Tag: pray

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Proverbs 10 of 14 – Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Read: Proverbs 22:17-24:22

Seems like my family is on my mind this morning as these two sayings in particular speak to my heart. I’ve met several new people on this short trip and in the course of events the common request happens, “tell us about yourself.” At my age and season in life, there are two sides to the answer: my parents and my family.

Saying 17
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Buy the truth and do not sell it—
wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
The father of a righteous child has great joy;
a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
May your father and mother rejoice;
may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Proverbs 23:22-25

Just last week, my daughter Katrina and I went out for coffee and donuts and she encouraged me to reminisce about my father and the ancient days when I got the chance to work with him at Krispy Kreme. Such fond memories of going to the donut shop (as we called it) at 4:30am on Saturday morning to “help” make donuts. Dad ran two shops in Baton Rouge just before the installation of the donut making machines that are essentially the same as the ones we watched make hot donuts last week. In my memory, this happened frequently, but as a parent, I know it probably only happened a few times. Still, the memory is etched in my brain.

My father was kind and strong. He was the proverbial father who never spared the rod (and I’m sure it was appropriate!). He was one of those guys who never met a stranger, who would give his shirt to someone in need. My mom was as well, though she could be feisty at times! Her last days were incredibly difficult as she suffered from Alzheimer’s. My older sister did 99% of the work by moving in with her, but there was one week in the last year of her life on earth when it was my turn to care for mom while Charlotte took a much deserved break. It was frustrating and difficult for me to take care of mom that week, but I learned so much about the real meaning of love. The proverb above is written in a negative tense–I prefer: Love your mother, even when she is old.

I’m sure I wasn’t the easiest of children to deal with, but I pray that the joy I saw in my parents’ eyes years ago outweighed the grief and pain. Great examples of faith, they raised me on the Bible.

Gloating Like Daddy

On a family vacation in 2005 (ish), we had the chance to play of game of four-square with the girls: I won a game!! To celebrate, I gloated over the girls, the old man still has moves!! Oh yeah! Great fun and perhaps a teachable moment. We coined the infamous phrase, “gloating like daddy!” Ask any of our four and they will immediately remember the moment, but the lesson we hoped to impart was serious.

Saying 28
Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the Lord will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.
Proverbs 24:17-18

It’s probably too soon to know if we did well in teaching the lesson, but I remain hopeful. My prayer is that we taught them to be compassionate people, not judgmental, adults that appreciate circumstances in this life change quickly. I hope they have learned something from our silly game of four-square.

These days my desire is for them to not only know and affirm Jesus in their lives, but to earnestly seek to become a disciple that follows Christ; one who learns well then teaches others as disciples who will make disciples. The wisdom in Proverbs provides a wealth of tools; timeless thoughts that beg us to be mature in Christ. Jesus started with this wisdom and provided practical words to be sure, but his life on earth was so much more than being the great teacher that he was.

Just weeks before Easter 2017, I pray that we, the big we, will invite others into this understanding of Christ, the crucifixion and most notably the resurrection! Not with gloating, but with wisdom, care and concern for we know the great Good News.

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Proverbs 9 of 14 – Proverbs and My Wife

Read: Proverbs 21:1-22:16

As I read through the list of proverbs this morning, warnings about doing what is right, being prudent, guarding my mouth, etc., I was drawn to the few in these chapters about the joy I have in marriage of nearly 30 years. To put it mildly, staying on the right path is much easier because of the relationship I have with my amazing wife. I’m much more emotional, more apt to say things that are inappropriate or not well thought out. Yes, I am so blessed to have found this treasure! For those who are not married, I pray this is the kind of spouse for your future.

