Devotional writing from 1-2 Chronicles from The Message

1 Chronicles

September 11, 2006

1Chron 1: Abraham's family tree developed along these lines.

The books of First and Second Chronicles cover the same period of history that is covered in First and Second Samuel and First and Second Kings.  However, these books were written around 100 years after the other books.  Because of that, they view things from a different perspective.  Not only are there different details, as happens any time two or more people tell about the same events, but the emphasis is different too.  The books of the Chronicles were written for people whose ancestors were exiled from Israel and Judah two or more generations earlier.  These people are in danger of being swallowed up by other cultures to the point that they forget that they are "children of Abraham."  The writer (maybe Ezra) wants to reconnect them to their roots and to their God.  He sets out to tell them their own story, where they came from and why they are where they now are.  With that in mind, he starts off with genealogy.  Page after page of names.  He wants his readers to find their place in the story -- that somewhere in this long list that most of us skip through each of his original audience will reconnect to the story of God.  To some extent we all need to do some spiritual genealogical work once in awhile.  It is to our benefit to remember how we have arrived at our current place among the people of God.  I'm not just talking about that precious Sunday School teacher who showed an interest in us, but even looking farther back to those who served God and passed the faith along to our "spiritual ancestors."

September 12, 2006

1Chron. 3: Jabez prayed to the God of Israel.

Up to a few years ago most of us had never thought much about the prayer of Jabez.  Then a little book was written about it and this prayer became well known.  Here's the prayer from The Message: "Bless me, o bless me!  Give me land, large tracts of land.  And provide your personal protection -- don't let evil hurt me."  Then we are told: "God gave him what he asked."  When everyone was talking about this prayer, I added it to my prayer journal and spent time meditating on it, finding ways to make it "my" prayer.  Now that the "Jabez prayer fad" has passed, and I find myself visiting it once again as a part of my daily writing I have some observations to make.  First, as popular as it was, this prayer can never take the place of the Lord's Prayer or some of the Psalm prayers.  We aren't told to pray this prayer of Jabez, but we are told to pray the Lord's Prayer and we are wise to keep that in mind.  Second, I am glad that The Message reminds us that Jabez was praying for more land.  He wanted to increase his wealth.  In other words, the "more territory" he prayed for was not a larger Sunday School classes or greater spiritual influence as we have translated the prayer into being -- he was asking for wealth.  Before we fully buy into this prayer, we might want to spend some time with the words of our Lord who told us to seek his Kingdom and trust him with the material things of life.  Third, the prayer for protection from evil is right on.  The reason I know that is that Jesus taught us to pray for the very same thing.  So, what do I do with this prayer?  For one thing, I think I can feel free to use it by filtering it through the teachings of our Lord.  Jabez asked for wealth and when I ask for "spiritual wealth" I am right in line with the direction our Lord gave us.  Also, I can remember that Jabez prayed out of absolute sincerity and faith and that pleased God.  In fact, I am told that God answered this man's prayer.  I learn here that God loves it when I pray in faith.  Finally, before I start asking for "more" I might want to spend some time thinking about what it means for me to take up my cross and follow Jesus, and how the Lord taught that if I want to be first I have to be servant of all.

September 13, 2006

1Chron. 11: He refused to drink it.

Included in the genealogy of the Chronicles are the names and sample exploits of great warriors who served under David.  There was "The Thirty," a band of brave and capable fighters.  This group had an awesome leader and some especially outstanding men called the "Big Three."  At one point David, who is on the run from Saul, comments that he would love a drink of water from the well at Bethlehem.  However, Bethlehem is under Philistine rule at the time.  That detail doesn't stop the "Big Three" from fighting their way into Bethlehem, drawing water from the well there, and then withdrawing to bring it to David.  David is overwhelmed by this gift and refuses to drink it.  To him, this is a gift too precious to be received as a common thing so instead of drinking the water, it pours it out as an offering to God.   I've never had anyone go to battle to bring me a drink of water, but I have had some people do some wonderful things for me.  When that happens I don't want to treat their sacrifice as a common thing.  Some gifts that are intended for me are so valuable that I know they are too good for me.  When that happens, I can take the example of David, and make it an offering to the Lord.

