From I Chronicles 24 - 26:
1. We are reminded in the start of Chapter 24 about Nadab and Abihu again. Refer to Leviticus 10 for the details on how they died if you do not recall. When they died God also instructed the priests serving before the Tabernacle that they were not to drink any wine or other fermented drink whenever they went to the house of meeting or they would die. He used them as an example to all the Israelites. God wants perfect holiness, as God is perfectly holy.
2. God promised to exalt Heman - And I always thought that meant that Heman would be really strong and powerful, but in reality it meant he had 14 sons and three daughters.
3. Each family had their own responsibilities. Some were prophets, while others were musicians, while others had to offer sacrifices at the temple, some had to tend the gates, and some even were assigned to care for the treasuries (similar to a modern-day banker, I guess). We are truly blessed in this country nowadays, as we can choose any profession that we so desire, independent of what our parents did. Back in the time that this was written, you were assigned a profession and you and your entire family then was responsible for that during one's entire life. No one asked if you wanted to do it.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Something that costs nothing
From I Chronicles 21 - 23:
1. It is interesting that King David spoke to the Lord and God answered him with fire from heaven on the altar that David had built. This is very similar to what happened much later to Elijah when he had the showdown with the prophets of Baal. It must have been awesome to behold.
2. Something that costs nothing - I like how David would not take a freebie from Araunah when getting the threshing floor that he was using. Instead, in spite of Araunah's urging to the contrary, he paid a great amount of gold for it. David did not want to offer to God something that cost him nothing.
3. Apparently, according to this passage, David pleaded with God and asked God not to harm the people because, as he stated, "I am the one who has sinned, not the people". Yet God had exacted his justice on the people. I wonder why.
4. Although Job is in many places described as very violent, etc. - in this passage in Chapter 21 he is a voice of reason from God. He does not agree with numbering the fighting men and tells David. He also does not fully carry out David's command by not counting the Benjaminites and Levites.
5. David really helped Solomon greatly in getting everything prepared for the building of the temple of God.
1. It is interesting that King David spoke to the Lord and God answered him with fire from heaven on the altar that David had built. This is very similar to what happened much later to Elijah when he had the showdown with the prophets of Baal. It must have been awesome to behold.
2. Something that costs nothing - I like how David would not take a freebie from Araunah when getting the threshing floor that he was using. Instead, in spite of Araunah's urging to the contrary, he paid a great amount of gold for it. David did not want to offer to God something that cost him nothing.
3. Apparently, according to this passage, David pleaded with God and asked God not to harm the people because, as he stated, "I am the one who has sinned, not the people". Yet God had exacted his justice on the people. I wonder why.
4. Although Job is in many places described as very violent, etc. - in this passage in Chapter 21 he is a voice of reason from God. He does not agree with numbering the fighting men and tells David. He also does not fully carry out David's command by not counting the Benjaminites and Levites.
5. David really helped Solomon greatly in getting everything prepared for the building of the temple of God.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Just and Right
From I Chronicles 18 - 20:
1. Just and Right - I like how it tells that David "reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people". I wish we could get a President who would do this. "Just" and "right" have left our culture due to special interest groups and lobbyists. I don't care which side of the fence you are on, that is a REAL issue that we face today.
Declining morality within the masses of this country, however, is a direct reflection upon the church's failure to effectively set a good example and actively seek to spread the gospel locally.
2. Hanun reminds me of Rehoboam - a grandson of David - who would become king in the future. He listened to the wisdom of his nobles but did not try to think about it for himself. Both Rehoboam and Hanun were big losers because they miscalculated how their actions would change the outcome. And both of them learned the hard way at a very early point in their careers.
3. It is neat to see how in many battles that were fought, there was someone who was instrumental in the victory. In I Chronicles 20 it talks about different battles with the Philistines and how someone each time stood up to a tough adversary and was successful. It shows that we just need to trust God, not fear and be willing to stand up in the face of death and danger.
