Ezra 5
Haggai and Zechariah show up on the scene and start rebuilding the temple. Darius is now king of Persia and Tattenai the governor of the Israelite province. Tat comes to Hag and Zec and questions their building permissions. Shrewdly, Hag and Zec tell Tat to write to Darius and look back into the history of Persia and the Jews and see if they can find a decree announcing the rebuilding of the temple (they don't mention that later that decree was revoked due to the Israelite's rebellious nature). Israel's opponents obviously do not orally keep stories from generation to generation, or they would know the reasons why the rebuilding of the temple was stopped; so they write to Darius and ask him to search the archives for this so called decree.
Ezra 6
Darius calls a search and finds the decree! (but not any of the other history apparently). He even discovers that the decree also calls for Persia to pay for the rebuilding of the temple.
This reminds of another place in scripture where we are called to be shrewd, Luke 16:1-9. Jesus tells a story about a manger who uses his noggin to make himself money. Then Jesus praises the manager for his shrewdness and says that we ought to win people over with our wealth so that when it fails, those people will invite us into their eternal dwellings, which I take as meaning they will invite us into their innermost being, their souls (they will keep our counsel and consider us friends and perhaps hear what we say about our Lord Christ and follow him).
Haggai and Zechariah lived to serve God and they were actively using their minds to serve him.
Israel then celebrated passover. I imagine these were good times for them, unlike any seen before the establishment of kings in Israel, when each man served God one on one and not through a government or anything else. The Lord was clearly working in their lives so much so that he even turns the heart of the king of Assyria towards Israel (v22).
Ezra 7
"Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel" (v10). It appears to me that Ezra was respected by Artaxerxes for being a man who could read, write, teach his people. Art gives an abundance of money to Ezra and anyone who travels with him to Jerusalem. He even commands all the treasurers in the Israelite province to give Ezra whatever he needs. Art gives power to Ezra to appoint judges and magistrates; he even gives Israel the ability to judge others in the province according to their law.
It is amazing to me how much our time is not God's time. Back in chapter 4 the temple work of stopped and it was a full generation at least before the temple work was resumed. To me, that seems too long. If I can't see it in my generation, then I don't see how God is working at all, but I was reminded by a friend that it is clear the God's time is not our time. If we serve the Lord and live for him in our every breath, then his will is done in our lives. I pray that we would all be able to rest in the fact that God is accomplishing his will, but I also pray that we would heed his command to take up our cross DAILY and follow him (luke 9:23).
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Ezra 3 & 4
Ezra 3
I love the first sentence together: "the people gathered together as ONE man to Jerusalem." They were of one accord; one mind; one spirit! Paul admonishes us in Philippians 2:2 to be of one spirit and then describes what this looks like in a few words:
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
I imagine the Israelites doing this in their gathering in Jerusalem. Why are there so many divisions among Christians when this is clearly written in every Christians bible?
The people built the altar of the Lord. This is a good example of people coming together, intent on one purpose, working together and striving together. They also celebrated together the festival of booths and other sacrifices.
The people of the Lord also laid the foundation for the newly restored temple. It was a bittersweet time because those who could remember the old temple were gripped with sadness and those who did not rejoiced in having a temple to the Lord.
Ezra 4
Enemies of Judah and Benjamin approached Zerubbabel about helping them build the temple (I imagine some equivalent to today might be if a newly born Christian, being the temple of God [1 Corinthians 6:19], built there bodily temple by reading the Koran instead of the Bible). Z rightly determined this to be evil and rejected the offer. The people of the land, the enemies who were rejected, thought it unfair and wrote a letter to the king of Persia complaining of the Israelite construction. They were able to convinced the king to halt construction.
I don't know where God was in all this. The text doesn't give us any insight into what he thought. I bet, though, that he was involved in all of this somehow.
Praise the Lord that his people, whom he sustains, were still in service to him. I pray that his people today would awake, like Paul says in Ephesians 5:14, and begin to walk as wise, not as unwise people, that they would make the most of the days for they are evil, and that they would understand what the will of the Lord is from his word which is unfailing and more sure than any other sign, miracle, or spoken word! (Ephesians 5:15-17, 1 Peter 1:25, 2 Peter 1:19).
I love the first sentence together: "the people gathered together as ONE man to Jerusalem." They were of one accord; one mind; one spirit! Paul admonishes us in Philippians 2:2 to be of one spirit and then describes what this looks like in a few words:
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
I imagine the Israelites doing this in their gathering in Jerusalem. Why are there so many divisions among Christians when this is clearly written in every Christians bible?
