Category: 1st and 2nd Chronicles-BibleTrekToday
Trek through 1st and 2nd Chronicles
Miracles, Prosperity, and Pride
Scripture reading for May 1st: 2nd Chronicles 29-32
King Hezekiah was another godly king of Judah who did much to be commended for. God blessed him greatly with wealth and prosperity and gave him guidance through the prophet Isaiah. The record of his life in these last few chapters of Chronicles tells of both the good and the bad. One of the lessons of his life is that miracles and prosperity carry a hidden danger of pride which can cause one’s downfall.
Hezekiah saw some great miracles. He began his rule by restoring the Temple of the Lord which had fallen into disrepair because of neglect. When finished, he and the people celebrated with a huge offering and God was pleased. (2nd Chronicles 29:36)“Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for His people, because it was done so quickly.”
Hezekiah restored the Passover celebration and encouraged the people to give their tithes. They obeyed and brought in such an abundance from their fields and flocks that the priests had plenty. The Lord greatly blessed the people of God for their obedience. This was another miracle brought about because of obedience and seeking to follow the Lord.
Hezekiah also witnessed a great deliverance from Sennacherib, king of Assyria. He laid siege to Judah and Jerusalem. Hezekiah stopped up the Gihon spring and supplied the city with water internally as they looked to the Lord for help. God answered their prayers and Sennacherib’s army was destroyed and withdrew! What a miracle! (2nd Chronicles 32:20-23) Hezekiah’s final miracle occurred when he became ill and was told that he would die. He cried out to the Lord and God granted him another 15 years. God gave him a sign that was incredible–the shadow of the sun moved backwards! (2nd Chronicles 32:24) (2nd Kings 20:11) His near-death experience happened because his heart had become proud!Hezekiah was tested again by God withdrawing from him to test his heart. (2nd Chronicles 32:31) Hezekiah showed the envoys from Babylon all his riches and vast holdings. This was very prideful and unwise and led to God’s judgment in Judah being proclaimed. Riches and honor and the miraculous do not keep us on the right track. Our hearts must guard against Satan’s trap of pride! God is concerned with what is in our hearts more than what we own!
The Leprosy of Pride
Scripture reading for April 30th: 2nd Chronicles 28-30
We often think that if God would bless us with finances, defeat all of our enemies, and give us long life, power and honor that we would be happy forever. And God has told us that He will bless those who are obedient to Him. He is looking for those whose heart is sold out to Him. However, success and honor and material blessings sometimes turn our heart away from the Lord. They expose hidden motives and pride that can cause trouble. Our enemy Satan is always looking for ways to entice us into idolatry or rebellion. Today’s reading has some interesting lessons.
King Uzziah came to the throne at sixteen years of age. He had a godly mother who was from Jerusalem and a godly priest named Zechariah who taught him to fear the Lord. Uzziah was a mighty warrior and military strategist who was made successful by seeking the Lord. He designed weapons of war and had a well-trained army. He became very famous and powerful as he relied on the Lord. (2nd Chronicles 26:4-5, 14-15)
However, when he became famous and powerful, pride led to his downfall. He became unfaithful to the Lord. He entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the sacred altar of incense. Azariah the priest and eighty others begged him not to do this because he was not a Levite or priest. As he was raging against the priests in the temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead. (2nd Chronicles 26:19-21) He had leprosy until the day he died. There is no record of repentance or a humbling of his heart.
This sad story teaches us that we can be blessed by the Lord because of obedience and faith, but lose our soul through pride. Pride focuses us on ourselves and our own greatness and accomplishments. It takes us away from seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone. It is interesting that Uzziah’s pride moved him to want religious power that God had not granted him. When confronted by godly priests, pride moved him to anger. He thought that his success, power and position permitted him to do what he desired. He would listen to no correction. He would not repent or ask the Lord for healing or mercy. Take warning today from this blessed king!
A Funeral “Celebration”!
Scripture reading for April 29th: 2nd Chronicles 21-25
At a person’s death, there is usually a time of reflection concerning the life that was lived. Loved ones and friends gather to remember the good in the person. The preacher usually looks for some sign of redemption in the life that was lived in order to bring comfort to those who are mourning. But what can be said if a person dies, and no one regrets his death? What if instead of mourning, their passing brings a celebration? This is what is encountered in today’s reading!