1. Just and Right - I like how it tells that David "reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people". I wish we could get a President who would do this. "Just" and "right" have left our culture due to special interest groups and lobbyists. I don't care which side of the fence you are on, that is a REAL issue that we face today.
Declining morality within the masses of this country, however, is a direct reflection upon the church's failure to effectively set a good example and actively seek to spread the gospel locally.
2. Hanun reminds me of Rehoboam - a grandson of David - who would become king in the future. He listened to the wisdom of his nobles but did not try to think about it for himself. Both Rehoboam and Hanun were big losers because they miscalculated how their actions would change the outcome. And both of them learned the hard way at a very early point in their careers.
3. It is neat to see how in many battles that were fought, there was someone who was instrumental in the victory. In I Chronicles 20 it talks about different battles with the Philistines and how someone each time stood up to a tough adversary and was successful. It shows that we just need to trust God, not fear and be willing to stand up in the face of death and danger.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
What about you, God?
From I Chronicles 15 - 17:
1. It is obvious from reading I Chronicles 15 that David learned his lesson after the incident with Uzzah. We always need to go back to the bible, God's word, and prayer when something happens we don't understand.
2. It is unfortunate that Michal was more concerned with appearances than heart matters. David was sincere, while Michal was keyed into appearances.
3. David was also generous and caring. He offered food to all the people after the blessing - something he did not have to do.
4. What about you, God? - Even though God had blessed him tremendously and given him victory on all sides, as well as tremendous success, yet he still was more concerned about the things of God. I hope that I can have this same attitude for all of my life also. God needs to be first in my life, and deserves to be. Anything and everything I have is because of His blessing. Nothing I have is because of anything that I have done. What is even better is that when God promises to bless David even further, he says, "Who am I that you should consider me?" David was a wonderful role model.
1. It is obvious from reading I Chronicles 15 that David learned his lesson after the incident with Uzzah. We always need to go back to the bible, God's word, and prayer when something happens we don't understand.
2. It is unfortunate that Michal was more concerned with appearances than heart matters. David was sincere, while Michal was keyed into appearances.
3. David was also generous and caring. He offered food to all the people after the blessing - something he did not have to do.
4. What about you, God? - Even though God had blessed him tremendously and given him victory on all sides, as well as tremendous success, yet he still was more concerned about the things of God. I hope that I can have this same attitude for all of my life also. God needs to be first in my life, and deserves to be. Anything and everything I have is because of His blessing. Nothing I have is because of anything that I have done. What is even better is that when God promises to bless David even further, he says, "Who am I that you should consider me?" David was a wonderful role model.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Too many wives?
From I Chronicles 12 - 14:
1. It is amazing that even among those who were from the same tribe as Saul defected to David and even became some of his most staunch supporters, becoming listed among the thirty (thirty of his most valiant men). It shows that David was more honorable than Saul, as even people from Saul's own tribe would "betray" him.
2. The way that David began to bring the ark to Jerusalem is depicted as being near the start of his reign. When Uzzah was killed by God for touching the ark, I bet it made David very concerned. God made David look bad in front of everyone. However, God is not concerned with a man's image - rather, he is concerned with his own holiness. God had commanded that the ark be carried by the Levites, not pulled on a cart drawn by oxen. Since His will was not followed, it is no surprise that bad things happened. Fortunately, after this incident blew over, David came to his senses and went ahead and brought the ark into Jerusalem.
3. It is neat to see that God blesses those who respect Him and serve Him. We see that while the ark was with Obed-Edom the Gittite, God blessed his house. This is in direct contrast to the Philistines, who served other gods and yet had the ark with them. Though they were both from other nations - if I am not mistaken, Gittites were not Israelites - God only blesses those who worship and honor Him.
4. Too many wives? - It could be argued that David did something improper in I Chronicles 14:3 when it talks about him taking more wives. The Lord had commanded the Israelites not to take many wives - specifically the kings - see Deuteronomy 17:16-17. Although David's wives did not lead him to serve other gods, his son Solomon emulated him and ended up taking many wives. In the end, Solomon's wives led him astray.