So I got a bit distracted by the word “wife” in proverbs, so I did some research. In the NIV we find 14 proverbs that include the word “wife,” plus a bonus in chapter 31, The Wife of Noble Character. We’ll enjoy Proverbs 31 in a few days, for the moment, here’s a summary of what I found:

Warnings About Adultery

  • Proverbs 5:18: May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
  • Proverbs 5:20: Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
  • Proverbs 6:24: keeping you from your neighbor’s wife, from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.
  • Proverbs 6:26: For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life.
  • Proverbs 6:29: So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
  • Proverbs 23:26-27: My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

Quarrelsome Wife

  • Proverbs 19:13: A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.
  • Proverbs 21:9: Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
  • Proverbs 21:19: Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
  • Proverbs 25:24: Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
  • Proverbs 27:15: A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;

Wife of Character

  • Proverbs 12:4: A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
  • Proverbs 18:22: The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD. (NLT)
  • Proverbs 19:14: Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

I have been blessed with an amazing wife, one of impeccable character and remarkable intelligence. She is far from quarrelsome or nagging, if anything, those words might be better used to describe my behavior at times. I appreciate the NLT’s translation of 18:22: my wife is indeed a treasure!

This particular weekend, once again, we find ourselves in different parts of the country. One of the many amazing things about Zoë is her strength as an independent woman of God. At the risk of misinterpretation, hear this: she doesn’t need me; rather, she chooses me and in that choice her needs are met. The same is true on my end. Life is simply much richer because God has put us together. We choose each other (yes, that’s in the present tense).

Marriage is such a foundational relationship in the Bible that Christ refers to the church as his bride. It’s not about need, it’s about a choice.

It’s hard to get my mind around this concept, but Jesus chose us, you and me, and in that choice our needs are met. This is the good news, the great news! Lord, help us to share this with the world through lives that reflect you and draw people to your light.

 

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Proverbs 8 of 14 – Poor, Wisdom and Insight

Read: Proverbs 19-20 and Psalm 89

One of my primary motivations for digging deep in the Old Testament is to gain a solid understanding of the scriptures that those in Jesus’ time knew so well. In these two chapters in particular we learn many wise sayings that Jesus uses to turn heads with parables. Imagine knowing these proverbs by heart, studying them every day as you strive to work out your faith as best you know how. Suddenly, Jesus of Nazareth appears and causes you to do more than memorize proverbs and genealogies, he requires you to think–what a concept!

For example you would no doubt agree with: An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end Proverbs 20:21, then Jesus tells the story of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15). It makes me laugh the think how many scholars couldn’t get past Luke 15:12 — hold on, say that again? The father gave him his inheritance? What?? Jesus continues on with the story while they are stuck say, will not be blessed. I’m guessing many missed the point and couldn’t watch the replay on Vimeo.

Jesus had much to say about the poor, the widow, the lost and the least–all of which tell me to take care as I read these proverbs. Nothing Jesus said ran counter to the wisdom here. My point is these were well known by everyone in his area. Solomon was highly admired by all surrounding nations, his wisdom was not questioned; rather, it was learned.

Lord, help me to keep this in mind as I read your inspired words of wisdom here.

Proverbs 19 provides some interesting thoughts about those who are poor.

  • 19:1 – Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.
  • 19:4 – Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.
  • 19:7 – The poor are shunned by all their relatives—how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.
  • 19:22 – What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.

It’s one thing to be without wealth, it’s another thing to be poor. I may not have wealth, but I will continue to strive to walk in the ways of the Lord and let my reward come in eternal life.

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will reward them for what they have done.
Proverbs 19:17

This is a proverb to hold onto carefully, especially in light of Matthew 25:31-46. Again, the words of Jesus help us understand how to apply the proverbs of old.

Proverbs 20 includes several verses that refer to our hearts, lips, eyes, ears and mouth — our five senses.

  • 20:5 – The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
  • 20:9 – Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?
  • 20:12 – Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.
  • 20:15 – Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

Honestly, I’m overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of proverbs in these two chapters. So much to take in. I’ve only scratched the surface, and perhaps unjustly treated the scripture by quickly reading through the text, but I’m in awe of the words as they wash over me. Perhaps I should go back and rewrite each proverb as a prayer:

Lord, help me understand how to let you direct my steps for I cannot understand my own way (Proverbs 20:24).

Help me to have eyes and ears that see and hear as you, Lord, especially this particular weekend as we (Healthy Growing Churches) gather to answer the call from brothers and sisters in Christ for assistance. Help us to have insight that draws out the purpose you have for your church. To you be the glory forever. Amen.

