AMAZIAH, KING OF JUDAH AND JEROBOAM THE SECOND, KING OF ISRAEL The book moves from talking about Jehoahaz and Joash the two kings of Israel, to talk about Amaziah king of Judah (1-22); then to talk about Jeroboam the second king of Israel. Te story of Amaziah king of Judah reveals the importance of the persistence till the last breath. For many who start by the Spirit, because of slothfulness and licentiousness, they do not fulfill the way in the Lord, but fulfill by the flesh (Galatians 3: 3). Hence it is said: “Who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10: 22); 24: 13; Mark 13: 13) Amaziah had a good beginning, and was a practical example for holding justice fast on earth, and for the obedience of the commandments of God (Deuteronomy 24: 16); but he did not endure to the end. For, once he got a great conquest over Edom, he fell, because he gave God the back instead of the face; and haughtily worshipped foreign gods.. According to the counsel of the apostle Paul: “For I say, through the grace given to me , to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly; as God had dealt to each to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12: 3). When the believer concentrates his sight upon God, his conquest would provide him with more humility; and God would be glorified in him. But once he turns his sight away from his Savior, his conquests would make him haughty, and would bring him forth to destruction. + It is befitting of us, O beloved brethren, to persevere with persistence; so that, enjoying hope in truth and liberty, we would get the truth and liberty themselves. + Whatever precedes the end, by it we are raised up to salvation. (St. Cyprian) 1- Amaziah executes those who murdered his father 1 - 6 2- Amaziah’s conquest over Edom 7 3- Amaziah defeated by Joash 8 - 14 4- Jeroboam the second reigns over Israel 15 - 16 5- Amaziah assassinated 17 - 22 6- The evil and greatness of Jeroboam the second 23 - 27 7- Syria defeated by Jeroboam the second 28 8- The death of Jeroboam the second 29 1- AMAZIAH EXECUTES THOSE WHO MURDERED HIS FATHER: “In the second year of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel, Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, became king” (1) The name ‘Amaziah’ means (The Lord is mighty); He was one of the few godly kings of Judah; the best of whom were ‘Hezekiah’ (18: 1, and ‘Hosiah’ 22: 1). About him the second book of the Chronicles said: “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart” (25: 2) “He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twentynine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem” (2) .”And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like his father David; he did everything as his father Joash had done” (3) The Holy Book cares to mention if the king did what is right in the sight of the Lord, or if he was evil; for that would be the most important feature in the life of a king, and of every man. Amaziah did what was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like his father David. … No one of the kings was said to have done what was right in the sight of the Lord like David, except for Asa (1 kings 15: 1) Of the sins of Amaziah was his pride, and that he worshipped the gods of Edom after he prevailed on them; rejecting the warning of the man of God (2 Chronicles 25: 14-16, 19) “However the high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places” (4) Unfortunately, Amaziah allowed for the worship in the high places; which opened the way before idol-worship, in his life and in those of the kings who followed him (16: 4; 21: 3). . “ Now it happened, as soon as the kingdom was established in his hand, that he executed his servants who had murdered his father the king” (5) He killed his servants who murdered his father, because they represented danger on his own life, and on the kingdom as a whole. “But the children of the murderers he did not execute, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, in which the LORD commanded, saying, “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; but a person shall be put to death for his own sin” (6) He did not stretch his hand to their children, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 24: 16); and not according to the old tradition (Joshua 7: 24; 2 kings 9: 26).expressed by a Greek poet who said: [He who kills someone and did not kill his children is a fool; for he should know that the children will avenge their father]. Caring to talk about the personal responsibility of man in some detail in the eighteenth chapter of his book, Ezekiel says that God has no partiality, “Behold, all souls are Mine, the soul of the father and the soul of the son is Mine The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18: 4). + The soul that does not dwell in God, being the source of its