Category: 1st and 2nd Chronicles-BibleTrekToday
Trek through 1st and 2nd Chronicles
A wake-up call!
Scripture reading for April 25th: 2nd Chronicles 10-12
Have you ever slept through an important event or meeting that you were supposed to attend? Have you shut the alarm off or hit the “snooze” button and then failed to make it to work or an important gathering? King Rehoboam got an unusual “wake-up” call from a prophet of God and a pagan king, Shishak of Egypt, and his 1200 chariots! (2nd Chronicles 12:3)
Rehoboam followed his father Solomon to the throne of Israel. But Rehoboam failed to keep regular appointments with God and to obey God’s law after he was established and became strong. (2nd Chronicles 12:1-2) Instead he sought the advice of his own peers and sought his own way and welfare over the welfare of the people God had entrusted to him. It worked for a while, but soon his sins found him out!
Rehoboam soon found himself under attack by Shishak, King of Egypt. Shishak had 1200 chariots and many hired warriors. God sent a prophet named Shemaiah to warn Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah. Upon hearing the Word of the Lord, the king and the leaders humbled themselves and God relented of destroying them. But Rehoboam did allow Shishak to carry off the treasures of the Temple and the royal palace. (2nd Chronicles 12:6-9) The king and the people became subjects of Egypt. Rehoboam heard the wake-up call and responded temporarily. He was spared destruction but did not truly repent. He continued to do evil in God’s eyes and failed to set his heart on seeking the Lord in everything. (2nd Chronicles 12:14)
This sad story is repeated often in our time as well. Many Christians have divided loyalties and God sends them “wake-up” calls. Sometimes they humble ourselves and repent but often go back to doing the same things that caused the trouble in the first place. If you have trouble in this area today, ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Take this message as your “wake-up” call and respond with all your heart! You wouldn’t want to miss the most important appointment in all eternity!
The untold story!
Scripture reading for April 24th: 2nd Chronicles 6-9
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived other than Jesus Christ. Solomon got his wisdom by asking for it! (James 1:5) Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people and knowledge. (2nd Chronicles 1:7-10) God granted him his request and gave him fame and fortune as well. Solomon became well-known for his wisdom and for the wealth that God had lavished on him.
The Queen of Sheba was a foreign dignitary of Solomon’s time who had heard reports of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. She came to see for herself and when she arrived and took it all in, her recorded remark was “not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me”. (2nd Chronicles 9:6) She praised Solomon’s God for delighting in Solomon and placing him on the throne. She noted that the Lord loved his people and appointed Solomon as king to uphold them and rule them for God! She had great understanding herself as she stood in Solomon’s presence. She also lavished gifts of gold (over 25 tons) and spices on Solomon.
Solomon had a distant grandson, Jesus Christ, who was also filled with wisdom from God. Luke records that he grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51) Paul records that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3) This same Jesus has been made unto us wisdom from God. (1st Corinthians 1:30) If we need wisdom, we can simply ask God and He will give us liberally! (James 1:5) We have record of Jesus’ unequaled wisdom, yet the half has not been told! When we see Him we will know fully what we only know in part now!
As the Queen of Sheba gave lavish gifts to Solomon, so Gentile wise men from the East brought gold and spices at His birth! Christians are to honor Jesus Christ by giving our tithes and lives! We are to tell of the riches of His glorious Kingdom and publish his fame and wisdom to the whole world! We bring him the precious “gold” of our faith and the “spices” of prayer and worship. All nations will worship Him of whom “the half has not been told”!
God is good!
Scripture reading for April 23rd: 2nd Chronicles 1-5
Two great truths about God were voiced in the simple song that was sung when the priests and Solomon moved the Ark of the Covenant into the completed temple. The first is that God is good! God is good in all his ways and character. His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. (Psalm 23:6) He is good to His creation in providing all creatures food and drink to sustain them. He shows mercy in sending rain and bringing forth crops and food for all, no matter how they might treat Him! God is good in His character as well. He is pure and holy and righteous in every way. (Revelation 15:3-4) His perfection and holiness causes the hosts of heaven to adore Him, crying: “Holy, Holy, Holy!” ( Revelation 4:8) Ultimately all nations will come and worship Him for his goodness, justice and truth!
The second truth declared by those who moved the Ark into the Temple was that God’s love endures forever. “God is love.” (1st John 4:16) His nature is good because He is love that is eternal. (Psalm 90:2) He pours out His love on those He has made in His image and likeness! “God so loved the world” (John 3:16) is one of the most quoted verses of the Bible. God’s love moved Him to send His only Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to seek out lost men and save them. (Luke 19:10) His love heals the sick, cleanses the defiled, and restores broken lives! His love never fails!
Try singing this simple song today as you go through your day. Thank Him for all the ways that God is good to you! Tell Him that you love Him today and appreciate his eternal love! As you do, remember that as a Christ-follower you now bear His presence and glory as a living stone in his temple! You join Solomon and the hosts of heaven as they worship eternally! “He (God) is good; His love endures forever.” (2nd Chronicles 5:13)
Connecting with generosity!