Jehoram was the oldest of six sons of King Jehoshaphat. When Jehoshaphat passed, he designated Jehoram as the heir to the kingdom. Jehoram promptly executed his six brothers as well as other leaders who may have threatened him. (2nd Chronicles 21:3-4) Scripture states that Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel who were wicked. One of the reasons was a wife who happened to be a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. The ways of these kings was one of idolatry and false religion. They rejected the law of the Lord and set up their own idolatrous religious system.
The consequences of Jehoram’s rebellion should stop and make us think. We find Edom rebelling against Judah followed by Libnah and then the Philistines and Arabs. War and strife are results of rebellion. Enemies who would be silenced by the fear of the Lord that rests upon godly leaders, are suddenly emboldened when idolatry and wickedness is present.
God tried to warn Jehoram. He allowed him grace because of a covenant that He had made with David, but warned him with a letter from the godly prophet Elijah. Elijah spelled out Jehoram’s rebellion, murder of his innocent brothers, and idolatry. He then plainly told him of the consequences. Jehoram and his family would be struck with a heavy blow. Jehoram would have a lingering disease of the bowels and die. (2nd Chronicles 21:12-15) In spite of the warning, Jehoram refused to repent and he suffered the consequences!
The record concludes with Jehoram’s gruesome death after two years of a lingering illness. This man lived such a wicked life, that no one mourned his passing. No one regretted his life ending so soon! (2nd Chronicles 21:19-20) One can even imagine that there was a celebration that this wicked man had finally got what was due him! May this never be said of us!
The Word and Justice
Scripture reading for April 28th: 2nd Chronicles 17-20
Jehoshaphat was a good king who sought the Lord for most of his life. God’s eyes are always watching for those whose hearts are sold out to Him and Jehoshaphat evidently learned to seek the Lord’s favor from his father Asa. (2nd Chronicles 16:9)
Jehoshaphat did several things that helped bring the Lord’s favor. In the third year of his reign, he sent out a teaching team of priests and Levites to all the towns of Judah. These men taught the Law of the Lord to the people of Judah. When God’s word is taught, it brings faith and a healthy fear of the Lord that brings God’s blessing. We note that this ‘fear of the Lord’ fell upon the surrounding kingdoms as well and brought a season of peace and prosperity during Jehoshaphat’s reign. (2nd Chronicles 17:10)
Jehoshaphat also appointed judges, giving them strict instructions to judge fairly and impartially. He understood that the Lord was the ultimate judge of all, including these judges. (2nd Chronicles 19:5-7) They would have to answer to Him for their decisions. When the judges ruled impartially and swiftly gave out righteous judgments, order was maintained and a healthy respect for God and His law resulted. When judges took bribes and perverted justice, there would be discontent and dire consequences would follow.
When we look at our country today, we see the results of the failure of our church and government leadership in both of these areas. When church leaders fail to preach God’s word and teach truth, there is disorder in the church and community. God’s law is neglected and trouble results. When we have judges who pervert justice and do not operate in the fear of the Lord, we have partiality, bribery, and the perversion of God’s laws. This brings disorder and God’s judgment on judges and the people. We must take heed to these truths when we vote and consider those who will serve us in the church and the government!
A final word of encouragement from King Jehoshaphat speaks to us today. “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets and you will be successful.” (2nd Chronicles 20:20) The word of God brings faith in the Lord! Godly prophets speak only the word of the Lord! Listen closely and be blessed!
Your Work Will Be Rewarded!
Scripture reading for April 27th: 2nd Chronicles 13-16
King Asa was aggressive in doing good and what was right in God’s eyes. He removed foreign altars and tore down idols. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord and keep His laws. As he did these good things, Zerah the Cushite marched against him with a large army. As he took up battle positions, he called to the Lord. “Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in Your Name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.” (2nd Chronicles 14:11)
Pleased to respond to such a humble prayer, the Lord routed the Cushites before Asa and Judah. He also sent Azariah the prophet to meet Asa. Azariah gave Asa this word, “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. . . .But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2nd Chronicles 15:2,7) This word encouraged Asa to continue in the ways of the Lord and to work to bring Judah back to a full walk with God. His heart was fully committed to the Lord for almost all of his life.
However, after many years of peace, Baasha king of Israel came against Judah. Asa failed to seek the Lord but instead went to Damascus for help. Hanani the prophet came and reminded Asa of his earlier success and the promise of help if he sought the Lord. “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. You have done a foolish thing, from now on you will have war.” (2nd Chronicles 16:9) It is interesting to note that at the end of Asa’s life, he had a disease of his feet and still would not call on the Lord!