September 14, 2006

1Chron15: God exploded in anger at us because we didn't make proper preparation and follow instructions.

This is the second effort David has made to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.  The first ended with death.  David says that was because the proper preparations and procedures were not followed.  This time things will be different because he is paying attention to the details.  There is nothing like the Ark in Christianity.  Some traditions have holy objects, but none of them are revered as it was. Still, there is a reminder here of the importance of sacred things.  For instance, the place where a person had a powerful encounter with God or simply the sanctuary of the church where God is worshiped on a regular basis can take on meaning beyond themselves.  These kinds of things aren't the same as the Ark or, later on, especially the Holy of Holies, but still, there is a connection to the idea that precious things that connect us to God are of value to us.

September 16, 2006

1Chron16: That was the day that David inaugurated regular worship of praise to God, led by Asaph and his company.

Having secured his hold on Israel and having brought the Ark to Jerusalem, David moves to establish regular worship services.  It is quite instructive to see the lists of, not only the mighty warriors who fought with David, but of "mighty worship leaders" as well.  We thank God for those who have the bravery and skill to protect us from those who would harm us.  Such people are worthy of our admiration and thanks.  Here, we are reminded that those who are gifted and trained to lead us into the Presence of the Almighty are also people worth remembering.  Also, I see here that David felt worship services were important enough to merit the organizing and appointing specific worship leaders.  That doesn't mean that those who are not especially gifted or trained can't lead in worship, in fact, they often do.  Even as a civilian can step into the line of fire and do some heroic deed so can a dedicated individual step up and lead us into glorious worship.  Beyond that, I know that whether a person is "on salary" or not is a poor reflection of their gifts in leading genuine worship.  There are many wonderfully gifted people who aren't on the payroll of the church yet are terrific leaders of worship.  So, salaried or not, we thank God for those who are especially prepared to usher us into praise and worship.  Thank God for anointed worship leaders.

September 19, 2006

1Chron.16: God is great -- well worth praising!

It is a world class worship service.  A tent has been pitched for the purpose of housing the Ark of the Covenant and that Ark is being brought into Jerusalem for the first time.  King David, himself, leads the procession, joyfully dancing before the Lord.  The great worship leader, Asaph, leads the choir in singing praises to God.  They sing a wonderful song of praise and worship in which they recount the wonders the Lord has performed and declare: "God is great -- well worth praising!"  They sing of God's goodness and love and holiness.  When the song has ended, the congregation responds with shouts of "Amen" and "Praise God."   What a holy event!  Know what, I am glad that such worship services are not just for the pages of the Old Testament.  I am glad that there are times when the people of God go all out in praising him, and that at such times the Lord comes close, filling such holy moments with himself.  This passage reminds me of awesome worship services I have been in.  Even more, it creates in me a desire to occupy such holy ground again, real soon!

September 21, 2006

1Chron21: I want to know the number.

The story of David's census of Israel has always been a bit puzzling to me.  David is king and certainly it is reasonable that a king have an idea of the population of his kingdom.  After doing some reading about this, I come away with the thought that it wasn't the census that displeased God; it was the purpose of it.  Throughout his life David has trusted in God to be his deliverer and the Lord has come through again and again.  This census is designed to count the number of fighting men who are available to him.  In other words, rather than trusting God to be his protector, David is trusting his army.  When we add the fact that this is late in David's life we conclude that, while this might be an acceptable thing for someone less experienced with God, it was not acceptable for David.  Or put more simply, David is old enough to know better.  God has every right to expect us to mature in our relationship with himself.   For instance, in Matthew 16 Jesus reprimands his disciples for their lack of faith.  He tells them that they have seen the 5000 and then the 4000 fed and it is time to for them to get a handle on the fact that he supplies the need, and not just physical, but the spiritual need as well.  As I read the story of David's census I see that, as a person who has seen what God can do, I am expected to trust him more, and if I won't do that, God will be displeased with me.