5. Fear is a powerful weapon. The bible tells us in the end of I Chronicles 14 that the Lord made all the nations fear David. Fear will cause people to do things that are not always rational.
1. It is amazing that even among those who were from the same tribe as Saul defected to David and even became some of his most staunch supporters, becoming listed among the thirty (thirty of his most valiant men). It shows that David was more honorable than Saul, as even people from Saul's own tribe would "betray" him.
2. The way that David began to bring the ark to Jerusalem is depicted as being near the start of his reign. When Uzzah was killed by God for touching the ark, I bet it made David very concerned. God made David look bad in front of everyone. However, God is not concerned with a man's image - rather, he is concerned with his own holiness. God had commanded that the ark be carried by the Levites, not pulled on a cart drawn by oxen. Since His will was not followed, it is no surprise that bad things happened. Fortunately, after this incident blew over, David came to his senses and went ahead and brought the ark into Jerusalem.
3. It is neat to see that God blesses those who respect Him and serve Him. We see that while the ark was with Obed-Edom the Gittite, God blessed his house. This is in direct contrast to the Philistines, who served other gods and yet had the ark with them. Though they were both from other nations - if I am not mistaken, Gittites were not Israelites - God only blesses those who worship and honor Him.
4. Too many wives? - It could be argued that David did something improper in I Chronicles 14:3 when it talks about him taking more wives. The Lord had commanded the Israelites not to take many wives - specifically the kings - see Deuteronomy 17:16-17. Although David's wives did not lead him to serve other gods, his son Solomon emulated him and ended up taking many wives. In the end, Solomon's wives led him astray.
5. Fear is a powerful weapon. The bible tells us in the end of I Chronicles 14 that the Lord made all the nations fear David. Fear will cause people to do things that are not always rational.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Did not hold fast
From I Chronicles 9 - 11:
1. This passage begins by giving us some insight into who is writing this book and when it is being written. It states that the people of Judah (someone among them must be writing this) had been taken captive to Babylon. So it is being written some time after that fact occurred.
2. I wonder why the author of Chronicles decided to start with the fall of Saul. I suppose it would illustrate how David became king and talk all about his reign - as he was arguably the greatest king that Israel ever had (to this point, anyways).
3. Did not hold fast - The end of Chapter 10 says clearly that Saul died because he was unfaithful to God. He did not remain true in his faith. However, I would point out that originally God chose him - so at one point he was doing what was pleasing to God.
4. It is really interesting to read about the mighty men that served David and helped to protect him / fight wars for Israel. Some of these guys did some amazing things.
1. This passage begins by giving us some insight into who is writing this book and when it is being written. It states that the people of Judah (someone among them must be writing this) had been taken captive to Babylon. So it is being written some time after that fact occurred.
2. I wonder why the author of Chronicles decided to start with the fall of Saul. I suppose it would illustrate how David became king and talk all about his reign - as he was arguably the greatest king that Israel ever had (to this point, anyways).
3. Did not hold fast - The end of Chapter 10 says clearly that Saul died because he was unfaithful to God. He did not remain true in his faith. However, I would point out that originally God chose him - so at one point he was doing what was pleasing to God.
4. It is really interesting to read about the mighty men that served David and helped to protect him / fight wars for Israel. Some of these guys did some amazing things.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Nothing bad will ever happen to me
I hope that all of my loyal readers have not given up on me. I had been quite busy this week and did not get many chances to post. I apologize. We will see how the coming week goes.
From I Chronicles 4 - 8:
1. Nothing bad will ever happen to me - I have not read the books about this particular passage, but I notice that I Chronicles 4:9-10 is what has been termed "The Prayer of Jabez". Whole books have been written regarding these two verses. Although I cannot speak to the content within the books, I want to point out some facts as recorded in this passage to my loyal readers.
First, Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. The passage does not tell us why, but it does tell us that he was more honorable.
Second, Jabez cried out to God for blessings. I think that there is not a person on earth who believes in God that does not do this. Everyone wants to be blessed. And anyone who truly believes in God prays to God asking for protection, blessing, etc.
