story. As we see in 2 Kings 25:7 the story ends just as Jeremiah has prophesied. Even though Zedekiah understand how he would see his kids die, not see Babylon, but die in Babylon that did not make it any less true.
Regardless, of the fact we see no consequences coming over the horizon. There will always be a consequence for rebellion. The the unregenerate there is an eternal judgement at the end of the rebellios life. To the Christian there is “no longer any condemnation” awaiting them in heaven. However, sin has built in consequences on earth and our heavenly Father will loving chastise us to bring us back to back to where we should be.
“Surrender All or Nothing”
Lessons from the life of Zedekiah
(II Kings 24,25; Jeremiah 21-52; II Chron. 18,36)
•We all make mistake, but sometimes we deliberately “know what is right and
choose another option” (rebel)
•From the story of Adam and Eve on, the Bible for the most part records the
story of a rebel people.
• Tonight we look at the profile of a rebel
I. Identity Crisis (II Kings 24:19)
Counterfeit King is placed on the Throne (II Kings 24:17)
Created a rebellious house. (Ezekiel 12:9)
Listened to Hananiah who taught rebellion. (Jeremiah 28:16)
In “the rebel zone” we create a false image of self.
II. Zedekiah refused to submit to the King of Kings (II Kings 24:20)
The only way to save his life was to surrender. (Jeremiah 27:12,13)
He did not like the job he was given. (His job was to surrender)
It was bigger then refusing King Nebuchadnezzar. (more than morally wrong)
III. Manage Outcomes.
All of Nebuchadnezzar’s army surrounds the city. (For 2 years)
Prayed for relief, but not away out. (Jeremiah 21:1-2)
Put Jeremiah in prison then in a well. (Jer. 32:3)
IV. The Pressure Increases
Everything he placed confidence in, left him. (Jer 17:5)
Puts pressure on Jeremiah hoping he would change his message. (Jeremiah
37:17-21)
V. Prophecy for the Rebel.
Eye to Eye (Jer. 32:4) Will not see the Babylon (Ezekiel 12:13)Jeremiah. 29:22
(Roasted in the Fire)
John the Baptist comes to this same spot to announce the Messiah, the Savior of
the rebel people. God sent His son for the rebel people.
Alternate Ending
Surrender and Choose Life
Rebellion isolates you and does not insulate you
The way of life and the way of death is set before us. (Jer. 21:8,9)
God sent His son to die for the rebel people.