September 23, 2006

1Chron28: If you seek him, he'll make sure you find him.

In his old age David is ready to hand the kingdom over to his son, Solomon.  David has accomplished much during his years as king of Israel.  Most notably he has unified Israel and made them "one nation under God." David well remembers his predecessor, Saul.  He knows that Saul failed, not because he lacked the ability to lead, but because he turned away from God.  David's charge to Solomon is to seek God and serve God with all his heart.  The good news is that when a person does that, God is drawn to him.  I am glad today that God is not hidden from me.  I don't have to perform some elaborate dance to get to him.  In fact, he has already made the first move, providing me a way to himself.  When I start to come to God, I may think that I am starting some long and mysterious journey.  That is mistaken.  When I start to come to God, I immediately discover that he has already made that journey for me.  I take my first step only to discover, to my joy, that he is right there and has been there all the time, patiently waiting for me to look his way.  If I seek him, he makes sure I find him.

September 26, 2006

1 Chron28: Don't be anxious or get discouraged. God, my God, is with you in this; he won't walk off and leave you in the lurch.

The job David is leaving his son is a big one.  He must lead Israel and he must build a Temple for the worship of Jehovah God.  David wants his son to know that God is utterly dependable.  Others will deliberately or accidentally let him down but God remains faithful all the way.  With that in mind David wants Solomon to put his weight fully and firmly on his God, and for him to keep it there.  That's good advice to a young man who is about to become king but it is also good advice for you and for me.  Everything and everyone else in life is destined to disappoint us sooner or later.  Only the Lord is fully trustworthy.  If I look anywhere else, I will find plenty of reason to be anxious and discouraged.  In the Lord I find my Rock.

September 27, 2006

1Chron29: This is not just a place for people to meet each other, but a house for God to meet us.

David is raising funds for the construction of the Temple, which will be built by his son, Solomon.  This will be an extravagant place of worship and the hub of their lives.  It will also be the place where God will meet with man. As the people of Israel grasp this lofty concept, they begin to joyfully and generously give.  "Sacred space" has always been important to the people of God.  It isn't that God can't meet us out in the common places of life because he certainly does.  It remains though, that setting aside times and places for encounters with the divine is not only biblical, but is spiritually beneficial too.  And, I'm not just thinking of some personal, private spiritual hide-a-way.  As the people of God, we have much to gain by creating sacred space in which we wait upon the Lord together.

Xx

September 28, 2006

1Chron29: It was all yours in the first place!

Centuries before Paul ever wrote to Corinth, encouraging them to give selflessly and stating stewardship principles, David laid out some pretty good giving concepts for the people of Israel.  They are raising an offering for the construction of the Temple and David is addressing the Almighty in prayer.  He is reminded that this nation began as pitiful slaves in Egypt, without a square inch of land to call their own.  Over the years God blessed them and now they can no longer say, “Silver and gold have I none.”  Still, in a real sense they continue to have nothing of their own.  All that they have has been graciously provided to them by the Lord.  When plans are being made to build a House of Worship it only makes sense that they return a portion of that which has been entrusted to them that such a building might be constructed.  The people come through in wonderful generosity and David prays that their giving spirit might always be seen in their lives.  The result of all this is the Temple.  Also, there is a great spirit of celebration.  Great accomplishments and great joy: these things are companions of good stewardship.

October 2, 2006

2Chron2: The house I am building has to be the best, for our God is the best.

Solomon assumes the throne of Israel with one major task before him: the construction of the Temple.  His father, David, has accomplished much.  For one thing, Israel is secure, at peace with the surrounding nations.  Solomon’s efforts will not have to be divided between ruling and defending his kingdom.  For another thing, David has already stockpiled building materials and funds for the Temple work.  Now, this responsibility comes to Solomon.  The young king takes the job to heart.  The Temple is to be a masterpiece because it is to be the focus on the worship of Jehovah God.  Some years earlier David had declared that he would not give to God that which cost him nothing, now Solomon says that the Temple must be the best because God is the best.  So, how does my life measure up against this standard?  Do I give God my best at every juncture of life?  Surely, I don’t ask God to play second fiddle in any area of my life!  After all, what I give to God has to be the best because God is the best.