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Proverbs 5 of 14 – Even When It Hurts & Power of the Tongue

Read: Proverbs 10-11 and Psalm 88

Reading the Psalms in parallel to Proverbs is interesting and challenging at the same time.

Psalm 88 is dark and depressing, honest and open.

1 Lord, you are the God who saves me;
day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
turn your ear to my cry.
17 All day long they surround me like a flood;
they have completely engulfed me.
18 You have taken from me friend and neighbor—
darkness is my closest friend.
Psalm 88:1-2, 17-18

These four verses are the bookends for the psalm. We don’t sing these songs very often, which is good, but there are times when we publicly express pain. This past Sunday the worship was deeply expressive to me. One of the songs Beth added to this worship set was Even When It Hurts, by Joel Houston (Hillsong).

Even when the fight seems lost I’ll praise You
Even when it hurts like hell I’ll praise You
Even when it makes no sense to sing louder
Then I’ll sing Your praise.

Even When It Hurts, Hillsong United, Joel Houston, 2015

This particular Sunday the arrangement for this song did not include my guitar so my role was to simply worship with the congregation. It was as if God was making sure I didn’t miss the point by getting lost in playing guitar, clearing the way to hear the prophetic words from a modern psalm.

If we were to arrange Psalm 88 for worship I would simply tag it with the sentiment of this song. When (not if), it hurts like hell, I will sing Your praises even louder.  I’m absolutely certain this is what the Lord wants above all the earthly troubles, so I will unashamedly worship God, the Creator and Sustainer, the Redeemer that relentlessly pursues us, with all I have.

The worship was powerful this Sunday, timely for me personally as well as others who made a point of commenting. This Sunday we led worship without drums. This doesn’t happen often, but it created space for people to hear more, to enter a more intimate worship set as we begin the mini-series that leads to Easter. Timely yes, coincidence, not really. The result of a Worship Pastor that listens closely to the Holy Spirit’s prompting — thank you Beth!

Proverbs 10 & 11

Between these two chapters there are 63 proverbs that pour a foundation of wisdom for good vs bad. Few would argue about these contrasting verses, regardless of religious background.

  • Some examples of good: wise son, righteous, diligent hands, prudent, accepting commands, integrity, love, discerning lips, fortified, hold your tongue.
  • Compared to bad: foolish, ill-gotten treasure, lazy, violent, chattering fool, crooked paths, hatred, mouth of a fool.

Over and over we get the sense that the tongue, as James reminds us, is the rudder that controls our direction. So many times I’ve watched words slip out of my mouth that I regret; the same mouth that sings praises to God and encourages others. My prayer is that by reading through the proverbs, especially these individual verses, my mouth will tend toward discerning lips of wisdom more often than the fool that fuels dissent.

More than just mere fortune cookies, the book of proverbs is conveniently located in the middle of the Bible–the hinge surrounded by scripture. Lord, help us to consume these words of wisdom so they become the very core of our identity with Christ.

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Proverbs 4 of 14 – Anatomy of Seduction; Wisdom’s Call

Read: Proverbs 7-9 and Psalm 87

Two chapters on adultery are not enough! Today we read about how easy it is to be seduced by adultery followed by a chapter that begs us to choose wisdom.

As I let the words wash over me, I’m drawn to the theme of selfish desire, of me, me, me. What gives me pleasure right now? Our classic comeback for our girls was, “I want doesn’t live here,” but does it? How often does “I want” creep into our lives? The lure of adultery is all about I want, some temporary fix where one is convinced it’s ok to be completely self-indulgent. It may be nurtured in loneliness, anger, bitterness, etc., but it is not God’s plan for our lives. My prayer is we learn to re-think church as the community of believers where we can lean on each other, to transparently express feelings not as a dumping ground, but as a means of asking for help to focus on God above all else when these feelings of loneliness invade our minds. I’m convinced that the more we are able to live in a community of believers, the more we will grow in our faith and stay far from the path of temptation.

