Category: 1st and 2nd Chronicles-BibleTrekToday
Trek through 1st and 2nd Chronicles
Treasure in clay jars!
Scripture reading for August 30th: 2nd Corinthians 4:1-12
Paul’s encouraging words about transformation by the Holy Spirit could have brought some spiritual pride. Paul wanted none of that in his life or the Corinthians! This ‘glory transformation’ was a gift to each believer because of God’s mercy. Paul preached the straight Gospel of Jesus Christ as Lord with no underlying motives of gain or manipulation. He appealed to men’s consciences in the power of the Holy Spirit seeking their salvation and transformation.
There were some who would not believe. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2nd Corinthians 4:4) The Light of the World is Jesus Christ. The god of this world is the prince of darkness who blinds men to Christ’s glory. Men loved darkness, but God sent His greatest Light in His Son!
“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our body.” (2nd Corinthians 4:7-10) God has placed His Holy Spirit in us as this fragrance of life. Our human bodies are like jars of clay, fragile and breakable. Our life as ministers here on earth can bring lots of physical buffeting. It certainly did to Paul, but he understood the nature of his physical body. It was just a container of the glory of Christ! Christ’s glory was revealed to a greater degree as the troubles and pressures came.
Paul learned to walk by faith and not by sight. He knew that if he focused on the troubles and trials, he would be easily discouraged. He focused on the unseen world of the Spirit that was eternal, and not on his ‘clay pot’. This is a secret for our success as well. We have a wonderful treasure in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is able to renew us day by day, using the troubles we face to bring ever-increasing glory! Soon our jar of clay will be transformed into a glorious body! Hallelujah!
Ever-increasing Glory!
Scripture reading for August 29th: 2nd Corinthians 3:1-18
The Jews lived under the old covenant of Moses and the Law. This old covenant brought a veil over their hearts and brought them death. (2nd Corinthians 3:6-7) The Law of God demanded perfect obedience but man was prone to rebellion and continually broke the law. This law came with glory to Moses. Moses’ face shone after being in God’s presence on the mountain for the second forty day period. He had to put a veil over his face to shield the Israelites from viewing the glory as it faded away. (2nd Corinthians 3:13)
Today Paul might compare the glory of the old covenant to a candle that brought light to darkness. But Christ came bringing the brightness of the sun (Son) to illuminate the darkness of our souls. (2nd Corinthians 3:9-11) The old glory was a fading glory, but Christ’s glory is permanent and ever-increasing to those who believe! His glory is revealed in the Holy Spirit living in believers and revealing this glory.
The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! (Romans 14:17) (2nd Corinthians 3:9) The Spirit has been poured out on believers bringing them into God’s kingdom. The veil over the Jews is removed when they turn to Christ. Now the surpassing glory of Christ is revealed to them by the Spirit. They are being transformed in ever-increasing glory by the Lord Jesus through the Spirit.
These verses open up to us a wonderful revelation of what we have now in our relationship with Jesus Christ! We have been brought into wonderful freedom from the Law, which brought condemnation and death. (Romans 3:20) We have been given righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. We now have the person of the Holy Spirit living inside of us, transforming us from glory to glory. Our faces are unveiled as priests of this new covenant. We can behold our Lord Jesus Christ and allow His glory to be reflected through us to the church and world!
Are you walking by faith that this revelation of Christ’s glory is reflected through your face? Remember this truth today and smile at others. Allow them to see this ever-increasing glory and ask you what is the reason behind that. You can share this glorious Gospel with those who are drawn!
There was no remedy!
Scripture reading for May 2nd: 2nd Chronicles 33-36
“The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through His messengers again and again, because He had pity on His people and His dwelling place. But they mocked His words and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against His people and there was no remedy.” 2nd Chronicle 36:15-16
The period of the Kings and Chronicles ends with this sober statement. God had done His best to call out to His people. He had loved them and provided for them again and again. He had driven out their enemies and delivered them miraculously time after time. He had given them His presence in their midst in the Temple and a way to return to Him. But they mocked His words and mistreated the prophets. This aroused God’s anger!
“There was no remedy!” Does this mean that God would not hear the prayers of His people ever again? Did it mean that He had given up on them? Did it mean that God had failed His people and would not honor the covenants that He had made with them?
God is faithful, even when we are faithless! (2nd Timothy 2:11-13) God was going to allow the consequences of their stubbornness to fall on them. They would see the destruction of their temple and go into captivity. The land would enjoy it’s sabbath rests that they failed to give in accordance with God’s directions. (2nd Chronicles 36:21) Seventy years would pass in captivity as decreed by Jeremiah, the prophet. (Jeremiah 25:11-12) After this time of captivity and punishment, God would again restore the nation to their land and rebuild the temple. Isaiah the prophet correctly named Cyrus as the ruler who would give the decree to rebuild Jerusalem more than 150 years before it happened! (Isaiah 44:28) The Book of 2nd Chronicles ends with a word of hope to all who would trust God and follow him through the captivity! (2nd Chronicles 36:23)
God is merciful even in judgment! There is coming another day when there will truly be “no remedy” for those who reject Jesus Christ! If you die in your sins without repentance and faith in Him, there is truly “no remedy”! (Revelation 20:11-15) Make sure today that you have received by faith the offer of mercy through Jesus Christ!