October 3, 2006

2Chron6: Then a billowing cloud filled The Temple of God.

Solomon’s building project is complete and it is a great success.  An impressive House of Worship is now the official place of worship for the people of Israel and all others who will come.  The building is complete; the fixtures in place, the offerings ready, and the personnel stand ready to serve.  Then God moves in.  In a display of glory that has not been seen since Moses climbed the mountain to meet the Almighty, the Glory of the Lord fills the Temple.  The Presence of the Lord is so great, so real, that the priests can not even carry out their assigned duties.  Outside the Temple Solomon does the only reasonable thing: he begins to call on God in prayer.  Today, I long for God’s glory to fall on his Church, for Him to come in such majesty that the order of worship is set aside and people begin to simply call on the name of the Lord.  Oh God, we seek, not so much the “billowing cloud” as we do You.  Pour yourself out upon your Church as you did upon the Temple so long ago.

October 4, 2006

2Chron9: The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s reputation.

As an example of how God blessed Solomon the writer offers the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Israel.  Her identity in history is somewhat a mystery, although most believe she was a ruler from what is now Yemen or Ethiopia.  The point of Scripture is that God kept his word to Solomon and blessed him in every way.  In fact, God blessed him to the point that he became well known outside his own region and that the stories told about him were so fantastic that this national leader came to see for herself.  We are told that she wasn’t disappointed.  The purpose here is not so much to elevate Solomon as it is to proclaim God’s faithfulness to him.  Through this blessing, God’s Name was made known even in far off Sheba (wherever that actually was.)  When God’s people are faithful to him he can lift them to the point that even those outside the direct influence of the Lord will take notice and come to see for themselves.  At least that is our Lord’s take on the story.  In Matthew 12 he says that this heathen woman came from a great distance to meet Solomon and that her act will judge those who have every opportunity and reason to come into the presence of the very Son of God but don’t make the effort.   A result of God’s blessing is that it gets the attention of the world.

October 5, 2006

2Chron.12: God was not important to him.

Since the books of Chronicles are repeats of books of the Bible I have already blogged, I am moving at high speed through this second book of Chronicles, basically looking for highlights I missed before.  Today, I find the story of the man who, because of his stubbornness, split Israel into two Kingdoms.  Under his grandfather, David (a man after God’s own heart), Israel had become a united and successful nation.  Under his father, Solomon (a man who asked God for wisdom), great things had been accomplished and prosperity had come to the land.  Under Rehoboam (a man who thought God was unimportant), there was civil war, invasion from Egypt, and spiritual decline.  As his obituary is written this phrase stands out: “God was not important to him.”  Such a charge states volumes.   In fact, when the final story of any life is told, how a person responded to God is the most important fact about them.  It remains true today.  How I respond to God matters and honestly, God won’t be ignored.  In every life, God has the last word. 

October 9, 2006

2Chron.16: You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help.

These words are addressed to the man who prayed the wonderful prayer of 1 Chronicles 14.  Now 26 years have passed and Asa’s nation is once again threatened.  This time, though, he turns to the king of Aram for help, sending a “king’s ransom” to him in exchange for his support in the war.  The combined force of Judah and their hired army is victorious and the enemy is defeated.  As Asa celebrates this God’s man Hanani shows up.  He tells Asa that God is not pleased with him.  In fact, the Lord is insulted that Asa would trust in Ben-Hadad instead of himself.  The consequence will be a series of wars, one round after another.  I wonder if I, like Asa, insult the Almighty.  Do I turn anywhere but heavenward in dealing with the issues of life?  The very same God who saw me through in the past stands ready to see me through the issues of this day.  In fact, that is his preference!  The Lord doesn’t say, “When you have tried everything else without success, I will help you.”  Instead, his message is a wonderful word of commitment to me.  He promises that if I call he will answer.  God doesn’t want to be our last chance, he wants to be our Partner in every issue of life.