Chapter 7 provides a narrative story of how adultery creeps in and destroys. This reads like a script from many movies and TV shows, except the adulterers are not honored here, they are not the heroes. When did the movies change in this country? It seems like they once attempted to portray family values that honored marriage, but I guess that became too commonplace, so they had to be edgy to get the attention of movie-goers; followed by television shows and now a plethora of cable/streaming channels.

The intro to the warning about adultery this time begins with a call for wisdom:

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and to insight, “You are my relative.”
They will keep you from the adulterous woman,
from the wayward woman with her seductive words.
Proverbs 7:4-5

It is clear that when we seek God first, when we lock arms with Jesus and ask for wisdom, we will not stray into the streets of temptation. Lord help us to keep your perspective as we look out our windows at the streets below. Hold us tight and remind us of your desire for marriages you arranged.

Chapters 8 & 9 eloquently lay out the case for choosing wisdom. I need to be reminded of this often, especially the thought that wisdom does not originate from with me!

Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:10-11

There are several nice little videos floating around the internet these days, well at least on Facebook. They show people rising above all odds, overcoming obstacles and failure because they believed in themselves. Up until that last point, I’m moved by the imagery, but this is a false god, a lie meant to teach us to look inside for truth, wisdom and courage. I grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel and playing I Am A Rock with enthusiasm. The ironic lyric was meant to discourage such individualism, but it came at a time when dust to stardom was the dream of our culture.

“Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the Lord.
But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.”
Proverbs 8:32-26

Find wisdom indeed! Wisdom is interwoven in the pages of the Bible, sometimes as direct as Chapter 8, other times by showing us examples of foolishness. In the 21st century we have the privilege of reading the words that many did not. May we spur each other on to gain wisdom from God. We should not do this life alone. It’s messy and difficult, but I would rather stumble while surrounded by a group of true Christ followers than out on my own. The “do it myself” culture needs to give way to do it in community. A tall order and lofty dream for sure, but when we put Jesus in the center, the focus of all, this is not so difficult to imagine.

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Proverbs 2 of 14 – Nothing I Hold Onto

Read: Proverbs 3-4

I’m not sure I should post this, but I hope it’s useful for something. It’s real and transparent, though it only scratches the surface of the challenges of the day.

In particular, Proverbs 3:5-6 forms the basis for Nothing I Hold Onto, (Will Reagan and United Pursuit). This song echoed in my head after discovering the robbery of our empty house a few years ago. Thieves broken in and removed all of the appliances, mirrors, etc., as we served in Monterey, CA. Our insurance company essentially said, sucks to be you and we were left footing that bill completely. In the next week we hope to close on the sale of that same house as we empty our savings to reduce the principal to meet market demands. The financial loss is unbelievable, but very real.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

While Zoe is left to close on the sale with my power of attorney, I will have the privilege of visiting a church with Healthy Growing Churches in an effort to help them find a path that will reinvigorate their church, to set them on a new life-cycle to be an effective witness to their community for the kingdom. I’ll get to meet with the Management Team for Restore Christian Church in Jacksonville, NC, and finish my part of launching that new church. I’ll get a chance to work other projects with HGC to reshape the way many think about discipleship and I’ll be honored to help out as best I can with the local church here in Anderson, SC.

Here’s the plain truth: I’d rather be doing these activities to support the kingdom than working for some company for financial gain.

Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10

Honestly, I don’t need barns that are overflowing or vats filled with new wine, but I will trust that God has a plan in all this mess.

Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
for the Lord will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.
Proverbs 3:25-26

My comfort comes from knowing that the Lord is at my side.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7

I pray that there is great gain in wisdom as we go through these next few weeks. In this trial my prayer is simply:

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:23-27

We all have burdens to bear and it’s not my intent to cast this burden on anyone, I’m just being real and transparent. For a few brief moments this week I was able (and will be able) to lose my selfish thoughts in music, in playing guitar as part of authentic worship. That’s the best therapy I can think of.

Lord, help me keep my eyes straight ahead, fixed on you and your perfect plan for my life, for my family and friends. Keep my feet on paths of righteousness when I struggle to see what’s in front of me. I completely trust you have a reason and purpose behind all of this, though it’s honestly very difficult to understand. Perhaps that’s the point:

I lean not on my own understanding,
my life is in the hands of the maker of heaven.
I give it all to you Lord
Trusting that you’ll make something beautiful out of me.
There’s nothing I hold onto.