Scripture reading for April 22nd: 1st Chronicles 28-29
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all you that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2nd Corinthians 9:7-8
Preachers are sometimes pushy or manipulative in asking the people to give. There are so many needs and money is often a limiting factor in the work of the church, at least in our minds. The love of money keeps many from giving and holds back God’s blessing in the people as well. This area is a touchy area for many because of the various abuses and the strongholds of idolatry to money and materialism in this land.
King David set forth his personal giving to fund the vision of building the temple of the Lord. A good leader will always lead the way for those he is calling to help. David gave of his personal treasure 188 tons of gold, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze and 3,750 tons of iron. This was a fortune by today’s values! From this position of personal dedication, he challenged his other leaders to willingly too.
The leaders caught the spirit of generosity that King David had modeled. They also contributed “willingly and wholeheartedly” to the Lord. (1st Chronicles 29:6-9) David rejoiced with a psalm of praise to the Lord! He attributed everything that he had to God’s grace! (1st Chronicles 29:11-12) We can boast about nothing! He alone is to be praised!
David prayed for the people: “And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O, Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever and keep their hearts loyal to you.” (1st Chronicles 29:17-18) That is my prayer for each of us today! May you have a willing heart to give! If you are a leader, may you set an example of extravagant giving. May your heart remain loyal to the Lord and open to be generous forever!
Smooth transitions!
Scripture reading for April 21st: 1st Chronicles 22-27
I have attended and worked in different church families and one of the things that was often done poorly was the transition of leadership. When the pastor resigned, no planning had been done by the core leadership of the church and a confusion resulted. The ensuing power struggles sometimes divided the church. The new leader was sometimes so different that many left the church. Skillful leadership seeks an orderly transition that will continue the work of God through that church family.
David was old and “full of years”. (1st Chronicles 23:1) Under God’s direction, he made Solomon king over Israel. David’s son Adonijah had tried to make himself king but Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan worked together to redirect the situation according to the will of the Lord. (1st Kings 1:1-5) During a transition, those with ambition often seek to take power or to control the one who is in power. It is one of the strategies of Satan to bring division and confusion in a family, church, or nation.
After installing Solomon, David wisely made provision to help his son succeed. David shared with Solomon that it was God’s will that he build the Lord’s house. He was positive and encouraging and prayed for God’s wisdom and discretion that his son might keep the Law of God and enjoy God’s favor! A father’s blessing and God’s blessing makes success possible! (1st Chronicles 22:11-13)
David assembled materials for the Temple. He generously provided from his own treasury for God’s house! He set a good example for his son and the nation of generosity and focus on God’s house. He knew that when God’s house was cared for, God would bless the people. (1st Chronicles 22:14-16)
Then David gathered the key leaders of Israel and encouraged them to support Solomon. David cited the Lord’s victories and how God had given the people rest. He encouraged the leaders to seek the Lord with all their heart and to begin building. This transition would continue the vision of the Lord and further the accomplishment of God’s will. (1st Chronicles 22:17-19)
God has a plan for transitions of leadership! Prayer and provisions for these transitions will insure God’s work will continue smoothly when the time of transition is at hand.
Sunday Rest and Reflection!
Sunday April 20th, 2014
Dear Friends,
Jesus is Alive! Today we celebrate!
Today and each first day of the week Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! He is the first-born from death of many brothers and sisters! In His resurrection, we who believe in Him are also raised and seated with Him in heavenly places. We await His coming again to receive us and all throughout history who have put their trust in Him.
Let’s gather with joy to celebrate the greatest event of human history! Victory over death and hell is ours today because of the obedience of God’s Son, Jesus Christ! No other Name given among men can give us this victory!
In His Love, Pastor John and Mary
The schemes of Satan!
Scripture reading for April 19th: 1st Chronicles 17-21
We have an enemy who is known to be crafty and who uses schemes and strategy to gain access to God’s people. His motive is to steal from them, kill them, and ultimately destroy their souls in Hell. (John 10:10) Satan is said to be like a roaring lion prowling around looking for someone to devour. (1st Peter 5:8-9) Several passages of scripture admonish God’s people to flee temptation and resist the devil. (Matthew 6:13) We are in a cosmic battle with evil forces of darkness and are in need of God’s help.
David was a man after God’s heart but he was also prone to temptation and did not always resist. One time he stayed in Jerusalem when his army went to war. (1st Chronicles 20:1) (The incident with Bathsheba is not mentioned in this account.) David came and took the crown off the head of the king of the Ammonites whom Joab and his army had defeated. This crown weighed around 75 pounds and was full of precious stones. David placed that crown on his own head. (1st Chronicles 20:2)
Right after this, David returned again to Jerusalem and Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census! (1st Chronicles 21:1) This was evil in God’s sight because it was motivated by pride and not by God’s direction. (1st Chronicles 21:7) Satan had gained an inroad in David’s life. David was not fighting the Lord’s enemies but stayed home to engage in sexual sin. He had Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, killed. He took this massive crown belonging to a pagan king and placed it on his own head. This cost the lives of 70,000 Israelites!