evil, sins. And the soul that sins shall die. (St. Ambrose) 2- AMAZIAH’S CONQUEST OVER EDOM: “He killed ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Sela by war, and called its name Joktheel to this day” (7) .The talk about his conquest over Edom came in more detail in 2 Chroicles 25: 5-15. Why did the Holy Book say that Amaziah did what is right in the sight of God (13), when it says “He killed ten thousand Edomites in the valley of Salt” (7), and despite of the fact that the law condemn it, saying: “You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother” Deuteronomy 23: 7). The text did not say that he killed the Edomites because he hated them; but most probably as a payback for what the Edomites did ; and their punishment was according to the law, as he did not kill their children for the sake of the transgressions of their fathers. Sela; Called ‘Petra’ by the Romans, an old city built in a rocky fissure, midway between Jericho and Mount Sinai, nowadays called ‘Moses’ valley’; was not only a stronghold for Edom, but a center of commerce with India. Amaziah carried out an orderly and elaborate plan; he made a general census of the men capable to partake of a battle, from 20 years old up (2 Chronicles 25: 5). Yet did not seek the counsel of God, but hired 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for100 talents of silver. Hence the man of God came to warn him that God will not be with him, because He is not with Israel (2 Chronicles 25: 6-8). But the conquest of Amaziah over Edom, and taking 10,000 of them into captivity, was not a true conquest; for on his return after striking the Edomites, he brought their gods along with him, and worshipped them as his own gods, bowed down before them and burned incense to them (2 Chronicles 25: 4). Even though he listened to the voice of the man of God, and sent the mighty men of valor of Israel home; having conquered Edom; he assumed that he is no more in need of God; worshipped the gods of Edom, fell into haughtiness, and sought to enter into war against Israel, that ended up in his defeat and the destruction of his country. 3- AMAZIAH DEFEATED BY JOASH: “Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash[b] the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us face one another in battle.” (8) Several factors provoked him to seek to enter into a military confrontation against the king of Israel: a- Amaziah hired a great number of mighty men of valor from Israel to support his own army in his battle against Edom. Being warned by the man of God, because God has forsaken Israel, and he sent them back home, they got very angry, and broke into some of the cities of Judah…. ..Both kings of Judah and Israel were haughty, because one of them conquest of Edom; and the other struck Aram.. b- By his conquest over Edom, Amaziah became haughty and proud, even though, after overcoming them he bowed down before their gods, and burned incense to them (2 Chronicles 25: 4) It was befitting of Amaziah to listen to the words of the wise Solomon, saying: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverb 16: 18); and, “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own, is like one who takes a dog by the ear” (Proverb 26: 17). Falling into pride, Amaziah, sought a battle against his brother king of Israel, for which he was in no need. + To a question: what is the greatest of virtues?, Both Abba Maccari and Abba Longinos answered: If pride is the worst of transgressions, that has cast angels down from heaven; there is no doubt that humility is the greatest of virtues, for it can bring him who holds fast to it, from the deep pit up to heaven, even if he is a sinner; hence the Lord gave blessing to the poor in spirit, before giving it to all the others. + According to Abba Isotheros: If you regularly fast, do not be puffed up with pride; for it would be better for you to eat meet; than to glorify yourself. + According to St. Pavnotius: Once pride covers up man, and makes him boast the beauty of his talk, referring it, not to God, but to his great knowledge and monasticism, God will take away from him the angel of the divine care. And when this happens, this man who boasts his natural ability, would fall into uncleanness; his wisdom would be taken away; and his talk would not any more qualify him to have the trust of others. Actually, godly men tend to flee from the teachings coming out of the mouth of such a man; as though it is a source of parasites.: + According to father Elijah: What can sin do if there is repentance? And what would be the benefit of love when there is pride? + According to Mother Theodora: A teacher should be a stranger from the desire of authority, vain glory, and pride; should not let himself be deceived by flirtation, nor blinded by gifts, nor to be conquered by the desire of the belly; or by the