Tag: evil in God’s eyes
Give all glory to God!
Scripture reading for April 29th: 1st Samuel 17, 1st Chronicles 2, Acts 12
Acts 12:20-24 “Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. But the Word of God increased and multiplied.”
God loves all people and seeks to see them saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. However, God is Holy and He alone can see the hearts of all men, Jew or Gentile! In this account in Acts, God sent His angel to strike down Herod when he failed to give glory to God, but took it for himself. Herod was eaten by worms! In the account of the lineage of King David, we find that one of the leaders of the twelve tribes, Judah, married a Canaanite woman and had three sons. The first-born, Er, did evil in God’s sight and God put him to death. God would rather save than judge, but He is also the righteous Judge of all men. Holy fear is required no matter our lineage or political power!
1st Chronicles 2:1-3 “These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah; these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him. Now Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the Lord, and He put him to death.”
Prayer: Father God, You alone have the wisdom and power to know all things and to judge righteously. You see all hearts of men and will not tolerate those who are full of pride and fail to give You glory. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and fear of the Lord, keeping me from pride or foolishly betraying Jesus or God’s anointed leadership like Ahithophel (and Judas). This can only lead to destruction and death.
1st Samuel 17:23 “When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went off home to his own city. He set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father.”
The eyes of the Lord!
Scripture reading for April 14th: 2nd Kings 13-17
God the Father is Spirit and He has the ability to see and know all things. The writers of Scripture often speak of the “eyes” of the Lord. God’s eyes are able to see in different ways than our eyes function. His eyes are able to penetrate into the depths of our thoughts and motives. His eyes see what we think we are doing in secret. His eyes can see in the darkness as if it is daylight and no detail escapes Him. His eyes are able to weigh good and evil and make righteous judgments.
As we read through the stories of the various kings of Israel and Judah, we have one of two remarks that are repeated time and again. If the king was good, the writer states that “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord”. (2nd Kings 15:3) If the king was wicked, the writer states that “he did evil in the eyes of the Lord”. (2nd Kings 15:9) Those kings who obeyed the Lord and sought to walk in honor of Him were seen by the Lord and rewarded accordingly. God’s eyes are always watching for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him so that He can show himself strong on their behalf. (2nd Chronicles 16:9)
We would also do well to remember the “eyes of the Lord”. God is watching us as well! David asked God to keep him as the “apple of His eye”. (Psalms 17:8) God told Solomon that His eyes and heart would always be in the Temple he had built. (1st Kings 9:3) We are now the living stones of the new Temple built by the greater son of David and Solomon! God’s keeping eye is upon us today. He looks in love upon us because of His Son. Take a moment to look up today and thank God for his marvelous eyes! If you love Jesus, He’s smiling as He looks at you!
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;” Psalm 34:15
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. Sometimes there much crying and mourning because of the great loss of that person’s life. 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.
In today’s reading, we have the story of King Jehoram. 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. 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 the coming consequences. (2nd Chronicles 21:12-15) This letter warns of God striking Jehoram’s family and then the king himself with a wasting disease of the bowels. It appears that Jehoram was unresponsive to God’s warning.
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. No one regretted his passing!
How are you living your life? 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)