Nothing I Hold Onto, Will Reagan

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Manasseh and Josiah; Judah Falls into Captivity

Read: 2 Chronicles 33-36

Today we read the closing chapters in 2 Chronicles, the last of the kings of Judah. Here’s a quick outline:

Manasseh

The story of Manasseh has a terrible beginning. Unlike his father:

He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had demolished; he also erected altars to the Baals and made Asherah poles. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them. 2 Chronicles 33:3

A month ago, when reading through 2 Kings 21, I summarized King Manasseh’s life in a simple sentence. Just a few weeks ago Brett Andrew provided great insight into Manasseh by including references to this passage in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13. The sermon focused on this amazing thought: if God can forgive Manasseh, he can forgive anyone.

This is incredible and so significant for us to hear today. I hope you’ll listen to the sermon, especially where Manasseh:

In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God. 2 Chronicles 33:12-13

For those who are holding onto guilt for past mistakes, this is the ultimate message for healing; permission to let go of the past. The God of Creation loves you more than you can imagine! Lord, help us to humble ourselves and turn to you completely.

Amon

From this amazing story, we move on to the brief account of Amon. Not much to say here. He did evil and did not humble himself.

Josiah

The narrative here and in the parallel account in 2 Kings 22-23 provide a great example of how a generation can change. Josiah was only 8 when they made him king, but by his 16th birthday, he began transforming Judah:

he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols. 2 Chronicles 34:3

When he was 26, in his eighteenth year as king, they found the Book of the Law. When King Josiah was told he tore his robes and re-committed himself to ways of the Lord. He lead Judah by great example and read the entire book to the remnant of Israel and Judah, all who were eager to hear what the Lord wanted.

Then he had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin pledge themselves to it; the people of Jerusalem did this in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their ancestors. 2 Chronicles 34:32

Josiah was so moved by the words he reestablished the Passover like none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:18). This was a great time in the history of God’s chosen people. As the prophet foretold, disaster did not come during his lifetime.

Josiah ruled well, but died in battle when the king of Egypt attacked a neighboring kingdom. He was moved to join the battle, but that proved to be a fatal mistake for him and his son.

Remaining Kings

Chapter 36 quickly wraps up the narrative of the remaining kings outlined above. Few details are listed here as the kings of Judah come to an end and the people are swept away into captivity by the Babylonians. The story is not over by a longshot, but we find the people have once again moved away from God:

The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16

And there was no remedy until the ultimate sacrifice by Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.

The rest of the chosen are swept away, yet some of these, the remnant, remain faithful even without the temple and freedom to worship God openly. The whole idea of the remnant permeates Frank Peretti’s early books, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. I remember reading about the concept of “the remnant” so many times and wondering, are we the remnant? Which side of the coin are we?

Lord I pray that we would lead well, that we would humble ourselves and hear your voice above all the noise and commotion of this day and age. Awaken your remnant, Lord. Help us to be strong and courageous as we intentionally build your church and create spaces that invite people into fellowship with Christ.

 

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Hezekiah’s Reforms

Read: 2 Chronicles 30-32 and Psalm 84

King Hezekiah was eager to reform Israel (those who were not swept away by the Assyrians) and Judah. He worked hard to get them back on track. He knew that they needed to gather in numbers in order to gain momentum — they needed what we refer to as church.

Hezekiah sent word to all Israel and Judah and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, inviting them to come to the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to the Lord, the God of Israel. 2 Chronicles 30:1

His couriers were not well received as they spread the news of Hezekiah’s plans to gather and celebrate Passover; however, some did hear, some did understand. Eventually,  large crowd gathered to celebrate the Lord’s deliverance in the Passover feast. So many, in fact, that they were not all properly consecrated–they didn’t have time to go through all of the ritual cleaning steps. Hezekiah asked God to overlook this issue for their hearts were turned toward Him and the Lord heard and healed his people.

The festival went on for 7 days and then they decided to carry on for another 7 days.