October 10, 2006

2Chron.19: And God be with you as you do your best.

Jehoshaphat isn’t the greatest king of Judah, but he does receive passing marks.  The example of his leadership is how he handles the legal system and the business of the Temple.  He appoints judges and charges them to take their work seriously.  He also warns them that God is watching how they go about performing their duties.   Those given authority over Temple business are given a similar charge.  The are to be dependable and honest in all they do.  Jehoshaphat’s bottom line to these judges is this: “God be with you as you do your best.”   I see here that God does expect me to give my best to the responsibilities that are mine.  With power comes accountability.  Also, I see that my best is all that I can give.  I can’t do any better than that and even though there are times when my best isn’t good enough, it is still all God expects of me.  Finally, I see the great promise of God’s help in my life.  He doesn’t want me to lazily sit back and wait for God to take care of things, but he knows I have limitations that will cause me to come up short.  Therefore, he gives me the promise of his help in my life.  What is relief it is to know that God partners with me in the responsibilities of my life.

October 12, 2006

2Chron.24: You can’t live this way! If you walk out on God, he’ll walk out on you.

Joash is just 7 years of age when he becomes king of Judah.  The man who directs him is a priest named Jehoiada.  Obviously, in these early years it is Jehoiada who leads the nation.  In fact, he does a good job of it.  Under his influence, Joash renovates the Temple and sees to it that worship is funded and conducted there.  Then, Jehoiada dies.  The scripture says that things “fall apart” after that.  The old idol worship is reinstated and the Temple is once again neglected.  In his mercy God sends Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah to call Joash and the nation back to God.  Instead of listening, Joash orders the murder of Zechariah!  This is such a disappointing end to what could have been a positive story.  God, in his mercy sends two men, father and son, to help Joash, but, ultimately, it is up to Joash to seek and obey God on his own.  In the first case, he listens and obeys, allowing Jehoiada’s faith to prop him up.  Once that prop is removed, it becomes clear that he has no backbone for the Lord at all.  Then, when God mercifully sends him another spiritual guide, he responds with murder.  In our lives the Lord often sends us help in the form of Christian friends and family.  For instance, a Christian mom or dad can help a child learn the right way to live, even insisting that it be so.  These people are used to help shape us into the people God calls us to be.  However, we are expected to develop our own faith in all this.  Otherwise, when the prop is removed – well, disaster will follow.  I am sure I am not the only pastor who has seen this (happily without the murder!) happen in the lives of people to whom we minister.  Just one family member shapes the family for God.   Then, that person comes to the end of life.  In some cases it is almost immediately that the spiritual life of the whole family begins to unravel.  This too is a disappointing end to what could have been a positive story.

October 14, 2006

2Chron.26: Arrogant and proud, he fell.

Uzziah is just a teen when he becomes king of Judah.  By and large, he does a good job as king and his long reign is a good one for his nation.  From the beginning he seeks God.  The Lord is pleased with him and blesses his life with successful building projects and a strong army.  Then, when it seems Uzziah will be one of the rare kings who have nothing but positive things on their record something ugly happens.  His successes go to Uzziah’s head.  We don’t know the full story but Uzziah decides, like Saul did many generations earlier, to take over the worship activities.  He takes the one role in the nation that is denied him – going into the Temple and acting as priest of God.  The legitimate priests, descendants of Aaron, try to stop Uzziah, but he ignores them.  With the holy censor in hand, he refuses to hear the objections of the priests.  Then, God objects, and when he objects, he can’t be ignored.  The dreaded disease of leprosy breaks out on Uzziah’s hand as he holds the censor.  This is God’s judgment.  It is too bad isn’t it?  Uzziah came so far and did so many things right.  His downfall comes, not as a result of some big temptation or some great threat.  Instead, it is brought about by his success.  We things are going right and it is clear that God is blessing us we need to remember Uzziah.  Here we find how success can lead to failure. 