Third, God granted his request. This is actually the key point. God is sovereign and all-knowing. In God's mercy and grace, he chose at that time to bless Jabez. However, consider the thoughts listed below.
A. As I mentioned, all believers cry to God for blessing. However, though it is not wrong to ask for God's blessing, many people are wrong in doing so because they are ONLY interested in God's blessing. They do not want to serve God, follow God, obey God, or be a living sacrifice for God.
B. I am relatively certain that Paul, Peter, John, James, Thomas, etc. asked for God's blessing too. Each one was tortured for their faith, and except for John, all died at the hands of evil men. (Actually, this is the greatest blessing if you read the beatitudes.)
C. Job was blessed by God, but at a certain time in his life, God removed all these so-called "blessings" to grow his faith and test him.
D. Lazarus in the story Jesus told was greatly blessed by God because he died and went to Abraham's side. However, in his life he "received bad things".
Our problem is that we misunderstand what it means to be blessed. Perhaps the beatitudes should be included in the Prayer of Jabez book. To be truly blessed does not always mean having plenty and living a life of luxury. The bible records this about the rich man who went to hell : There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. So think about what you mean when you ask for God's blessing. If you lose your job or you find yourself being persecuted because of your prayers, it is then that you should be praising God.
(I do not mean to infer that having wealth / comfort is wrong. However, one should refer to I Timothy 6:6-9,17-19, as well as James 1, paying special attention to verses 9-10.
The greatest blessing one can have is to be welcomed into heaven, to spend all eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ , while worshiping God the Father.
2. It is interesting to note that although Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob, he was not given the rights accompanying this position because he had slept with one of his father's wives. Instead, this position was given to Joseph's sons.
3. It is really cool to see how the Reubenites and Gadites were successful in battle because they cried out to the Lord. It says that many of their enemies were slain because "the battle was God's". Cool! That is how God responds to those who call upon him out of a pure heart!
4. I Chronicles 7:24 records that Sheerah, the daughter of either Ephriam or Beriah built Lower and Upper Beth Horon, as well as Uzzen Sheerah. Wow, the first female construction manager / general contractor! Additionally, we see shortly before this a mention of Zelophehad. His daughters were the ones who went before Joshua to successfully requested ownership of the land that was allotted their family, since their father had no sons.
From I Chronicles 4 - 8:
1. Nothing bad will ever happen to me - I have not read the books about this particular passage, but I notice that I Chronicles 4:9-10 is what has been termed "The Prayer of Jabez". Whole books have been written regarding these two verses. Although I cannot speak to the content within the books, I want to point out some facts as recorded in this passage to my loyal readers.
First, Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. The passage does not tell us why, but it does tell us that he was more honorable.
Second, Jabez cried out to God for blessings. I think that there is not a person on earth who believes in God that does not do this. Everyone wants to be blessed. And anyone who truly believes in God prays to God asking for protection, blessing, etc.
Third, God granted his request. This is actually the key point. God is sovereign and all-knowing. In God's mercy and grace, he chose at that time to bless Jabez. However, consider the thoughts listed below.
A. As I mentioned, all believers cry to God for blessing. However, though it is not wrong to ask for God's blessing, many people are wrong in doing so because they are ONLY interested in God's blessing. They do not want to serve God, follow God, obey God, or be a living sacrifice for God.
B. I am relatively certain that Paul, Peter, John, James, Thomas, etc. asked for God's blessing too. Each one was tortured for their faith, and except for John, all died at the hands of evil men. (Actually, this is the greatest blessing if you read the beatitudes.)
C. Job was blessed by God, but at a certain time in his life, God removed all these so-called "blessings" to grow his faith and test him.
D. Lazarus in the story Jesus told was greatly blessed by God because he died and went to Abraham's side. However, in his life he "received bad things".
Our problem is that we misunderstand what it means to be blessed. Perhaps the beatitudes should be included in the Prayer of Jabez book. To be truly blessed does not always mean having plenty and living a life of luxury. The bible records this about the rich man who went to hell : There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. So think about what you mean when you ask for God's blessing. If you lose your job or you find yourself being persecuted because of your prayers, it is then that you should be praising God.