David did repent and ended up buying the threshing floor of Arunah as a place of sacrifice to the Lord to stop the plague of death. This site became the site of the temple! The temple was a place where anyone who had sinned could bring a sacrifice with humility and find forgiveness and restoration! David’s latter Son, Jesus Christ, would humbly offer Himself in this temple to be the final sacrifice for the sins of the world defeating Satan and his schemes of death! Ask the Lord to open your eyes to Satan’s schemes! Don’t take a vacation from God or His work!
Mighty Men
Scripture reading for April 18th: 1st Chronicles 10-16
In today’s culture, men of God are often portrayed as not too bright, weaklings, or slightly effeminate. Many men have lost their sense of identity when it comes to serving the Lord. They tend to take a back seat to women and often fail to be the spiritual leaders of the home or the church. The “mighty men” of king David would certainly not fit the current portrayal of men who serve the Lord.
The mighty men of David’s bodyguard were courageous and knew how to fight! Jashobeam, the chief of the officers, raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter! (2nd Chronicles 11:11) Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was a valiant fighter who went down into a pit and killed a lion on a snowy day! This man then struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall using only a club. Three of the mighty men risked their lives to get David a drink from the well near the gate of Bethlehem. David was so humbled that he poured the water out before the Lord. (2nd Chronicles 11:17-19)
Men of God today have to be just as tough as King David’s men! We are in the army of God! We wrestle with principalities, powers, and rulers and authorities in our daily spiritual battle. (Ephesians 6:10-18) God has called men to lead in the home and the Church. Men are to be men of prayer. (1st Timothy 2:8) We are to be loyal and honor authority! When we do, we honor God and He will honor us!
God is looking for “mighty men” who will serve Him loyally and whole-heartedly! If you are a man, offer yourself to be one of God’s “mighty men”! If you have a husband or son who needs to make this kind of commitment, pray for him today in faith, believing that God is able to bring them into this place of honor! One day we will hear our King say: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things! Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)
Each person is significant!
Scripture reading for April 17th: 1st Chronicles 1-9
The first nine chapters of 1st Chronicles offers a challenge as to what we might learn from pronouncing hundreds of names, many that are unfamiliar to us. Chronicles was written from the view of the priesthood and some think that Ezra helped compile this record. The geneaology begins with Adam and gives a record of descendants up to the exile in 586 BC. This record is repeated again, with additions, right up to the time of Christ in Luke’s Gospel. (Luke 3:23-37)
God considers individuals important. He knows our name and listed all these people by name. He also recorded information about certain individuals who were noteworthy. Of the sons of Judah, Er, the first-born, was noted as being wicked and the Lord put him to death. (2nd Chronicles 2:3) Hezron married at 60 years of age and had a son, Segub. (2nd Chronicles 2:21) It may have been unusual to marry so late! In 2nd Chronicles 4:9-10, Jabez cried out to the Lord for his blessing and an enlarged territory. Jabez asked to have God’s hand with him and to be free from pain. God answered his prayer!
In the last section of this genealogy, there is a record of the sons of Levi. The Levite families had assigned jobs in the temple. The house of Merari was assigned to be musicians ministering before the tabernacle. (2nd Chronicles 6:31-32) Aaron and his descendants offered the sacrifices in the most holy place. (2nd Chronicles 6:49) A later record in 2nd Chronicles 9:17-27 described Levites who returned from captivity in Babylon and were gatekeepers in the house of the Lord. A single man, Mattithiah, was a Levite who was put in charge of baking bread for the tabernacle.
God is a God of order. He assigns jobs to His people according to their abilities and His needs. He knows each by name and makes note of those who do well and those who mess up! Each person is important and the job they are assigned is significant. Take time today to thank God for the gifts He has given you. Ask Him to show you the significance of your work and offer your gifts to Him to use for His glory! God is keeping a record for Heaven!
Answering at Christ’s Judgment Chair!
Scripture reading for August 31st: 2nd Corinthians 4:13-5:11
The glorious hope of the believer is the resurrection of the body. “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed, but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (2nd Corinthians 5:1-4)
Our soul and spirit are clothed with our human body. This body is wasting away and decaying with age. The troubles of life take their toll and too soon we die. But for the believer, death is a transition to something better and more permanent. Our souls and spirits will go into the Lord’s presence to await the resurrection body. That body will be permanent. Paul used the analogy of clothes. Few of us feels comfortable being naked before others or especially God. There is a sense of privacy about the body. When we put off this human body at death, we also desire to be clothed with a new body. We also groan in our old bodies as we age and approach death. We long for something more permanent!
The Christian should be careful to use his body to bring glory to God. While in our bodies here, we should seek to live in a way that pleases God. “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.” (2nd Corinthians 5:9-10) God’s judgment seat will bring rewards for those who have by faith done what God prepared for them. Others will suffer loss because of failure to obey or for squandering their time and talents. This judgment was only for believers!
Are you living today with eternity in mind? What changes should be made to please God today and reap rewards at the judgment seat of Christ? That day may be closer than we think!