Category: 1st and 2nd Chronicles-BibleTrekToday
Trek through 1st and 2nd Chronicles
Humbly Seek His Face!
Scripture reading for August 10: 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 “Then the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My Name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.”
According to Jesus, in this world, we will have trouble. We are told to be of good cheer and live in peace, for He has overcome the world and it’s ultimate trouble, sin and death. (John 16:33) Time and chance happen to all people, including God’s people. Bad things happen, sickness strikes, and habits of the flesh bring consequences. But God made provision for His people in dealing with this trouble. They must come with a sacrifice to His house and humbly seek His face.
In the Old Covenant, God called His people who were experiencing troubles related to sin, either their own or that of the people of the world, to come to Him in prayer. He encouraged them to come humbly confessing sins and needs and seeking His face for forgiveness and healing. God gives grace to the humble but He opposes the proud and rebellious. This famous passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14 was God’s response to Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple. God promised to hear their humble prayers, confessions of sin, and to bring healing to them and their land. Sin affects people but also the land. Drought, famine, and pestilence are all related judgments of God that are consequences of sin. God is the only source of rain, multiplication of seeds sown, and deliverance from insects and pests.
Under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ has perfectly obeyed the Law of God and offered His own body and blood as the perfect and final sacrifice. He prayed “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Believers in Jesus can come with confidence before God’s throne and find grace and help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) What a Savior and Lord! Amen!
Priest and Ark!
Scripture reading for August 7: 2 Chronicles 6:40-42 “Now, O my God, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer of this place. “And now arise, O Lord God, and go to the ark of Your might. Let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in Your goodness. O Lord God, do not turn away the face of your anointed one! Remember Your steadfast love for David Your servant.”
This passage is taken from Solomon’s prayer of dedication of the temple he had built to house the ark of God. He had asked that God would always have His eyes and ears attentive to the prayers of His people as they prayed there before Him. Even when they had been taken captive and would pray towards that place, he asked God to pay attention and act. Solomon closed by inviting God to arise and dwell in the ark in the midst of His people. He asked that His priests would be clothed with salvation and that all the saints would rejoice in God’s amazing goodness and love that endures forever! Solomon asked for himself that God would not turn away His Face from him as his anointed one to lead His people.
This prayer was given by Solomon around one thousand years before Christ under the Old Covenant of Law. But today under the New Covenant, we have something much better. As believers in Jesus, we have been told to ask for anything in His Name and He would do it. (John 14:13-14) This is because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has anointed us as His priests. He has purchased our salvation through His final sacrifice. We can now rejoice in His goodness as His saints, set apart for His glory and purposes. We are now the ‘Holy of Holies’ where God’s presence dwells through the Holy Spirit. We do not need to go to a ‘temple’ or turn towards a location on earth. Not only do we have what we ask for, but eternal life and joy unspeakable are ours!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for opening heaven’s door through Jesus Christ for salvation, healing, and relationship with joy. Help me to ask You in faith for every need and wisdom to walk with You indwelling me. Amen.
Know What to Ask God For
Scripture reading for August 6: 2 Chronicles 1:9-11 “O Lord God, let Your Word to David my father be now fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of Yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for a long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.”
God appeared to Solomon right after he was installed as king of Israel in place of his father David. He told him to ask Him for whatever he wanted the Lord to give him. Solomon could have asked for many physical things that would have given him pleasure and peace or a long life, but instead he asked God for wisdom and knowledge that would empower him to govern God’s numerous and great people. This prayer of faith pleased the Lord and He granted Solomon his request. In Solomon’s seeking God’s wisdom and will, God also added to him riches, honor and possessions. When we please the Lord and seek His kingdom and righteousness, everything we have need of and more will be added! (Matthew 6:33)
This passage also reminds us of a New Testament passage written by James, a half-brother of Jesus. James states “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, Who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5) As we are dealing with healing, often our greatest need is wisdom and knowledge of how to proceed and our part in walking with faith and patience. Jesus Christ is our greatest source of wisdom from God as well as our righteousness and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30) Even when we don’t know how to pray, the Father’s Gift, the Holy Spirit Who lives in us can help us to pray. We build up our faith by praying in the Holy Spirit! (Jude 20) Let’s learn to ask for what pleases God.