(I do not mean to infer that having wealth / comfort is wrong. However, one should refer to I Timothy 6:6-9,17-19, as well as James 1, paying special attention to verses 9-10.
The greatest blessing one can have is to be welcomed into heaven, to spend all eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ , while worshiping God the Father.
2. It is interesting to note that although Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob, he was not given the rights accompanying this position because he had slept with one of his father's wives. Instead, this position was given to Joseph's sons.
3. It is really cool to see how the Reubenites and Gadites were successful in battle because they cried out to the Lord. It says that many of their enemies were slain because "the battle was God's". Cool! That is how God responds to those who call upon him out of a pure heart!
4. I Chronicles 7:24 records that Sheerah, the daughter of either Ephriam or Beriah built Lower and Upper Beth Horon, as well as Uzzen Sheerah. Wow, the first female construction manager / general contractor! Additionally, we see shortly before this a mention of Zelophehad. His daughters were the ones who went before Joshua to successfully requested ownership of the land that was allotted their family, since their father had no sons.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Just a story
From I Chronicles 1 - 3:
1. Just a story - There is extensive "page real-estate" attributed to genealogy - showing (in this case) from Adam up through King David's line. This not only gives us some idea of the amount of time passing, but it also lends credibility to the bible. If the bible were just a bunch of stories that someone made up, they would not bother with three chapters of genealogies explaining about people we had never heard of and the entire line. The writer would just give the details that were useful in the telling of the story. If you look at any story written, (successful, anyways) the author focuses on things that will lend to the story. Genealogy does none of this. In fact, it breaks it up unnecessarily.
2. I was recently doing research on some topics for a youth talk and I discovered some interesting things about our genetic makeup that I was not aware of before. There are two terms that all Christians should find extremely interesting:
Y-Chromosomal Adam
mitochondrial Eve
Now tell me that Adam / Eve and the Noah flood were just stories.
1. Just a story - There is extensive "page real-estate" attributed to genealogy - showing (in this case) from Adam up through King David's line. This not only gives us some idea of the amount of time passing, but it also lends credibility to the bible. If the bible were just a bunch of stories that someone made up, they would not bother with three chapters of genealogies explaining about people we had never heard of and the entire line. The writer would just give the details that were useful in the telling of the story. If you look at any story written, (successful, anyways) the author focuses on things that will lend to the story. Genealogy does none of this. In fact, it breaks it up unnecessarily.
2. I was recently doing research on some topics for a youth talk and I discovered some interesting things about our genetic makeup that I was not aware of before. There are two terms that all Christians should find extremely interesting:
Y-Chromosomal Adam
mitochondrial Eve
Now tell me that Adam / Eve and the Noah flood were just stories.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Neither before nor after
I hope that all of my readers had a wonderful weekend. I am very thankful for this last weekend. I was able to re-wire the lights for a portion of the hallway and upgrade from a T12 to a T8 ballast, hopefully saving the church a good bit of money on electric in the process. I know that the lights were at least brighter. I also discovered, through God's help, that the dimmers in the church sanctuary are having issues because (it would appear) of a problem with the communication wire going back to the sound "booth". I will test it another week or so to be sure.
We now get to observe one of my favorite kings in the history of Judah - Josiah.
From II Kings 22 - 25
1. We see that at the age of 24 (or so) Josiah was already very committed to following God whole-heartedly. What a great example to the young people of today. Today many youth forsake attending church and following God, and they only come back to God when they get into their 30s and have children / a family.
2. Neither before nor after - After reading up to II Kings 23:25, one can see why the bible says that there was neither a king before or after him who turned to the Lord with all of his heart, soul and strength. He went so far as to destroy the altars made by Solomon (destroying bad traditions) and even getting rid of household gods (even Rachel had one of these back before the twelve patriarchs were born). He also declared that the people should celebrate the Passover - something that had not been done in a very, very long time.