We can learn much from this passage. Call on the Lord and depend on Him in every difficulty; He is watching for those who are fully committed to show Himself strong on their behalf! When we fail to pray, we set ourselves up for failure and trouble! Your work through prayer will be rewarded!
Abandoned to Shishak!
Scripture reading for April 26th: 2nd Chronicles 10-12
God doesn’t take rejection lightly. He is a jealous God and loves His children enough to discipline them when they need it. He allows consequences to come that He has foretold so that His people understand His Father’s heart and grace. In today’s reading, consequences of sin bring humbling and repentance.
King Rehoboam was a young son of Solomon who was given rule of Judah. He began his reign by consulting the elders who had served Solomon for some advice on how to govern the people. The people had been under a heavy load of taxation because of the requirements of King Solomon in building the Lord’s house and then his own house. The elders recommended that Rehoboam lighten their load and treat the people kindly. (2nd Chronicles 10:7)
King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders and next consulted some of his younger friends. They recommended harsh treatment and a heavier yoke! This response caused division among the people instead of unity. The people grumbled against Rehoboam. Rehoboam sent Adoniram, one of his overseers of the forced labor out and the people stoned him! Rehoboam was going to muster an army and fight against his own brother, but was warned by God not to do it. He did listen.
Rehoboam grew strong and then lead the people in departing from the Lord. The Lord allowed Shishak, king of Egypt to attack Jerusalem. Shishak had a large army and many horse and chariots. The prophet Shemaiah gave the word to Rehoboam, “This is what the Lord says, ‘You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak.'” (2nd Chronicles 12:5b) Rehoboam acknowledged that the Lord was just and that he needed to humble himself. God relented from totally destroying Rehoboam but still allowed Shishak to attack and plunder the temple. The reason given was so that Israel and Rehoboam would learn the difference between serving God and foreign kings.
There are some lessons for us in this passage. First, it is good to listen to wise advice from the elders. The wisdom from above brings peace and unity, not strife and division. When we depart from the Lord, He wisely allows consequences. He warns of what is ahead and hears when we humbly ask for mercy. Living under His rule is always better than captivity! Let’s learn by reading and not by experience!
Sunday Rest and Reflection:Rest for God’s People
Dear Friends,
Jesus calls all of us His friends! We are not slaves or servants, but friends. Our Father’s plans have been revealed to us, and we have inside information that gives us great encouragement and hope! In the end, we win, and even now we can rest in the victory of the cross paid for by Jesus Christ! Today is a day of rest for God’s people! Find a family of God (church) and join God’s people in worship, prayer, and hearing His word!
In our reading of the Chronicles this past week, God delighted in showing his grace to King David and Solomon. He brought rest to the kingdom and nation He dwelt with. They enjoyed a reign of peace while Solomon built the temple. All their enemies were at peace with them during the building process. Nations sent workers to help build the temple. There was favor and good will among the people and leaders as they focused on the job at hand. People gave willingly and generously and had to be stopped from giving because so much came in!
We have such blessing in our King Jesus! He gives all His people rest each day. We live in the Sabbath rest that is ours through His atonement. We have no enemy that can snatch us from His hand. He causes everything to work for good for us who love Him. We are all co-workers in His kingdom with many of the nations who are becoming friends of God. There is unity and favor in the true body of Christ and real generosity toward the work of God. We are such a blessed people to live in the church age when Jesus is building His temple! The gates of hell will not stop it or prevail against His mighty church!
In His Love, Pastor John
King Solomon
Scripture reading for April 24th: 2nd Chronicles 6-9
Today I want to discuss three things about King Solomon: his wealth, his wisdom, and his worldliness! Two of these things seem to go together, but the third is out of place if you have the other two! When we study the life of this son of David who was the wisest human ever to live (except for Jesus Christ), we are faced with something that is difficult to understand. We must receive wisdom from the Lord and His word!
When God appeared to Solomon, giving him a blank check, Solomon asked for wisdom. This pleased God and He made him the wisest man ever. People from all over the world came to hear the wisdom of Solomon. He could expound on many topics concerning plants and animals and the creation. The Queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions and Solomon answered all of them. She was overwhelmed by what she heard and saw. (2nd Chronicles 9:1-6)
God added wealth to Solomon, as well as honor. He had gold from Ophir and precious stones. The weight of gold Solomon received yearly in tribute was 666 talents. That is equal to about 25 tons of gold! (2nd Chronicles 9:13-14) He made silver as common in Jerusalem as stone! (2nd Chronicles 9:27a) His wealth, as well as his wisdom, brought him fame and world attention! He had greater riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth!