The people built the altar of the Lord. This is a good example of people coming together, intent on one purpose, working together and striving together. They also celebrated together the festival of booths and other sacrifices.
The people of the Lord also laid the foundation for the newly restored temple. It was a bittersweet time because those who could remember the old temple were gripped with sadness and those who did not rejoiced in having a temple to the Lord.
Ezra 4
Enemies of Judah and Benjamin approached Zerubbabel about helping them build the temple (I imagine some equivalent to today might be if a newly born Christian, being the temple of God [1 Corinthians 6:19], built there bodily temple by reading the Koran instead of the Bible). Z rightly determined this to be evil and rejected the offer. The people of the land, the enemies who were rejected, thought it unfair and wrote a letter to the king of Persia complaining of the Israelite construction. They were able to convinced the king to halt construction.
I don't know where God was in all this. The text doesn't give us any insight into what he thought. I bet, though, that he was involved in all of this somehow.
Praise the Lord that his people, whom he sustains, were still in service to him. I pray that his people today would awake, like Paul says in Ephesians 5:14, and begin to walk as wise, not as unwise people, that they would make the most of the days for they are evil, and that they would understand what the will of the Lord is from his word which is unfailing and more sure than any other sign, miracle, or spoken word! (Ephesians 5:15-17, 1 Peter 1:25, 2 Peter 1:19).
Monday, September 27, 2010
Ezra 1&2
Ezra 1
Alright, so it seems like Ezra picks up where 2 Chronicles leaves off. In fact, the first two paragraphs tell the same story as the last paragraph in 2 Chronicles, so I guess this also means, Ezra is another book on history like 2 Chronicles.
Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the Jews back to Israel to serve the God. I've heard tale that this is what Cyrus did with everyone he conquered in an effort to appease his subjects. Nevertheless, it seems that the Lord intended for the Jews to now return to the promise land.
The Jews were sent back with all that they had brought and all that had been taken from them according to Cyrus's accounting. Those that had their spirit stirred by God to rebuild the temple left to do so with offerings from others who did not go (v5-6). This is a good picture of how today's body of Christ should act when sending others out on mission (they should give them money so that they will not be in need on their mission).
Ezra 2
Man this chapter is boring. It is a list of those returning to the promise land. However, I would still encourage you to read because every word in this bible in inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Truthfully the only profit I see in this text is a practice in diligence in reading (there may be others, but you need to read it to find out for yourself!). Worthy of note is that some priests could not be found and were therefore considered unclean because of the absence (v61-63).
Consider Deuteronomy 17:18-20. If this command was given to the king of Israel, leader of the Jews, and each of us, who believe in Christ, are considered leaders of someone (women of younger women, tts 2:3-5; men of disciples; etc.), then should we not also follow this command to reach the given results?
Alright, so it seems like Ezra picks up where 2 Chronicles leaves off. In fact, the first two paragraphs tell the same story as the last paragraph in 2 Chronicles, so I guess this also means, Ezra is another book on history like 2 Chronicles.
Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the Jews back to Israel to serve the God. I've heard tale that this is what Cyrus did with everyone he conquered in an effort to appease his subjects. Nevertheless, it seems that the Lord intended for the Jews to now return to the promise land.
The Jews were sent back with all that they had brought and all that had been taken from them according to Cyrus's accounting. Those that had their spirit stirred by God to rebuild the temple left to do so with offerings from others who did not go (v5-6). This is a good picture of how today's body of Christ should act when sending others out on mission (they should give them money so that they will not be in need on their mission).
Ezra 2
Man this chapter is boring. It is a list of those returning to the promise land. However, I would still encourage you to read because every word in this bible in inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Truthfully the only profit I see in this text is a practice in diligence in reading (there may be others, but you need to read it to find out for yourself!). Worthy of note is that some priests could not be found and were therefore considered unclean because of the absence (v61-63).
Consider Deuteronomy 17:18-20. If this command was given to the king of Israel, leader of the Jews, and each of us, who believe in Christ, are considered leaders of someone (women of younger women, tts 2:3-5; men of disciples; etc.), then should we not also follow this command to reach the given results?
