Power for Today

The End of the Line

D: Good morning, Vicki.
V: Good morning, Don.
D: This morning's Power for Today begins with a word play.
V: Really? What is that?
D: Well, he says that the king Jehoiachin is "counted in the lineage of Jesus·but he
didn't account for much!"
V: That is interesting. To be "counted" in the lineage means to be among the ones in the
family line of Jesus. "To account" for much means to be valuable.
D: Right. And in "captivity" (or as a prisoner), Jehoiachin finally was treated "royally"
(like a king), even though he was no longer "royalty" (or a king).
V: And the really fascinating thing in all of this is that Jeremiah had "foretold" (or
predicted) all these things would happen.
D: Yes. The author says that he "pleaded, scolded and even shed many tears over the
plight of God's people." Can you say that in other words?
V: I'll try. Jeremiah begged, criticized and cried a lot because of the bad condition of
God's people.
D: Well, what is the lesson for us from this reading?
V: The author hopes that we can "gain" (or get) two lessons. The first is to see God's
"hand" (or activity) in everything we do every day.
D: What is the second thing we can gain?
V: Well, we need to remember that as Jehoiachin only ruled as king for three months,
we may just have three months left.
D: Wow! So, we need to make every day "account" for something.
V: You're right. Well, we've had a good beginning today. Now, have a good one.
D: You too.