October 16, 2006

2Chron.29: I have decided to make a covenant with the God of Israel.

As I saw when I read 2 Kings, Hezekiah led Judah to a renewed relationship with God.  The writer of the Chronicles says that Hezekiah announced his intention to make a covenant with God.  No doubt, this speaks well of Hezekiah.  He saw that the old covenant had been broken and was in need of repair.  Hezekiah’s “new covenant” was really a reinstatement of the “old covenant.”  While the statement suggests that Hezekiah is taking the initiative here, approaching the Lord with an offer, the fact is that God has faithfully waited for, and called out to, some leader, any leader, to respond to his offer.  It is okay that Hezekiah sees this whole event as his initiative, but actually God was, and always is, the “First Mover.”  That’s how it is for us too.  Like the prodigal, we think to ourselves, “I will arise and go to my Father,” as though it is all our idea in the first place.  And, as it was in that story, so it is that when we arrive, we find that the Father has been patiently waiting for us all along.  To “decide to make a covenant” is a good thing, an important decision.  However, such a move is only possible by what John Wesley might describe as the “grace that goes before,” God at work making it possible for us to come to that decision in the first place.

October 18, 2006

2Chron.30: Hezekiah commended the Levites for the superb way in which they had led the people in the worship of God.

The religious reform under Hezekiah rivals the great events of David and Solomon’s reigns.  The newly refurbished Temple and the eager and capable work of those who serve there make for an impressive and satisfying worship experience for all that come.  When the big celebration ends, Hezekiah makes it a point to go to the Levites and commend them for their superb work.  In this, I see Hezekiah not only leading in vision and agenda but in thanks and appreciation as well.  Good leaders do that.  I do note that Hezekiah calls their work “superb” because it is superb.  He isn’t some cheerleader who shouts out “We’re number one” when the team is behind by 30 points.  I am reminded though that even when the work doesn’t reach the superb level there is probably something positive that can be said.  Once the leader establishes good will the way may be opened for some constructive comments on improving things next time.  So, I see in this passage that leaders should lead in words and acts of appreciation for work well done.  Also, I remember that while a leader isn’t to give false praise that genuine support can lead the way to opportunities to help others grow in their service of the Lord.

October 19, 2006

2Chron.31: Everything he took up…he did well in a spirit of prayerful worship.

Hezekiah gets considerable mention in the Chronicles version of his story, and with good reason.  He said to be the “very best” at doing what is “good, right, and true” before God.  This was not some national leader who does whatever is politically expedient and then tips his hat to the Almighty when it is convenient.  Instead, this is a man who makes every decision based on his desire to please God.  It is true in his religious life.  If a decision has to do with worship he makes that decision prayerfully.  Beyond that, he also prayerfully makes decisions about carrying out God’s Laws and Commandments.  Those Laws are, for these children of Abraham, legal decisions.  What we have here is a national leader who turns to God in everything he does.  The result is that he is a “great success” and is commended by God as one who is “good, right, and true.”  I pray that the Lord will give my nation such leadership.  Also, in my much smaller leadership role, I desire to follow this excellent example.

October 21, 2006

2Chron.33: King Hezekiah…responded by praying.

Before moving on, we take one last look at this King of Judah who is ranked with Solomon or even King David.  Here we see his tiny nation threatened by the mighty Assyrian army.  Sennacherib, himself, has come to oversee the defeat of Judah and the capture of Jerusalem.  The siege starts with psychological warfare.  With the huge Assyrian army camped out nearby messengers come to intimidate Hezekiah and try to divide the loyalty of the people.  Of course the threat is real.  Assyria has marched across the region defeating one foe after another.   When Sennacherib says that Judah is next, he is deadly serious.  Hezekiah responds in some practical ways.  For one thing he plugs up the springs that the enemy army might use as a water supply.  However, we are told that his primary response is to pray.  I love the picture I see here.  For Hezekiah prayer was not the “last ditch because I’ve tried everything else” approach.  This man has learned a valuable lesson: when he prays, God answers.  It seems that this is a lesson we need to relearn often because it is so easily forgotten.  Even when we have a wealth of evidence that this is so, our first response to many life events is to try to handle it ourselves.  Then, when that falls through, we might then decide to call on the Lord.  “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

October 23, 2006

2Chron.33: As he prayed, God was touched.