Friday, September 24, 2010
2 Chronicles 35 & 36
2 Chr 35
Josiah celebrates the passover, a passover celebration that has not been seen since the days of David and Solomon. He gathers all the peoples of Judah and Israel and places the ark of the covenant in the temple so that it is no longer carried. Fun note: for the passover feast, the priest boiled pots because the Lord commanded it (v13; the Lord has been cleaning up germs since the beginning). Josiah was 26 we this happened.
Neco, king of Egypt came to make war at Carchemish, and Josiah came out to meet him; but Neco did not come to make war against Judah. The text doesn't seem to give a reason why Josiah did this, but he decided to make war against Egypt anyways. He was shot with arrows and died in Jerusalem.
2 Chr 36
Joahaz became king, and for the first time since I can remember, there is no mention of whether he did right or wrong in the sight of the Lord (this could be because he only reigned for 3 months). Joahaz was kidnapped and taken to Egypt. Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the Lord; was taken to Babylon; his son became king; and then he was taken to Babylon with stuff from the house of the Lord. Zedekiah became king and did evil in the sight of the Lord. God continually showed patience and grace by sending Zedekiah and Judah messengers, but the people mocked them. God sent the king of the Chaldeans, who showed no mercy and destroyed Judah. The people were taken into captivity into Babylon until Persia conquered Babylon.
Thank the Lord for his continual work and mercy in our lives just as in the life of Judah!
Josiah celebrates the passover, a passover celebration that has not been seen since the days of David and Solomon. He gathers all the peoples of Judah and Israel and places the ark of the covenant in the temple so that it is no longer carried. Fun note: for the passover feast, the priest boiled pots because the Lord commanded it (v13; the Lord has been cleaning up germs since the beginning). Josiah was 26 we this happened.
Neco, king of Egypt came to make war at Carchemish, and Josiah came out to meet him; but Neco did not come to make war against Judah. The text doesn't seem to give a reason why Josiah did this, but he decided to make war against Egypt anyways. He was shot with arrows and died in Jerusalem.
2 Chr 36
Joahaz became king, and for the first time since I can remember, there is no mention of whether he did right or wrong in the sight of the Lord (this could be because he only reigned for 3 months). Joahaz was kidnapped and taken to Egypt. Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the Lord; was taken to Babylon; his son became king; and then he was taken to Babylon with stuff from the house of the Lord. Zedekiah became king and did evil in the sight of the Lord. God continually showed patience and grace by sending Zedekiah and Judah messengers, but the people mocked them. God sent the king of the Chaldeans, who showed no mercy and destroyed Judah. The people were taken into captivity into Babylon until Persia conquered Babylon.
Thank the Lord for his continual work and mercy in our lives just as in the life of Judah!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
2 Chronicles 33 & 34
2 Chr 33
Alright, so I don't know what happened between Hezekiah and his son, Manasseh, but Manasseh did not follow the Lord or even his father, Hezekiah. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, building back the high places, building other abominations, even practicing witchcraft. Israel became more evil than the nations that God drove out of the land of their possession (v9).
The Lord sent Assyria against Manasseh. By sight, if I were living at that time, it would seem that Hezekiah, a good king, and Manasseh, his evil son were to befall the same fate because Manasseh prayed and was delivered from the Assyrians just as Hezekiah. Just goes to show you that our God hears a humble heart (v12) no matter your past. From this point on, it seems that Manasseh had a conversion to serve the Lord and follow him.
Manasseh's son, Amon, suffers an even worse fate than his father for doing evil in the sight of the Lord.
2 Chr 34
Josiah, at 8, now becomes the new king. His does good and sets his heart to seek the Lord. He tears down the altars, Manasseh built and purged the temple. He then repairs the temple, and in the process finds money and the book of Law, both of which he purposes to serve the Lord. Hilkiah, the temple's priest, brings this to the attention of the King, and Josiah is so distraught by the idea that God's law has not been kept, that he tears his clothes, saying
"for great is the wrath of the LORD which is poured out on us because our fathers have not observed the word of the LORD, to do according to all that is written in this book" (v21).
Josiah spoke to Huldah, the prophetess, and she laid all that god had planned for Josiah out. After hearing this prophecy from her, Josiah gathered all of Judah together to read from the word. He set his heart to keep God's commandments, and throughout Josiah's lifetime, the people did not turn from following the Lord.
Praise the Lord for examples like Josiah, who sought the Lord and followed his word! I pray that all might come to follow this word that is more sure than even a spoken word from God (2 pet 1:19).