Toxic Worship?
Scripture reading for August 4: 1 Chronicles 13:8-11 “And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets. And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. . .and David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?”
King David had given orders to bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem. The Levites had decided to use oxen and a new cart to carry the ark the last ten miles from Kiriath-jearim, just as the Philistines had done to get the ark out of their country because of tumors breaking out. The Levites had neglected to consult God’s Word about how the ark was to be treated. It was to be carried on the shoulders only by the priests set apart by designation and sacrifice.
King David was leading the procession and Uzzah, a priest, was guiding the ark when the oxen stumbled and the ark rocked. He reached out his hand and touched the ark to steady it and instantly died there before the Lord. Scripture records that the anger of the Lord at their disobedience precipitated this tragic event. King David became angry at what happened and also fearful of the Lord. He asked, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?”
The ark of God was the earthly symbol of His presence with His people. God was holy and gave instructions to His people and the Levites on how to handle the ark and how to honor Him as holy. As believers under the new covenant, we also can learn from this story. We are now the dwelling place of God individually and collectively as we gather as the church. We must not dishonor God by our disrespect or casual treatment of His presence. We must worship God in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:23-24) God has provided His Holy Spirit to assist us in our worship, prayer and walk of holiness.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for sanctifying me by Jesus’ sacrifice of body and blood. Empower me to worship in spirit and truth. Amen.
Fatal Breaches of Faith
Scripture reading for August 3: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 “So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeing guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.”
Galatians 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
The old covenant of law brought a penalty of death for idolatry, sorcery, adultery and murder. Saul, the first king of Israel, knew God’s law but willfully disobeyed God. He continually sought to murder David, the covenant friend of his son Jonathan and His own personal musician. Towards the end of his life, he sought out a medium to give him direction instead of going to the Lord through a prophet. It is ironic that he had the medium call up Samuel the prophet and he told him he would die soon. The law can reveal sin and its penalty, but cannot fix a rebellious heart.
However, under the New Covenant of grace through faith, we are also encouraged to stay in the faith by walking in the Spirit of God Who indwells us. (Galatians 5:16, 25) We can resist the Holy Spirit, however, and set our minds on our flesh. The flesh produces works of its own that eventually block even believers from receiving their full inheritance in God’s kingdom. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to help us walk in His power to live a life of faithfulness through grace. Christ Jesus perfectly obeyed God and now has given us His righteousness and forgiveness when we accidentally fail.
If you find yourself living in the works of the flesh as a believer in Jesus Christ, run to the Lord in faith in His willingness to forgive you and empower you to walk in the newness of the Holy Spirit. As a child of God, healing and deliverance belong to you because of Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf.
Prayer: Father God, as I read about the works of the flesh, forgive me for those areas that are still not given over to the Holy Spirit’s control. By faith, I trust in Your promises of a full inheritance! Amen!
Prayer Adds Years!
Scripture reading for July 28: Isaiah 38:1-5 “In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the Word of the Lord came to Isaiah: “Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.”
God sets the boundaries of each life in terms of how long our stay on earth is. (Psalm 139:16) In our reading today, King Hezekiah became sick and was near death. Isaiah the prophet was sent to him to confirm his upcoming death and he was told to get his affairs in order. But for those who believe that nothing is too hard for God or impossible, there is the option of appealing to God. Hezekiah chose to appeal to God based on his years of service to God and faithfulness of his heart. He wept sincerely as he offered his appeal.
God responded to Hezekiah’s prayer and tears by sending Isaiah back to him with the answer to his appeal. God had heard the prayer, saw his tears and decided to add fifteen more years to his life. We know it wasn’t that Hezekiah was so righteous or faithful, but that God was merciful and had promised to hear the prayers of His people and answer them. Solomon had prayed at the temple’s dedication for God’s people’s prayers to be answered. (1 Kings 8:38-39) Jesus now promises His disciples that whatever they ask in faith in His Name He will answer. (John 16:23-24)
So the question for us today is what is the state of our faith in God and Jesus Christ? Do we respond to Jesus’ invitation to ask Him for whatever we have need of? Are we resting in Jesus’ sinless life of perfect obedience and His sacrifice of body and blood to give us and access to God? Why not ask today and trust God’s promises?
Prayer: Father, I ask you for _____________ today. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Beware of Pride!