Manasseh’s father, Hezekiah, made some mistakes, but his leadership of Judah was, by and large, pleasing to God and to his people.  Now it is Manasseh’s turn.  He messes up – “royally!”  Under his leading of God’s people it is back to the idol worship of the past.  He even brings disgusting idols right into the Temple his father had so carefully restored.  It is as Manasseh is doing these stupid things that we find a chilling statement.  The Scripture reports: “And God was angry.”   Tell you what, if you are doing your own thing and ignoring God you really don’t want to hear those words!  The result is that God allows Assyria to accomplish what they were kept from accomplishing before.  Jerusalem falls before this regional power.  Manasseh, himself, is led off like a farm animal to distant Babylon, likely destined for execution before the powerful king there.  To Manasseh it seems that this just might be a good time to pray!  Well, to be honest about it, it is way past time for him to pray.  But pray he does.  He falls on his knees and cries out to God, repenting “totally” of his sins.  If one thing you really don’t want to hear about yourself is that “God is angry” the sweetest sound that can fall upon the ear is what we read here: “As he prayed, God was touched.”  Manasseh shouldn’t have messed up in the first place.  His life would have been vastly better had he been true to the God of his father.  However, once he messed up, the next best thing was to pray a prayer of absolute, from-the-heart repentance.  Such prayers always touch the heart of God.  It was true for Manasseh.  It is true for you and me.

October 24, 2006

2Chron.35: The king…solemnly committed himself to the covenant.

When a campfire is fully ablaze, the individual flames are generally unnoticed.  However, as the fire burns down to embers, an individual blade of fire may seem to light up the entire campsite for a moment.  That is the feeling I get as I read the story of the waning days of Judah.  Most everything is bad.  Kings come and pass and almost seem to be in a competition to see who can be the most ungodly.  However, along the way we meet some courageous men who, almost single handedly, lift the entire nation to their shoulders and craft, at least temporarily, a return to God.  Such a man is Josiah.  When the word of the Lord is discovered in the Temple he publicly vows to live according to the ancient covenant.  He seeks God’s direction and receives it.  Because of his desire for God, an entire generation is stopped from the march to destruction that it has been on.  As I look at my own society and see the journey we are on I can nearly surrender to despair.  We are so godless, so lost in the darkness of our own making.  Still, I am reminded that even in a dying campfire that just one flame can light the night.  I pray that the Lord will raise up such a leader in my generation.

October 25, 2006

2Chron.36: …he wanted to give them every chance possible. But they wouldn’t listen.

My journey through the books of Chronicles has gone pretty fast because the story in these books is the same as that in the previous books.  I spent lots of time in them and didn’t necessarily want to repeat myself.  Still, it is important to realize that the intended audience of the Chronicles is the descendants of those in the story that is told here.  The original readers live in exile, hundreds of miles from Jerusalem.  These people have never seen the City of David and are in danger of becoming disconnected from their rich heritage.  However, there is more.  These books tell why they are where they are.  The passage before us gives the final word.  God had warned their ancestors again and again that if they continued down the road they were traveling it would end in destruction.  The mercy and grace of God in reaching out to them was disregarded.  All his efforts in making them into his people failed.  Because of their rebellion, God gave up on them and all was lost.  Now Judah is defeated and Jerusalem is destroyed.  The end.  However, the Chronicles author can’t let it end like that.  After writing the obituary of Judah he ties the old story to their current lives.  The God who gave up on their ancestors is reaching out to them.  There is the possibility of rebuilding the Temple they have read about in this story.  The God of Second Chances is still at work even in their lives.  This story tells us a lot about the descendants of Abraham but it tells us even more about God.