Alright, so I don't know what happened between Hezekiah and his son, Manasseh, but Manasseh did not follow the Lord or even his father, Hezekiah. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, building back the high places, building other abominations, even practicing witchcraft. Israel became more evil than the nations that God drove out of the land of their possession (v9).
The Lord sent Assyria against Manasseh. By sight, if I were living at that time, it would seem that Hezekiah, a good king, and Manasseh, his evil son were to befall the same fate because Manasseh prayed and was delivered from the Assyrians just as Hezekiah. Just goes to show you that our God hears a humble heart (v12) no matter your past. From this point on, it seems that Manasseh had a conversion to serve the Lord and follow him.
Manasseh's son, Amon, suffers an even worse fate than his father for doing evil in the sight of the Lord.
2 Chr 34
Josiah, at 8, now becomes the new king. His does good and sets his heart to seek the Lord. He tears down the altars, Manasseh built and purged the temple. He then repairs the temple, and in the process finds money and the book of Law, both of which he purposes to serve the Lord. Hilkiah, the temple's priest, brings this to the attention of the King, and Josiah is so distraught by the idea that God's law has not been kept, that he tears his clothes, saying
"for great is the wrath of the LORD which is poured out on us because our fathers have not observed the word of the LORD, to do according to all that is written in this book" (v21).
Josiah spoke to Huldah, the prophetess, and she laid all that god had planned for Josiah out. After hearing this prophecy from her, Josiah gathered all of Judah together to read from the word. He set his heart to keep God's commandments, and throughout Josiah's lifetime, the people did not turn from following the Lord.
Praise the Lord for examples like Josiah, who sought the Lord and followed his word! I pray that all might come to follow this word that is more sure than even a spoken word from God (2 pet 1:19).
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
2 Chronicles 31 & 32
2 Chr 31
After cleaning the temple, sacrificing to the Lord, and celebrating passover, Hezekiah and Israel now take the time to tear down the high places and other idols that have for so long been ignored by other kings. Many tithe to the newly reformed Levites, so much so, that there was much leftover. The writer of this book takes meticulous measures to inform the reader about who was appointed where and what was exactly being reformed.
2 Chr 32
Now Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invaded Judah, and Hezekiah's first move was to cut of water from the Assyrian army. Hezekiah appointed military leaders and fortified walls, but all the time he was admonishing in the Lord, saying, "the one with us is greater than the one with him" (v7).
Sennacherib and his army pillaged the rest of Judah and mocked Hezekiah and YHWH, tempting the populace to turn against Hezekiah for his lack of protection to them. Hezekiah's response to all this was not to react or take revenge but to pray to God for his deliverance. God delivered them!
In verse 24, Hezekiah does show us his human condition (sinner). He becomes proud and does not receive the Lord's counsel; but his response to the Lord's chastening is a humble heart and not a proud heart.
Hezekiah's whole story here draws a striking parallel to God's plan for our lives. As Hezekiah's first steps to follow the Lord were to clean out the temple and then sacrifice to the Lord, so are we called to obey the Lord (cleaning out our own temple - see 1 cor 6:19) and then purpose ourselves to sacrifice to the Lord (1 sam 15:22). It is a common theme that even Christ carries through in Matt 5:23-24 saying, I think, to love your brother first and then approach the altar of the Lord.
Then, just as Hezekiah focused inwardly and then purposed himself to a life of sacrifice, he looked outwardly to the pagan altars. After these things occurred, Hezekiah was then tested by invasion. I believe there are all kinds of parallels to a Christian's walk that can be drawn here, but you should look into it yourself and not take my word for it; but read God's word everyday and find if the these things are so.
After cleaning the temple, sacrificing to the Lord, and celebrating passover, Hezekiah and Israel now take the time to tear down the high places and other idols that have for so long been ignored by other kings. Many tithe to the newly reformed Levites, so much so, that there was much leftover. The writer of this book takes meticulous measures to inform the reader about who was appointed where and what was exactly being reformed.
2 Chr 32
Now Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invaded Judah, and Hezekiah's first move was to cut of water from the Assyrian army. Hezekiah appointed military leaders and fortified walls, but all the time he was admonishing in the Lord, saying, "the one with us is greater than the one with him" (v7).
Sennacherib and his army pillaged the rest of Judah and mocked Hezekiah and YHWH, tempting the populace to turn against Hezekiah for his lack of protection to them. Hezekiah's response to all this was not to react or take revenge but to pray to God for his deliverance. God delivered them!