Priorities for God’s blessing!
Scripture reading for May 1: 2nd Chronicles 29-32
Today we find our country in economic and political turmoil in the midst of an election year. We find many of our children leaving the path of the Lord and going into captivity in the world system of humanism and self-gratification. Many in the church are restless and confused. When we read the word of God, we find that nothing is really new.
This was the case 2700 years ago in Judah under King Hezekiah. The wrath of God was being poured out on the nation because they had forsaken Him! Women and children were in captivity and the nation was in terror and fear. (2nd Chronicles 29:8-9) King Hezekiah began to set things in order. His plan of action was to set priorities that would bring success and the blessing of God again. The first step was to reopen the temple and repair it’s doors. (2nd Chronicles 29:3-6) He brought in the priests and Levites and had them consecrate themselves and then cleanse the temple. They did a quick work of removing all defilements from King Ahaz and restoring the utensils and furniture that he had removed.
The next thing was to gather all the leaders and renew the covenant with the Lord by sacrifice. Sin must be confessed and atoned for. The blood was sprinkled on the altar. (2nd Chronicles 29:24) The king and the people sang and worshiped as the sacrifices were being offered. The Levites played and led the singing. The people worshiped and offered themselves with joy and gladness! The people brought thank offerings and sacrifices for themselves.
If you find your life in turmoil and your family in captivity, the plan of Hezekiah might work well for you. Is your soul in disrepair? Is it cluttered with idols and remnants of the world system? Begin by removing the clutter and idols and turn to the Lord in humble repentance. Consecrate your life to the Lord again and establish a regular pattern of worship. Claim the blood of the last and only perfect sacrifice to be sufficient to atone for your sins! Jesus Christ has done all that is needed to cleanse your soul! He wants your life to be marked by joy! He can do a “quick work” in your life too! These ancient words from Hezekiah are as true today as then!
The Secret of Great Power!
Scripture reading for April 30th: 2nd Chronicles 26-28
People are always curious when someone says that they know a secret that will make them young, rich, beautiful, successful or powerful. Many people have gotten rich selling secrets to achieve these popular desires. Most of them are people who are playing on the selfish nature of man for their own benefit. But in today’s reading, we find a treasure from the Lord!
Do you want the secret of great power? Look at the Life of Jotham, the twenty five year old son of King Uzziah. This king did right in the eyes of the Lord. (2nd Chronicles 27:2) The main event recorded about this king was a war with the Ammonites and Jotham conquered them. (2nd Chronicles 27:5) After the conquest, he was rewarded with a large amount of silver, wheat, and barley for several years.
The secret of his power was found in one verse: “Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.” (2nd Chronicles 27:6) Faithfulness is the first requirement of a good steward. Jotham was faithful and he kept the faith all of his life! He served the Lord his God. God must be your God personally as well. He can’t be just the God of your father or mother. He can’t be just your nation’s God or your wife’s God. In order to serve steadfastly, you need to know God for yourself!
If you need to ask the Lord to be your God today, take time now and get right with Him. The path to great power starts with a heart commitment to the Lord in faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12) We must humbly confess our sins and our need of His grace. (1st John 1:9) We must believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and we will be saved. (Romans 10:9-11) All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ and He has good works for us to walk in. (Ephesians 2:8-10) If you continue in the faith, steadfast to the end, you will experience the greatest power available to man–God will raise you from the dead and you will live forever with Him! (1st Thessalonians 4:13-18) May the Lord bless you with “great power“!
He passed away, to no one’s regret!
Scripture reading for April 29th: 2nd Chronicles 21-25
I have officiated at many funerals. Most have been fairly well attended and most have been for people who knew the Lord and had a Christian testimony. Sorrow is normal and mourning can go on for several months or more. Usually, if a person is a great leader or a person who has had public contact and great influence, the funeral is well attended and many kind words are said. I remember attending the funeral of a famous Christian musician and songwriter. The service was three hours long and the graveside service another half-hour! This man ended well and there were lots of people who were sad that he had departed. Of course, we all rejoiced that he was with the Lord for he had a strong Christian testimony.
King Jehoram was a king of Judah who did evil in the Lord’s eyes. He married a daughter of the wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. God raised up enemies who constantly caused trouble in Jehoram’s kingdom in hope of turning his heart back to God. But Jehoram sought idols and built pagan shrines instead of seeking the Lord. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter that told him of his sins and warned of coming consequences. (2nd Chronicles 21:12-15) This letter plainly told how Jehoram’s family would suffer and then the king himself with a wasting disease of the bowels. It appears that Jehoram was unresponsive to God’s loving concern.