But Solomon was also worldly! As he got older, he strayed from following God wholeheartedly. His many wives brought idolatry into his life and he pursued happiness under the sun! (Ecclesiastes) He set up idol temples for his wives, which angered the Lord. (1st Kings 11:1-9) He disobeyed the Lord’s commands and did not heed God’s warnings. He strayed from God and became entangled in idolatry and sin.
It is hard to understand how someone so wise and to whom had God appeared several times could not apply what he surely knew to his own life. Sin has a way of blinding us and stealing our wisdom. As we read these stories, we must realize that none of us is far from idolatry and sin. We must lean daily on the Lord in a personal relationship. We must listen carefully to His word and apply it first to our own lives.
The Temple of the Lord
Scripture reading for April 23rd: 2nd Chronicles 1-5
“The temple that I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. But who is able to build a temple for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I to build a temple for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?” (2nd Chronicles 2:5-6)
King Solomon realized that God was so great that no one was really able to build a temple that could contain Him. He realized that he was really a nobody and needed sacrifices to come before Him who was so great and mighty. Solomon was humbled and knew he needed grace and God’s help to do this job. So he set out to build with thousands of helpers and invited other nations to send their skilled workers as well. He had lots of money and materials, and the best help would be none too good for God.
Solomon began building the temple in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah–on the threshing floor of Araunah that his father David had purchased to make an altar and stop the plague. (2nd Chronicles 3:1) This was also the very site where Abraham had come to sacrifice Isaac nearly a thousand years earlier. There, God had provided a lamb in place of Isaac, and Abraham named God Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. David was a descendant of Abraham as was Solomon and now they were using this very site to construct a dwelling place for God in the midst of His people! What an amazing God we serve!
Everything was made according to the pattern that God had given King David to write down for his son Solomon. The inside was overlaid with fine gold. A pair of beautiful cherubim were sculpted by the craftsmen of fine gold. There were beautiful woven curtains of blue and purple yarn and more cherubim were embroidered on the curtains as well. (2nd Chronicles 3:10-14) The cherubim represented the heavenly creatures near the throne of God that cried “holy” holy” holy” day and night! The blue and purple speak of heaven and royalty. Gold represents the highest value and preciousness of God Himself.
The crowning glory of the temple of the Lord was God’s presence in glory that filled the building as the priests worshiped. “He is good; His love endures forever.” (2nd Chronicles 5:13-14)
Ending Well
Scripture reading for April 22nd: 1st Chronicles 28-29
In long distance races, the start isn’t as important as the finish. In the race of life, I want to finish well! I don’t want to fall away or disgrace God as I leave this life. History is full of stories of great men of God who have not finished very well. Saul, David’s predecessor is a prime example of a man who at the end of his life was tormented by fear, sought a medium, and finally took his own life.
David called together all the leaders of Israel and spoke to them at Jerusalem. He recounted how God in His sovereignty had picked Judah and his family to be king. He told them that God had chosen Solomon to be his successor and the one to build a house for the Lord. (1st Chronicles 28:4-7) He charged Solomon to follow all the Lord’s commands and possess the good land that God had given them, passing it on to his descendants. He instructed Solomon to acknowledge God as his Father and serve Him willingly and wholeheartedly!
David then gave the plans for the temple to Solomon and encouraged him in the execution and building of this house for the Lord. The Lord had given David the plans and had given him understanding for each detail! (1st Chronicles 28:19) David personally gave large quantities of his own resources to build the temple. He gave gold, silver, bronze, iron, stones and marble. David knew that he could not take this great wealth with him when he died. He truly wanted to set a good example for his son and the leaders of Israel. His giving inspired others and they also began to give!
King David then offered up prayer and praise to the Lord. He praised God for His greatness and glory. He acknowledged that all his wealth and honor had come from God. He confessed that men were very short-lived on the earth. He prayed for God’s grace in Solomon’s life. This prayer is a wonderful finish to David’s life! (1st Chronicles 29:10-19)
“David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. He ruled Israel forty years–seven in Hebron and thirty three in Jerusalem. he died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor.” (1st Chronicles 29:26-28) What will your epitaph read? Are you setting a course that will enable you to finish well?