sin of anger. He should have perseverance, humility, love and care for the others. (The paradise of the fathers) + Fleeing from the vain glory and pride, we should always remember the honor and glory of the world to come. For the vain glory would prevail upon the knowledge of God; for whoever falls into this deceptive sin, would become a stranger to peace, and cruel of heart. (Abba Isaiah) + How can we achieve the befitting humility, by forsaking the destructive pride? … If we practice it unceasingly; and if we realize that nothing is so harmful to our soul as pride, if it is preoccupied by it, or be dedicated to it (St. Gregory the Theologos) + Those who confess their disgrace, trample the devil under their feet. And according to the saintly fathers: By going down to Hades, humility soars up to heaven; and by soaring up to heaven, pride goes down to Hades. (St. Zosima) It is amazing how Amaziah, disregarded God’s work with him, once he had the conquest over Edom. He did not only fell into pride, but admired and worshipped the idols that could not defend their worshippers. He, and his whole kingdom paid the price of his arrogance, haughtiness, forsake of the living God , and trust in foreign gods (2 Chronicles 25: 14-16, 19). The wise Solomon, warning us against falling into idol-worship, and practicing its abominations, binds it to adultery, saying: “The idea of making idols was the beginning of fornication and the invention of them was the corruption of life” (Wisdom 14: 12). The secret of binding idol-worship to adultery, is that the relationship of the believers with the true God is like that of a bride with her groom; if they give their back to Him to bind with pagan gods, they wouldfall into a marital treason. Hence it was said about the traitor Israel: “Where is the certificate of your mother’s divorce?” (Isaiah 50: 1) and, “Lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and play the harlot with their gods, and make sacrifice to their gods, and one of them invites you, and you eat of their sacrifice; and you take of his daughters for your sons; and their daughters play the harlot with their gods, and make your sons play the harlot with their gods” (Exodus 34: 15-16). The origin of idol-worship is the corruption of man’s mind, and treason to God the Creator; counted as adultery by the soul that forsakes her unity with its Creator to unite with accursed idols. + Idol-worship was invented among men, for no other reason, but the existence of evil desires in those who imagined them. + If the human soul experiences the different kinds of pleasures, forgets the divinities; enjoys the carnal evil desires, she puts before her eyes; cares only to meditate in the present things; forgets that she was once created according to the image of God, she would no more have the strength to see God the Word, according to whose image it was created, and tends to imagine what does not exist. + As those of the previous era lost their reason, drowned in evil desires, and fantasies of carnal things, and forgot the knowledge of God and His glory, as a result of their lack of reason, they made for themselves gods from the seen things, glorified the created and not the Creator God; and worship the things made and not their Maker. (Pope Athanasius the apostolic) + Whoever serves vain gods, commits adultery behind the truth. As every vanity is adultery, he plunges in adultery. (The scholar Tertullian) + Happy was Rachel who hid the vain idols of the nations, and proclaimed that their images are filled with defilement. No one should blame her for not showing her father his due reverence, sitting down while he was standing up (Genesis 31: 35); for it is written: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10: 37) The woman who commits adultery is not attached anymore to her man; she is no more one body with him (1 Corinthians 6: 15-16), but she separates herself from him by her adultery. So it is with the soul that does not attach herself to God, but commits adultery by worshipping vain idols, it separates herself from the Lord by the horrible defilement of the sanctities; … Whoever separates himself from the Lord will perish. (St. Ambrose) “And Jehoash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, “The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son as wife’; and a wild beast that was in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thistle” (9) Joash’s response to Amaziah was symbolic, he likened Amaziah to the thistle, and himself to the cedar of Lebanon. By that Joash intended to exhort Amaziah to reconsider his behavior, and to be reasonable; telling him that his conquest over Edom changes nothing of the actual fact that he still is a thistle, not to be compared to the cedar of Lebanon. He likens him to a lowly man who seeks from one of the notable men to give