There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.  The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place. 2 Chronicles 30:26-27

Strengthened as a community of believers, they went out and destroyed the idols and Asherah poles that had become the center of worship. Together they were resolved. While individually they might be wonderful followers of the Lord, but Hezekiah knew that they needed to gather as a congregation, as a group, in order to change the evil ways of generations.

The people voluntarily brought their tithes to the temple; heaps of things!

Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.” 2 Chronicles 31:9-10

They distributed contributions among the Levites so they could focus on serving the Lord in the temple. They wanted their staff to be free from distraction, to concentrate on serving the Lord as Moses outlined.

In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:21

The Assyrians are watching this transformation and began their military campaigns against Judah. Sennacherib king of Assyria thought he could sweep away Hezekiah and his people like he had successfully done with the northern kingdom, the people of Israel.

Hezekiah was confident that God was with them so he encouraged his people:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Sennacherib continued to attempt to defeat God’s people, but his psychological warfare was ineffective:

Now do not let Hezekiah deceive you and mislead you like this. Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or the hand of my predecessors. How much less will your god deliver you from my hand!” 2 Chronicles 32:15

Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out to the Lord for help and God answered their prayers in a mighty way, he sent an angel who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king (2 Chronicles 32:21).

In just a few verses the battles are summarized, but this was hugely significant. With no mention of army vs army, the Assyrians are defeated. Hezekiah’s fame grew and so did his pride. Though we’re not privileged to many details, we simply read that his heart was proud, then he repented and the Lord relented.

There are many great lessons in today’s text. I really appreciate how Hezekiah boldly rallied the people around the celebration of the Passover. As we prepare for Easter 2017, I pray we will boldly invite people to church, to the gathering of God’s people, to hear the message of the cross. It’s not enough to sit in our homes and nod our heads in agreement, united together we need to gather and celebrate the Risen Savior.

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Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, and Joash

Read: 2 Chronicles 21:4-24:27

Restore Church JAX Launches Today

Zoë and I are in Jacksonville, NC, to support Roger Burns and his team as they launch a new church. As part of the team, I was privileged to serve as Roger’s project manager, essentially handling the nuts and bolts of legal stuff to support the business entity, but more importantly, I was blessed to encourage, exhort, pray, work and laugh with Roger. Please take a moment and pray for Restore Christian Church, for their desire to transform this busy city outside of Marine Corps Air Station New River and Camp LeJeune, to bring new hope and the message of Jesus Christ to this part of the world.

Jehoram

This is probably one of the shortest histories of a king of Judah (Ahaziah, below, was even shorter!). Jehoram was evil. He killed his brothers and other leaders, adopted the godless ways of Ahab, i.e., the Northern Kingdom.

Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. 2 Chronicles 21:20

His terrible reign as king earned him stern words from Isaiah, the great prophet. Called out for the evil that he perpetuated, Isaiah prophesied the results:

So now the Lord is about to strike your people, your sons, your wives and everything that is yours, with a heavy blow. You yourself will be very ill with a lingering disease of the bowels, until the disease causes your bowels to come out.’” 2 Chronicles 21:14-15

And so it came to pass–Jehoram died a painful and horrible death.

Ahaziah

Only Ahaziah remained from Jehoram’s family, so he was made king when he was 22 years old. His reign was only one year long.

He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for after his father’s death they became his advisers, to his undoing. 2 Chronicles 22:4

Athaliah

For all the good that Jehoshaphat did for Judah, marrying Athaliah was a huge mistake! Athaliah was the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel–she was Ahaziah’s mother. She was a horror just like her mother was to Elijah. It was her prompting the accelerated Ahaziah’s downfall and death. In her rage she began to destroy the rest of the royal family of Judah. Joash was hidden away for six years, ultimately becoming king. In the meantime, Jehoiada the priest acted as chief advisor or guardian, doing the best he could to protect Joash and do God’s will. When they finally crowned Joash as king, Athaliah rebelled,

Then Athaliah tore her robes and shouted, “Treason! Treason!” 2 Chronicles 23:13

Under direction of Jehoiada the priest, Athaliah and all who followed her were put to death. They smashed the altars and idols and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars (2 Chronicles 23:15). Further, Jehoiada organized the priests, commanders, nobles and rulers throughout the land so the people lived in peace.

