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.
Cries up to Heaven!
Scripture reading for August 5: 1 Samuel 5:11-12 “They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not kill us and our people.” For there was a deathly panic throughout the whole city. The hand of God was very heavy there. The men who did not die were struck with tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven.”
In today’s story from Scripture, the Philistines, enemies of Israel, had captured the ark of God and they were having great troubles everywhere that they took it. First they took it to the temple of Dagon and set it before their idol god. The next day, Dagon was lying on his face before the ark of God. They set the idol up again and the next morning, Dagon lay dismembered before the ark with the head and hands on the threshold of the temple. The people also noticed tumors growing on their bodies for God’s hand was heavy on them. There was great fear and panic in the whole city and countryside that caused them to cry out to heaven themselves. Their leaders devised a plan to move the ark of God out of their city. Offerings would be made of gold tumors and gold mice, five of them, for each of the lords of the Philistines. They put the ark on a new cart with two milk cows pulling it.
Have you ever had the ‘hand of the Lord’ heavy on you? These Philistines were Gentile idolaters but God had shown them mercy by coming near to them. They instead put God’s ark in their temple and continued their idolatry. Judgment from God fell and resulted in tumors and deathly fear and panic. They began to cry out and the cry went up to heaven. God showed them mercy in removing His presence and allowing them to continue in the darkness of idolatry.
As believers in Jesus, we are no longer under the curse of the law of sin and death. Jesus has bought and paid for our deliverance and for our healing. When attacked by cancer or disease, we go to our Father and He hears because He lives in us through His Holy Spirit. We trust His promises by faith. His hand is not heavy on us, but reaches out to lift us up and take us through! (Romans 8:37-38) 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!
Opening Eyes
Scripture reading for July 31: 2 Kings 6:15-17 “When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Today’s story involves the prophet Elisha and his helper Gehazi. They were visiting a city in Israel, Dothan, that was surrounded by the Syrian army bent on taking Elisha. Early in the morning, Gehazi went to the city wall and saw the army with their horses and chariots and was filled with fear and alarm as he went back to tell his master about what was happening. His mind was racing trying to figure out how they would escape or survive.
Elisha’s response was one of calm confidence. He stated by faith that there were more of God’s army for them than the enemy that was visible. He simply prayed to the Lord to open Gehazi’s eyes to spiritual reality. As Gehazi’s eyes were given the ability to see in the spiritual realm, he was amazed at the number and power of the angelic army protecting and fighting for them. There was truly many more for them than against them!
How often do we face situations where we feel like we are outnumbered and powerless against an overwhelming enemy, sickness, or disease? It is the enemy’s design to get us into fear and unbelief. We are reminded by this amazing story of spiritual truth. Why not ask, as a man or woman of God, for spiritual insight through the indwelling Holy Spirit? Why not pray in the Holy Spirit, and build yourself up in your holy faith? Jude 20 states, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith, and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
Prayer: Father God, open my eyes to see Your amazing army of helpers and defenders. Let faith arise for healing and deliverance! Amen!
Reluctant Obedience
Scripture reading for July 30: 2 Kings 5:10-14 “And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash
in the Jordan River seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the Name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”
Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, had leprosy. He was told by a young servant girl he had taken captive about a prophet in Samaria who through God’s help would be able to cure him. The King of Syria heard the story, and sent Naaman to the King of Israel to seek help from their prophet Elisha. When the king read the letter, he was afraid that it was a trap and tore his clothes in grief and unbelief. (2 Kings 5:7)
When Elisha heard the story, he asked the king to send Naaman to him. When he arrived, Elisha sent a messenger with instructions as to how to receive his healing. He must wash seven times in the River Jordan. These instructions offended Naaman. He had his own ideas and he became angry. As he was leaving in a rage, his servants appealed to him to humbly receive the instruction and follow through. At their request, Naaman acted and he received the promised healing.
It is easy to have preconceived ideas about how God or those called by God should do their work. Naaman was a proud man, but he had leprosy. God placed a servant girl in his path to tell him of the man of God. God gave him favor with his king and the king of Israel. The biggest obstacle was his pride and stubbornness. His healing came only through humble obedience. Don’t let pride get the upper hand.
“All is Well”
Scripture reading for July 29: 2 Kings 4:32-36 “When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked back and forth in the house and went again and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said , “Call the Shunammite.””
In today’s story, the Shunammite woman had put up Elisha and fed him. She even had her husband build a small room for him to stay when he came that way. In return, Elisha inquired how he might bless her. His servant Gehazi saw that she was old but had no children. So Elisha called the woman and spoke prophetically of a son being born. (2 Kings 4:14-17) The child was born and grew up.
One day the child became ill with a severe headache. He sat on his mother’s lap and died. She laid him on Elisha’s bed in her home and went quickly to find the man of God. She pleaded with Elisha for help. Elisha sent his servant with his staff and gave instructions to lay the staff on the boy without any delay. Upon arriving, nothing had changed. Elisha and Gehazi, his servant, went into the room and prayed. The next thing Elisha did was stretch his own body out on the boy’s body until he became warm. He paced and prayed again and again stretched his body on the boy’s body. This time the boy sneezed seven time and woke up from death! He was restored to his elderly mother and father!
From this story, we see the importance of seeking elders who know how to pray when there is a great need. (James 5:14-15) Also, we observe that the woman did not confess the child’s death except to the man of God. (2 Kings 4:26) She confessed “All is well” before the healing. The man of God sent the symbol of his authority in his staff with the servant. When he arrived, he and his servant got alone and prayed. From the prayer, the steps of healing came forth and he obeyed. The answer came! All was well as faith brought the victory!
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.