In verse 24, Hezekiah does show us his human condition (sinner). He becomes proud and does not receive the Lord's counsel; but his response to the Lord's chastening is a humble heart and not a proud heart.
Hezekiah's whole story here draws a striking parallel to God's plan for our lives. As Hezekiah's first steps to follow the Lord were to clean out the temple and then sacrifice to the Lord, so are we called to obey the Lord (cleaning out our own temple - see 1 cor 6:19) and then purpose ourselves to sacrifice to the Lord (1 sam 15:22). It is a common theme that even Christ carries through in Matt 5:23-24 saying, I think, to love your brother first and then approach the altar of the Lord.
Then, just as Hezekiah focused inwardly and then purposed himself to a life of sacrifice, he looked outwardly to the pagan altars. After these things occurred, Hezekiah was then tested by invasion. I believe there are all kinds of parallels to a Christian's walk that can be drawn here, but you should look into it yourself and not take my word for it; but read God's word everyday and find if the these things are so.
Monday, September 20, 2010
2 Chronicles 29&30
2 Chr 29
Hezekiah, Ahaz's son, seemingly blows into to town with all kinds of reforms that, I, the reader have been wanting to see since King David and Solomon. Hezekiah calls on the Levites to clean the temple, so they go in room by room and clean the temple, destroying every unclean thing in the valley of Kidron. It took them sixteen days to clean the temple. As soon as the temple was cleanse, then Hezekiah saw it fit to burn sacrifices to the Lord from it.
A good thought for us is that sometimes, the Lord would have us clean up our own lives before we press ourselves into service for him, but in cleaning our lives, know that we are in service to God. Take that for what it is, an opinion from me, the blogger, and not as the unadulterated truth of the word of God, but you should seek out these things to see if they are true and live by the faith which God gives you (Acts 17:11 & Romans 14:22)
2 Chr 30
Hezekiah saw that it would be good to gather all the faithful in Israel and Judah to Jerusalem for a celebration of the Passover. They did not celebrate the feast at the correct time because the Levitical priest had not consecrated themselves in time, but they still planned to celebrate it. Also, when the assembly gathered, not everyone washed correctly, according to the law, but Hezekiah prayed for God's forgiveness of this detail. It says in verse 20 of chapter 30 that the Lord heard his prayer and healed the people.
It seems to me that the heart of Hezekiah and of the assembly was to seek God even if it was not able to follow the Law exactly; And the Lord was please with this! They even gave in so much of an abundance that there were not enough priests to skin the offerings (ch29 v34, 2 corinthians 9:7).
I pray that the Lord would give us this attitude as the Body of Christ. That we would seek the Lord, no matter if we know how to do it right or not. I pray that we would also desire to know the Lord in such a way that we would want to seek him in his manner of doing things, that by reading his word and being doers of the word, not merely hearers, we would walk in faith. Thank you Lord for that faith which you have given us!
Hezekiah, Ahaz's son, seemingly blows into to town with all kinds of reforms that, I, the reader have been wanting to see since King David and Solomon. Hezekiah calls on the Levites to clean the temple, so they go in room by room and clean the temple, destroying every unclean thing in the valley of Kidron. It took them sixteen days to clean the temple. As soon as the temple was cleanse, then Hezekiah saw it fit to burn sacrifices to the Lord from it.
A good thought for us is that sometimes, the Lord would have us clean up our own lives before we press ourselves into service for him, but in cleaning our lives, know that we are in service to God. Take that for what it is, an opinion from me, the blogger, and not as the unadulterated truth of the word of God, but you should seek out these things to see if they are true and live by the faith which God gives you (Acts 17:11 & Romans 14:22)
2 Chr 30
Hezekiah saw that it would be good to gather all the faithful in Israel and Judah to Jerusalem for a celebration of the Passover. They did not celebrate the feast at the correct time because the Levitical priest had not consecrated themselves in time, but they still planned to celebrate it. Also, when the assembly gathered, not everyone washed correctly, according to the law, but Hezekiah prayed for God's forgiveness of this detail. It says in verse 20 of chapter 30 that the Lord heard his prayer and healed the people.
It seems to me that the heart of Hezekiah and of the assembly was to seek God even if it was not able to follow the Law exactly; And the Lord was please with this! They even gave in so much of an abundance that there were not enough priests to skin the offerings (ch29 v34, 2 corinthians 9:7).