his daughter in marriage to his son. Joash likens Amaziah to the thistle which is the lowliest of plants, trampled and destroyed by any wild animal passing by. And likening himself to the cedar, one of the greatest and most honorable of the trees of Lebanon. Joash considered Amaziah so despised, to seek entering into a battle with him. By the assumption that he is on an equal level with Joash, he misjudge him, as well as himself.. “You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Glory in that, and stay at home; for why should you meddle with trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” (10) He warned him against his pride. Intending to enter into a battle with Israel, Amaziah overestimated his own power after defeating the Edomites, to think that he would be able to do the same to Israel. …Not heeding Jehoash’s warning, Amaziah was defeated, the wall of Jerusalem was broken down all along 200 meters; and all the gold and silver of the temple were gone. “”But Amaziah would not heed. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went out; so he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah” (11) Because of Amaziah’s pride, Joash set forth to fight against Amaziah inside his kingdom. He captured him at ‘Beth Shemesh’, a name that refers to that in it, there was a temple for the god ‘Shemesh’ in the days of the Canaanites. Located in the Valley of ‘Sorek’, 15 miles west of Jerusalem, it was the city where the ark of the covenant was put, when the Philistines brought it back (1 Samuel 6: 10 – 7: 2). ;Beth Shemesh’ is ‘Ein-Shams’ nowadays, 20 miles to the west. It is obvious that Joash took the coastal way in the land of the Philistines, then ascended to Jerusalem via Beth Shemesh.. “And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his tent” (12) “Then Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash, the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh; and he went to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate—four hundred cubits” (13) Breaking down 400 cubits (about 600 feet) of the wall of the city was a serious matter, for the attacking enemy could easily enter into the city, that became bare of any protection.. “ And he took all the gold and silver, all the articles that were found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria” (14). Not intending to kill Amaziah, and to take over Judah, Joash only took hostages, and robbed all the gold and silver that were found in the house of the Lord and in the king’s house, which were not much for the king’s father sent it all to Hazael king of Aram (12: 18). “The hostages” were notable men of Judah, taken by Joash to Samaria, to be killed in case Amaziah did not fulfill what he pledged to do. Joash returned with his army to Samariah to fight against the Aramites. 4- JEROBOAM THE SECOND REIGNS OVER ISRAEL: “ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did—his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah—are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?” (15) “So Jehoash rested with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. Then Jeroboam his son reigned in his place” (16). 5- AMAZIAH ASSASINATED: “Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel” (17) Amaziah lost his position as the king of Judah, …. Was it because he was captivated to Samaria, or because his residence was restricted to a certain location in Jerusalem or elsewhere, the Holy Book did not tell us. Although he survived Joash for 15 years, yet without honor or authority. According to some, he returned to his throne and stayed a weak king over Judah for as long as fifteen years, full of troubles and calamities. “Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?”(18) “And they formed a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish; but they sent after him to Lachish and killed him there” (19) Amaziah was assassinated the way his father was (12: 20, 22) “Lashish” (Tell El-Doweir); a very important strategic location; in control of the old way from the Palestinian heights to the Valley of the Nile. Was a densely populated city before the days of Abraham,, 35 miles south-west of Jerusalem; and 5 miles south-west of ‘Gebrin’ one of the greatest old cities of Judah (Joshua 15: 33, 39); thought to be ‘Tel El-Hassa nowadays, It was referred to in the messages of Tel El-Amarnah, … It fell in the hands of Joshua, who killed its king Japhia (Joshua 10: 3). It was fortified by king Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11: 9), and bullt around it a double wall with strong towers. To it Amaziah king of Judah fled from those who rebelled against him in Jerusalem; and there he was killed (2 kings 14: 19; 2 Chronicles 15: 27). “Then they brought him on horses, and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the City of David” (20). His friends