Scripture reading for July 27: 2 Chronicles 26:16-19 “But when he (King Uzziah) became strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. But Azariah the priest went in after him, with eighty priests of the Lord who were men of valor, and they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priest, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the Lord God. Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead . . ..”
As we look in Scripture for instruction on healing and maintaining health in our bodies, we come to a difficult story. King Uzziah was a good king who initially did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He began a 52 year reign at 16 years of age. He began by seeking the Lord and God prospered him and the nation of Judah. He loved the soil and had lots of vines and farmers working for him. He built a big army and fortifications and developed a reputation for his military skill. Everything was going right for him.
But when he became strong, he grew proud in his heart and lost his way. His pride was religious. He thought he had just as much right to offer incense to the Lord as the priests who were designated by God to do that task. After all, he thought God would be pleased that he was seeking Him. When confronted, instead of humbly repenting, he raised the censer in anger towards the priest and leprosy broke out on his forehead.
This story reminds us that sometimes disease and sickness can come from spiritual attitudes that are rebellious against God and His established authority. It is so easy to become proud when we are successful and blessed by the Lord. It is easy to make assumptions when we are doing religious things. But God does see and know our hearts. Satan fell because of pride. Beware!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this warning in Scripture written down for us. Through the Holy Spirit, reveal what I need for healing and restoration. Amen.
Seeking Only Physicians!
Scripture reading for July 24: 2 Chronicles 16:9, 12-13 “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him. You have done foolishly and from now on you will have wars.” . . .“In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but sought help from physicians. And Asa slept with his fathers, dying in the forty-first year of his reign.”
King Asa started out right in serving the Lord, doing what was good and right in His sight. God blessed Asa and the land of Israel because he removed all the idols and high places where they were worshiped. He repaired the altar of the Lord and even removed his mother who had an idol. (2 Chronicles 15:16) God was with him and blessed him for his faithful obedience.
But a good beginning doesn’t always lead to a good ending. After 36 years of faithfulness and peace, Israel attacked King Asa and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. King Asa turned to Syria for help instead of God. This angered the Lord and He sent Hanani the seer to warn King Asa of his failure to seek the Lord. He reminded Asa that God’s eyes are always searching for those whose hearts are blameless to give them strong support. King Asa had done a foolish thing and would reap wars and trouble. Instead of repentance and renewed faith, Asa continued in rebellion. He contracted a disease in his feet, but only sought doctors, not the Lord. Because of this, his time on earth was cut short and he died.
This story has great encouragement for us today. God is watching over each person who with sincere hearts have trusted in Jesus Christ. He hears their prayers and desires to show Himself strong against any enemy or sickness. It’s not wrong to go to doctors, but seeking the Lord first is the best approach. God is eagerly watching and listening to bring the needed help.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this encouraging story of Your faithful watching out for those whose hearts are sold out to you. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. We love You. Amen.
Day 3–Judges rule for God
Scripture reading for May 6: 2 Chronicles 19:4 -7“Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. He appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment. Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”
Part of our justice system of law enforcement is the court system. In our country, some judges are elected, some are appointed by those in authority, and some are nominated and approved by our government legislative branch. Each judge has a specific jurisdiction that they are assigned and they are to judge impartially according to the laws of the jurisdiction they oversee.
We see in the time of King Jehoshaphat, as this king led God’s people back to the Lord, one of the key factors was to establish judges who would judge justly. He appointed them city by city, assigning them their jurisdiction. As they were installed, he asked them to consider what they did and how they did it in the administration of justice. He reminded them that God was with them and that they did not judge for man, or themselves, or the king, but for God Himself. God would help them as they feared Him and were careful to justly and impartially pass judgment. Bribery was strictly forbidden as it was a means of partiality towards those with money or influence.
Oh how God’s simple instructions are needed in our system of justice today! As God appoints judges to positions of authority, He also is with those in judge’s positions. He knows how justice is being administered. He knows if the judge is impartial or is pedaling influence for money or favors. He sees the judge’s treatment of each person and promises to judge those who judge with partially or for bribes!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for watching over the justice system in each nation, city, and jurisdiction. Thank You for righteous judges who are impartial and treat all with dignity and respect. Remove those who are partial or accept bribes. Amen.