I pray that the Lord would give us this attitude as the Body of Christ. That we would seek the Lord, no matter if we know how to do it right or not. I pray that we would also desire to know the Lord in such a way that we would want to seek him in his manner of doing things, that by reading his word and being doers of the word, not merely hearers, we would walk in faith. Thank you Lord for that faith which you have given us!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
2 Chronicles 27&28
2 Chr 27
Jotham succeeds Uzziah. The word says that he did right in sight of the Lord, after his father Uzziah, which I can remember not doing that right because of his pride. Jotham built some armaments and won some battles against the Ammonites. He succeeded in all this because he ordered his ways before the Lord (v6).
2 Chr 28
Now Ahaz succeeded Jotham, and he is the first king in a short stretch in Judah to NOT do right in the sight of the Lord. He served the Baals and made idols for himself in the temple. You really hate to see this happen. I mean, you know God is going to judge this dude, and he does. God uses the King of Aram and the King of Israel to inflict heavy casualties on the army of Judah, like 120,000+. Ahaz lost a son in this and his second in command. Then Israel took away 200,000 others of Judah as slaves.
Israel, in all of this, half followed the Lord. They struck down Judah, but then God sends a prophet to let them know that taking their brethren captive as slaves is evil; so Israel actually does the right thing, and clothes, feeds, and even anoints those captives and takes them to Jericho.
Ahaz then seeks help from Assyria, but even, after giving them a bribe from the temple of the Lord, Assyria still comes and attacks Judah instead of helping. Then Ahaz sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, thinking that they will help him and builds more altars to burn incense on throughout Judah.
It's crazy to me to see how one generation of Judah could follow the Lord and then another just totally disregard him. I pray that the Lord would give me the wisdom to guide the next generation towards him and not away, through my actions and my words!
Jotham succeeds Uzziah. The word says that he did right in sight of the Lord, after his father Uzziah, which I can remember not doing that right because of his pride. Jotham built some armaments and won some battles against the Ammonites. He succeeded in all this because he ordered his ways before the Lord (v6).
2 Chr 28
Now Ahaz succeeded Jotham, and he is the first king in a short stretch in Judah to NOT do right in the sight of the Lord. He served the Baals and made idols for himself in the temple. You really hate to see this happen. I mean, you know God is going to judge this dude, and he does. God uses the King of Aram and the King of Israel to inflict heavy casualties on the army of Judah, like 120,000+. Ahaz lost a son in this and his second in command. Then Israel took away 200,000 others of Judah as slaves.
Israel, in all of this, half followed the Lord. They struck down Judah, but then God sends a prophet to let them know that taking their brethren captive as slaves is evil; so Israel actually does the right thing, and clothes, feeds, and even anoints those captives and takes them to Jericho.
Ahaz then seeks help from Assyria, but even, after giving them a bribe from the temple of the Lord, Assyria still comes and attacks Judah instead of helping. Then Ahaz sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, thinking that they will help him and builds more altars to burn incense on throughout Judah.
It's crazy to me to see how one generation of Judah could follow the Lord and then another just totally disregard him. I pray that the Lord would give me the wisdom to guide the next generation towards him and not away, through my actions and my words!
Friday, September 17, 2010
2 Chronicles 25&26
2 Chr 25
Amaziah does right in the sight of the Lord. He follows the book of the Law (v4). Amaziah has a kind of turning point where, I think, he begins to understand the greatness of God and little better and even walks by faith in this. He hires a huge Edomite army for 100 talents of silver, but a prophet comes to him and says, "The Lord is not with these people" (v7). He asks Amaziah to not go to battle with them, even though Amaziah would not have much of an army without these Edomites. Amaziah is then worried about the money he gave for the army, but the prophet says simply, "The Lord has much more to give you than this" (v9). So Amaziah does this, and I think begins to understand the God has a cattle on a thousand hills, as the Psalmists says in Psalm 50:10. God owns everything; why would he not freely give to those who are his (Matthew 6:25-34).
However, Amaziah did have his downfall. He actually took the god's of the people, whom the one true God conquered for Amaziah, and started worshiping them. That's crazy to me, but it makes me wonder about the why I sometimes fear death. Hebrews says that Christ has conquered death so that he might set us free from the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15). Just like Amaziah, I find myself at times fearing death even though God has already conquered it. In such ways I am serving an idol, I believe.
Ok... so now it gets a little confusing. Another Joash, from Israel this time, is God's utensil for passing judgment on Amaziah. I know, I know, Joash of Judah died in the last chapter, so i believe this is another Joash because the first is already dead. Amaziah is warned not to come against Joash, but Amaziah does not listen, possibly because his heart is hardened by God (see v20 & Romans 9:18).