brought his corpse to Jerusalem on horses; quietly, without celebration or procession; and buried him with his fathers in the city of David. Having walked in vanit, he lost everything, even the people’s care for his funeral and burial. “And all the people of Judah took Azariah who was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah” (21) ‘Azariah received the throne (15: 30; 2 Chronicles 26: 1); For despite the popular objection against Amaziah, being the cause of all the calamities that dwelt over the people, yet this feeling did not extend to his household or to the heir on his throne. According to some, Azariah was a child when his father died; and Judah was without a king for 11 years. While according to others, Azariah reigned together with his father when Judah was defeated before Israel (14-12), while being 16 years old. “He built Elath and restored it to Judah, after the king rested with his fathers” (22). “Elah or Elath”, a Hebrew name meaning (trees); for the region of Aquaba is still rich in palm trees; a town at the northern extremity of the Gulf of Aquaba (the eastern arm of the Red Sea), near ‘Ezion-Geber’; was an important marine port, and a center of caravans. It is most probable that king David took it over from the Edomites (2 Samuel 8: 14), And Solomon used it as a port for his commercial fleet. The Edomites took it back, then Uziah king of Judah restored it, and rebuilt and refortified it (2 Kings 14L 22), before ‘Rezin’ king of Aram captured it, and the Edonites returned to it (2 kings 16: 6). 6- THE EVIL AND GREATNESS OF JEROBOAM THE SECOND: “ In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, became king in Samaria, and reigned fortyone years” (23) Jeroboam: That was the second king of Israel who carried this name. Jeoboam the first was the one who called for setting the northern kingdom after the death of king Solomon in the year 930 BC (1 kings 11: 12). Jeroboam the second reigned over Israel 41 years (793-752 BC. Ten years of which he was a partner of his father Joash.. He was the greatest of the kings of Israel, his reign was the longest, Yet, as it came in Hosea, Joel, and Amos, even though it was an era of economic prosperity, but was characterized with ethical lowliness, oppression of the poor, corruption, idol-worship, and forsaking of the worship of the true God. “And he did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin” (24) .”He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher” (25) In that period – the eighth century BC – the people of God were divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah, were spiritually deteriorated, and sunk into sin. The northern kingdom practiced idolworship and its abominations, publicly and shamelessly; and the southern kingdom has fallen in vain formalities. At the same time God sent prophets inspired by His Spirit to write. Jeroboam was known for his great talent to control of the various issues of the kingdom; including the military aspect, together with not caring for the spiritual life (1 Chronicles 5: 11-17; Hosea 4: 6; 5: 7; 7: 5). Getting outer gains, he was able to restore completely the territory of Israel, by which his kingdom stretched from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of Arabah; and his power was apparent by the submission of Hamath and Damascus to his dominion. God proclaimed his faithfulness in His promises to His people, despite their unfaithfulness (Hosea 2: 2-3: 5; 11: 14; 10: 6) From the entrance of Hamath; the land around the city of Homs – an open plain to the north toward Hamath; to the east toward the wilderness of Syria; to the south toward Reblah and the Baccah; and to the west toward the land of the stronghold, and the sea. The Sea of Arabah; namely (the Sea of Lot) Jonah the son of Amittai; Mentioning him here make it clear that his episode that came in the book of Jonah is a historical episode and not symbolic as some claim it to be. Jonah’s prophecies concerning Israel were not recorded; but all what came in the book of Jonah concerned Nineveh the capital of Assyria. “For the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter; and whether bond or free, there was no helper for Israel” (26) Seeing that Israel was without a helper, God intervened to save the people on the hand of Jeroboam the second; and granted Israel a glorious period of conquests. “And the LORD did not say that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven; but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash” (27). Because the five kings who came in succession were evil, and did not respond to God’s warning of sure judgment, God delivered them to the Assyrian captivation. Yet despite the fact that Israel perverted from the Lord, and became in bitter affliction, yet God kept His promise not to blot out the name of Israel from under heaven. … God promises His church, saying: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28: 20). 