Based on the narrative of Jehoiada, there are probably few better servant leaders among the historical characters we read about in the Bible. There’s no indication that he did anything for fame, fortune or personal gain. Everything he did honored God and Joash as king. Amazing. (Note to self: here’s another man of God to study further.)

Joash

Joash listened to the wise counsel of Jehoiada and did well in the eyes of the Lord as long as Jehoiada was around. He became king when he was only 7 years old and reigned for 40 years. Jehoiada was much older, as you can imagine. He led well and died at the ripe old age of 130 years!

After Jehoiada died, Joash and the people abandoned the temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols (2 Chronicles 24:18). I don’t know how much time passed between verse 16 and 17, but it’s obvious that everything changed after Jehoiada died. For all his great leadership, he did not have an effective succession plan. (Another note to self: leave an effective hit-by-a-bus strategy!) 

The Lord’s anger was aroused and he sent Zechariah, son of Jehoiada to confront Joash. Zechariah told Joash that since he had forsaken the Lord, the Lord has forsaken him. Angered by this prophecy, Joash had Zechariah stoned to death in the courtyard of the temple. Joash turned completely evil:

King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, “May the Lord see this and call you to account.” 2 Chronicles 24:22

Ultimately the Arameans mounted an attack and the Lord delivered Judah into their hands. When the Arameans withdrew Joash was wounded and his own officials conspired against him and killed him. Joash started out well, but finished in horrible defeat.

What an uplifting post! The leaders of God’s people are 0 for 4 in these few chapters. How did they lose sight of that which was good?

Lord, help us to learn from these mistakes, the missteps of our ancestors.

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Queen of Sheba; Solomon’s Death

Read: 2 Chronicles 8-9

Today we quickly wrap up Solomon’s story in Chronicles 8 & 9; a mere 30 verses are used to cover his legacy.

Chapter 8 summarizes “Solomon’s Other Activities,” NIV, or as the New Life Version puts it: “Some of the Things Solomon Has Done.”  We’re not going to gain a lot of insight into Solomon in this brief account, that alone is interesting. In fact, the tone of the writing in chapter 8 reminds us that Solomon did what David planned. If we only read this account of Solomon’s activities, we might walk away with the notion that David was the architect and Solomon the general contractor.

  • “My wife must not live in the palace of David king of Israel…” (2 Chronicles 8:11)
  • “…according to the daily requirement for offerings commanded by Moses…” (2 Chronicles 8:13)
  • In keeping with the ordinance of his father David…” (2 Chronicles 8:14a)
  • “…because this was what David the man of God had ordered.” (2 Chronicles 8:14b)

I find it interesting that Solomon’s activities point to his ancestors in this narrative. This seems to emphasize and honor his time as king.

But Solomon did not make slaves of the Israelites for his work; they were his fighting men, commanders of his captains, and commanders of his chariots and charioteers. 2 Chronicles 8:9

The Israelites were not used as slaves to implement the many building projects Solomon achieved during his time; however, many were conscripted to serve the king’s desires to build and rebuild. I suppose this wasn’t unusual for this point in history, it just seems like a fertile ground for dissent to grow among the people. It wouldn’t take much to get a sense of superiority based on ethnicity.

Chapter 9 invites us to remember the Queen of Sheba and the incredible wealth Solomon achieved during his reign.

Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her. 2 Chronicles 9:2

Even the Queen of Egypt is impressed with Solomon. In essence, the outside world sees the work and dedication to God and knows this is remarkable, something they want to understand.

King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. 2 Chronicles 9:22

Not just in gold, though there were literally tons of that, Solomon was wise and the people were focused on serving the One true God. People notice this, outsiders pay attention here.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christians had this kind of respect from those outside the faith? This is still possible. Lord I pray that we, as your people, your church, would continue to move toward a focus on you above impressing others and let this light shine. I pray that people would see us as loving people that care about each other and those who are not “inside” the church. Give us the heart of Jesus for all people.

 

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