2 Chr 26
Now enters Uzziah, who was a pretty amazing guy, but who's story is cut short because of his pride (God hates a proud look, Proverbs 6:17). Uzziah builds the kingdom into this great battle armament, but because of his pride he contracts leprosy in the temple. He lives with this disease until his death.
Lord, I pray that you would show me your greatness like you have shown Amaziah. Thank for the faith that you have given me so far and I pray that I can walk by this faith.
Amaziah does right in the sight of the Lord. He follows the book of the Law (v4). Amaziah has a kind of turning point where, I think, he begins to understand the greatness of God and little better and even walks by faith in this. He hires a huge Edomite army for 100 talents of silver, but a prophet comes to him and says, "The Lord is not with these people" (v7). He asks Amaziah to not go to battle with them, even though Amaziah would not have much of an army without these Edomites. Amaziah is then worried about the money he gave for the army, but the prophet says simply, "The Lord has much more to give you than this" (v9). So Amaziah does this, and I think begins to understand the God has a cattle on a thousand hills, as the Psalmists says in Psalm 50:10. God owns everything; why would he not freely give to those who are his (Matthew 6:25-34).
However, Amaziah did have his downfall. He actually took the god's of the people, whom the one true God conquered for Amaziah, and started worshiping them. That's crazy to me, but it makes me wonder about the why I sometimes fear death. Hebrews says that Christ has conquered death so that he might set us free from the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15). Just like Amaziah, I find myself at times fearing death even though God has already conquered it. In such ways I am serving an idol, I believe.
Ok... so now it gets a little confusing. Another Joash, from Israel this time, is God's utensil for passing judgment on Amaziah. I know, I know, Joash of Judah died in the last chapter, so i believe this is another Joash because the first is already dead. Amaziah is warned not to come against Joash, but Amaziah does not listen, possibly because his heart is hardened by God (see v20 & Romans 9:18).
2 Chr 26
Now enters Uzziah, who was a pretty amazing guy, but who's story is cut short because of his pride (God hates a proud look, Proverbs 6:17). Uzziah builds the kingdom into this great battle armament, but because of his pride he contracts leprosy in the temple. He lives with this disease until his death.
Lord, I pray that you would show me your greatness like you have shown Amaziah. Thank for the faith that you have given me so far and I pray that I can walk by this faith.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
2 Chronicles 23&24
Chr23
Big bad Jehoiada, chief priest, decides after 7 years to take back the kingdom for the Lord. He devises this plan to take over the Lord's temple, and guess what!, it works. Athaliah, comes to the temple, screaming treason, but is grabbed up by Jehoiada's loyal followers. Jehoiada then proceeds to tear down the house of Baal, and the kingdom seems to be in relative peace.
Chr 24
Joash, the little guy saved back in chapter 22, is now 7, and he becomes king. The word says that he did what was right in sight of the Lord as long as Jehoiada was alive. Joash proceeds to order the temple repaired, but has some trouble from the Levites in doing so. Finally he is able to raise money for the repairs and repairs the temple.
Jehoiada dies and no sooner than he is put in the ground, Joash and the people of Israel turn away from the Lord. They start to serve the Asherim and other idols. Jehoiada's son, Zechariah, speaks out against this movement and tells them that God will judge them for these actions. Joash and the people kill Zechariah. Because of this action, God sends the Arameans to conquer Judah and Jerusalem. Joash dies and the chapter ends.
What I see in all this: There are certain people who follow the Lord and others who follow people. Joash followed Jehoiada, while Jehoiada followed the Lord. This is shown by how quickly Joash turns from the Lord when Jehoiada dies. I am reminded of two scriptures:
1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
If you believe in the truth of Jesus Christ, you are given the holy spirit, and by him you have no need to be taught by any other person.
Romans 14:22
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Your faith in God is only between God and you.
I pray that the Lord would continually remind me of this truth and that I would desire to seek him in his word each day.
Chr 24
Joash, the little guy saved back in chapter 22, is now 7, and he becomes king. The word says that he did what was right in sight of the Lord as long as Jehoiada was alive. Joash proceeds to order the temple repaired, but has some trouble from the Levites in doing so. Finally he is able to raise money for the repairs and repairs the temple.