God aroused the Philistines and Arabs, and they attacked Jerusalem and carried off all of Jehoram’s sons but the youngest. Jehoram was afflicted with the disease of the bowels and he died in great pain. There is no record that he sought the Lord or tried to find help from God. When this king died, there was no big funeral or celebration of remembrance. No one mourned or was sad to see this king leave this world because no one regretted his passing!
What kind of legacy are you leaving behind in your community and family? What will people say about you and your life when you pass from the scene? More importantly, what will God say about your life? Will the only record be that you “did evil in the eyes of the Lord”? (2nd Chronicles 21:6) My prayer is that you hear “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25: 23)
The Importance of Godly Judges!
Scripture reading for April 27th: 2nd Chronicles 17-20
A dangerous trend in our own land is the appointment of judges who do not just render decisions based on the law, but bend the law to suit the people. Every government needs a moral base for their law. God’s law is the best definition of right and wrong that was ever written down and it cannot be changed! When judges change the laws to suit people’s desires, trouble results in the land and with the people!
In today’s reading, King Jehoshaphat had narrowly escaped death when he unwisely allied himself with King Ahab of Israel. When he cried out to the Lord, God spared his life. King Jehoshaphat decided to bring more reform to the people he served. He appointed judges in each of the fortified cities and gave them strict instructions about how to serve the Lord and His people. He told them that each decision should be rendered as from the Lord and that the fear of the Lord should be upon them. (2nd Chronicles 19:5-7) He gave them strict orders to uphold the Law of the Lord and to warn the people not to sin against the Lord or his wrath would come upon them. (2nd Chronicles 19:9-10) As they ruled justly, God would be with them and reward them.
God Himself places all authority. (Psalm 75:6-7) God is pleased when that authority rules and enforces His laws. When the authority violates His laws, consequences follow that bring God’s wrath and judgment. Our nation is in peril today because of violating God’s laws. Unrighteous judges have reinterpreted the laws of our land and removed God and His law.
We as a nation need to take warning from God’s Word about judges and law. Pray that those in authority will appoint judges who will impartially interpret the laws. Pray that there will be no bribery, injustice, or partiality. After you pray, think about ways God gives you to make a difference. Vote for godly leaders. Call elected officials and make your godly beliefs known. Teach your children God’s Word and law so that they know what He expects! Discuss with them where our nation violates God’s law so that they can be informed with a Christian world view. If we don’t pray and take action, we will be overwhelmed with ungodly laws, unrighteous judges, and God’s wrath!
Be Strong! Don’t Give Up!
Scripture reading for April 26th: 2nd Chronicles 13-16
“Listen to me, Asa and all of Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2nd Chronicles 15:2
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2nd Chronicles 15:7
God is good at warning and encouraging! King Asa started out right and did right in the eyes of the Lord. He proceeded to remove idols from the land and commanded God’s people to seek the Lord and obey His laws. He rebuilt the fortified cities and the land enjoyed peace under his godly rule. When an attack came from Zerah the Cushite, Asa called out to the Lord for help and God answered him. (2nd Chronicles 14:11) King Asa had a great victory and was walking close to the Lord.
God saw something inside of this king that He addressed. He encouraged Asa by the prophetic ministry of Azariah, son of Oded. He encouraged this victorious king to keep on seeking the Lord. He warned him and his followers that if they forsook the Lord, they would find themselves in trouble. He encouraged King Asa to be strong and not give up. God would reward him for his work. Prophesy is always to build up, not to tear down. (1st Corinthians 14:3)
Asa was humble and teachable at the time of this earlier word, but later Asa went on his own to Damascus and enlisted the Syrian King Ben-Hadad with monies from the temple treasuries. Again the Lord sent a prophet to warn and correct Asa. Hanani came to him and told him he had done a foolish thing and would now be at war. Asa became angry with the seer and imprisoned him. He got a disease in his feet, but refused to seek the Lord and only went to doctors. As a result, he died.
Thank God today for the prophetic word that seeks to warn and encourage us. Ask the Lord to teach you what you need to know and how to stay humble and able to obey. If you have a hard heart, open up to His amazing love and let this word encourage you. Be strong, do not give up, for your work will be rewarded! 2nd Chronicles 15:7
A wake-up call from God!
Scripture reading for April 25: 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) Sometimes the wake-up call is death staring us in the face!
The problem with Rehoboam was his failure to keep regular appointments with God and obedience to God’s law after he was established and became strong. (2nd Chronicles 12:1-2) Rehoboam followed his father Solomon to the throne. But he failed to listen to wise advice and evidently failed to seek the Lord and obey His law. 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. We may get by doing this for a while, but soon our sins find us out.
When we disobey the Lord, we open the door to Satan’s attack. Rehoboam 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. He 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 is a sad story that is repeated often in our time as well. Many have divided loyalties and God sends his “wake-up” calls. Sometimes we humble ourselves and repent but often we go right back to doing the same old things that cause us to not seek the Lord fully. 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!