7- SYRIA DEFEATED BY JEROBOAM THE SECOND: “Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did—his might, how he made war, and how he recaptured for Israel, from Damascus and Hamath, what had belonged to Judah—are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?” (28) It came in 1 Chronicles 18: 3-11, that David, the prophet and king, defeated Syria, took over military sites in Damascus and other regions, and put all Syria under tribute. But Syria could rid itself from that yoke, could even take over certain vital sites in Israel, and annexed them to Syria; that Jeroboam could later on manage to restore. “Hamath, what had belonged to Judah”; He may refer here to that ‘Toi’ king of Hamath sent gifts to David, and blessed him (2 Samuel 8: 9); which indicates that it belonged, in some way to king David, who was from the tribe of Judah. The Northern kingdom enjoyed power and material prosperity in the days of Jeroboam, because of his military and administrative shrewdness; yet the spirit of oppression so prevailed on the land, that the rich became richer, and the poor became poorer. We are told by the prophets Amos and Hosea (Hosea 13: 4-8; Amos 6: 11-13) how the rich trusted in their possessions and not in God. “And his might”; the excavations in Samaria revealed its greatness as the capital of Jeroboam the second , who fortified it by a double wall; that the beautiful palace discovered belonged to Jeroboam the second, and not to king Ahab;; and that the seal ring of ‘Shimah, the servant of Jeroboam, had on it the inscription of a lion, that reveals the high level of art in that period.. .. Many rich people of that time imitated the ivory palace of Ahab, as revealed by the ivory discovered in Megiddo and other locations. 8- THE DEATH OF JEROBOAM THE SECOND: “So Jeroboam rested with his fathers, the kings of Israel. Then Zechariah his son reigned in his place” (29) The period in which Zechariah, the fourth generation after Jehu, was short (15: 8-12); By him the divine promise to Jehu was fulfilled (10: 30). In that period many prophets appeared like Hosea, Amos, Jonah, Micah, and Isaiah. It is as though God was preparing the minds of His believers to preach to the world; and used the deterioration of Israel to prepare the way for the appearance of the Messiah the Savior of the world. “Rested”; Some wonder whether the dead are asleep, or are they conscious! The Holy Book talks sometimes of death – as it came here – as though it is a time during which man rests with his fathers (1 kings 2: 10; 11: 21, 43; 14: 20). The Lord of glory said: “Our friend Lazarus sleeps” (John 11: 11), when he actually died (John 11: 14). And St. Paul the apostle talks about “those who had fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4: 13; 1 Corinthians 15: 51). And in other places, the Holy Book talks about persons who were conscious in the presence of God after they died (See 2 Corinthians 5: 8; Philippians 1: 23; Revelation 6: 9). The first group of verses refer to the body; while the second group refer to the soul. “Sleep” is a suitable word to express the death of the body; because death is a temporary situation in anticipation of the resurrection, when the body will rise from its sleep. Besides, both sleep and death take the same posture of stretched body. The teaching of the Holy Book is clear concerning the perpetuity of the soul (the Spirit) after death (Luke 12: 40); and that it is conscious in the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5: 80, in a better place (Philippians 1: 23); other souls talk (Matthew 17: 3), and pray (Revelation 6: 9-100. And the unbelieving soul is tortured (Matthew 25: 41; Luke 16: 22-26; Revelation 19: 20 – 20: 15). -------------------------------- AN INSPIRATION FROM 2 KINGS 14 YOU ARE THE FIRST AND LAST IN MY LIFE + Whom have I but You, O Savior Beneficent; You are the beginning and the end of the way, and even the Way itself; You are the ladder that takes us up to heaven + Let Your Holy Spirit carry me, and guide me; Carry me from the first step to bring me up to the end; To forget what is behind, and extend to what is ahead; Not to pervert from the way to the right or left; You will not allow for me to have an anguish of the spirit as long as You dwell in my depths; I shall never have the spirit of failure, as long as I am in Your bosom. + By Your grace, I ascend; and by Your grace I hold fast in what I gained. By it, I even go up to higher levels; Whenever You raise me up, I come to be in need of your support; Offering You my thanksgiving; With every ascension by You, support me with the spirit of humility; For whoever hold fast to You, and You hold fast to him, the spirit of vain and destructive glory will never crawl into him.
Welcome