Jehoiada dies and no sooner than he is put in the ground, Joash and the people of Israel turn away from the Lord. They start to serve the Asherim and other idols. Jehoiada's son, Zechariah, speaks out against this movement and tells them that God will judge them for these actions. Joash and the people kill Zechariah. Because of this action, God sends the Arameans to conquer Judah and Jerusalem. Joash dies and the chapter ends.
What I see in all this: There are certain people who follow the Lord and others who follow people. Joash followed Jehoiada, while Jehoiada followed the Lord. This is shown by how quickly Joash turns from the Lord when Jehoiada dies. I am reminded of two scriptures:
1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
If you believe in the truth of Jesus Christ, you are given the holy spirit, and by him you have no need to be taught by any other person.
Romans 14:22
The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Your faith in God is only between God and you.
I pray that the Lord would continually remind me of this truth and that I would desire to seek him in his word each day.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
2 Chronicles 21&22
I have been having trouble for the past while retaining what I read in the morning. I seriously desire to meditate on what I am reading in the morning all day like Joshua:
Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
So I am trying better to retain what I've read by writing down here on my blog. Hopefully some of you will find it interesting. Please comment on whatever you feel would encourage me (as in Hebrews 3:13).
2 Chronicles 21
After two generations of good kings who sought the Lord and did good in the sight of the Lord, now arises Jehoram who did evil in the sight of the Lord (21:6). This dude was so far from the family tree that he actually murdered all his brothers. People revolted around him and others were led astray by the high country pagans. It seems to me that Jehoram had no clue how to rule. God speaks to him through Elijah and basically says he's gonna die in the midst of a great calamity.
I don't see this side of God today, or my eyes are just not open to it; but God actually punishes people on earth, even before they die, for their miss deeds. That makes total sense to me. Like I said, I don't know if he still does this, but I do know that every day I am alive, God has shown me patience in not killing me in my sleep (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Just for good measure, the chronicler writes that God was faithful in punishing Jehoram to exactly what he said he would do.
2 Chronicles 22
Ahaziah succeeded Jehoram. He was a wicked king, holding his mother's counsel, who taught him to do wicked things (22:3). He also allied Judah with Israel, which was not a good thing at the time because Israel walked wickedly as well.
Jehu, a man anointed by God to execute judgment on Israel and Judah, killed Ahaziah. Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, then pulled a power move. She killed all of the royal children so that she rule over Judah, but one child, Joash the son of Ahaziah, was saved unknown to Athaliah (22:11).
One lesson I am reminded of through all this is summed up best in psalm 1:
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!"
I pray that my delight is in the Law of the Lord and in seeking his face above all else!
Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
So I am trying better to retain what I've read by writing down here on my blog. Hopefully some of you will find it interesting. Please comment on whatever you feel would encourage me (as in Hebrews 3:13).
2 Chronicles 21
After two generations of good kings who sought the Lord and did good in the sight of the Lord, now arises Jehoram who did evil in the sight of the Lord (21:6). This dude was so far from the family tree that he actually murdered all his brothers. People revolted around him and others were led astray by the high country pagans. It seems to me that Jehoram had no clue how to rule. God speaks to him through Elijah and basically says he's gonna die in the midst of a great calamity.
I don't see this side of God today, or my eyes are just not open to it; but God actually punishes people on earth, even before they die, for their miss deeds. That makes total sense to me. Like I said, I don't know if he still does this, but I do know that every day I am alive, God has shown me patience in not killing me in my sleep (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Just for good measure, the chronicler writes that God was faithful in punishing Jehoram to exactly what he said he would do.
2 Chronicles 22
Ahaziah succeeded Jehoram. He was a wicked king, holding his mother's counsel, who taught him to do wicked things (22:3). He also allied Judah with Israel, which was not a good thing at the time because Israel walked wickedly as well.
Jehu, a man anointed by God to execute judgment on Israel and Judah, killed Ahaziah. Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, then pulled a power move. She killed all of the royal children so that she rule over Judah, but one child, Joash the son of Ahaziah, was saved unknown to Athaliah (22:11).
One lesson I am reminded of through all this is summed up best in psalm 1:
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!"
I pray that my delight is in the Law of the Lord and in seeking his face above all else!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
pmpurser.us
Check out the online gospel track I put together at pmpurser.us. Click on the link to http://crescentcay.com/shdwst/index.htm and then click the upper left icon, wait to load, and then click it again. This track was fun going over and a good way to remind myself of the Love God has for us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)