3. Unfortunately, Josiah could not turn God from the wrath that He had harbored due to the exceeding evil that Manasseh had committed. But God did note his extreme faithfulness. I wonder - if Josiah's son had been as committed as his father - would that have caused God to reconsider? Three or four generations of people continuing to follow God that whole-heartedly should make a difference.
4. I know that typically (especially in the US) it is thought to be bad if one is poor. However, those who were exceedingly poor during the time of the invasions of Babylon were blessed, because it was these very poor people who left behind to farm the land. However, even they were unfaithful and went to Egypt after there was a uprising against the leader left in the land by the Babylonians.
5. It is interesting that God had mercy upon Jehoiachin and allowed him later in life to eat at the king's table and have an allowance. Perhaps he was repentant after all that happened.
We now get to observe one of my favorite kings in the history of Judah - Josiah.
From II Kings 22 - 25
1. We see that at the age of 24 (or so) Josiah was already very committed to following God whole-heartedly. What a great example to the young people of today. Today many youth forsake attending church and following God, and they only come back to God when they get into their 30s and have children / a family.
2. Neither before nor after - After reading up to II Kings 23:25, one can see why the bible says that there was neither a king before or after him who turned to the Lord with all of his heart, soul and strength. He went so far as to destroy the altars made by Solomon (destroying bad traditions) and even getting rid of household gods (even Rachel had one of these back before the twelve patriarchs were born). He also declared that the people should celebrate the Passover - something that had not been done in a very, very long time.
3. Unfortunately, Josiah could not turn God from the wrath that He had harbored due to the exceeding evil that Manasseh had committed. But God did note his extreme faithfulness. I wonder - if Josiah's son had been as committed as his father - would that have caused God to reconsider? Three or four generations of people continuing to follow God that whole-heartedly should make a difference.
4. I know that typically (especially in the US) it is thought to be bad if one is poor. However, those who were exceedingly poor during the time of the invasions of Babylon were blessed, because it was these very poor people who left behind to farm the land. However, even they were unfaithful and went to Egypt after there was a uprising against the leader left in the land by the Babylonians.
5. It is interesting that God had mercy upon Jehoiachin and allowed him later in life to eat at the king's table and have an allowance. Perhaps he was repentant after all that happened.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
I don't care about the future
From II Kings 19 - 21:
1. It is awesome to see how God works. Hezekiah fully trusted the Lord that he would protect them and save them from the armies of Assyria, and he did!
2. I like how Hezekiah did not worry, but he immediately took his concern to the temple and spread it out before God to show God.
3. It is really amazing that God even extended the life of Hezekiah. He was truly blessed, because God gave him this type of extension. I cannot imagine any person who knows they are going to die not crying out to the Lord. Yet, typically God does not grant this type of request. I think that it illustrates where Hezekiah was in his walk with the Lord - how close he was and how devoted.
4. I don't care about the future - II Kings 20:19 is very troubling. I understand that Hezekiah was only worried about things during his lifetime. However, it is somewhat troubling that he would not inquire further of the message and try to do something to prevent the eminent demise of the nation. Not that I am sure there was anything that could be done, but he did not give it a second thought - rather, he only decided that it was good that there would not be trouble during his lifetime. I wonder: Was he having trouble with a rebellious son? Perhaps he felt that there was nothing he could do to reign in his son.
5. In II Kings 21 we see that it was indeed Hezekiah's son who really turned away from the Lord. He did not follow in God's ways, but rather turned the Israelites fully away so that they committed terrible things even worse than the nations that God helped the Israelites drive out when they possessed the promised land. I wonder if this could have been avoided if Hezekiah had taken a different attitude when God spared his life and then revealed to him a glimpse of the potential future.
1. It is awesome to see how God works. Hezekiah fully trusted the Lord that he would protect them and save them from the armies of Assyria, and he did!
2. I like how Hezekiah did not worry, but he immediately took his concern to the temple and spread it out before God to show God.
3. It is really amazing that God even extended the life of Hezekiah. He was truly blessed, because God gave him this type of extension. I cannot imagine any person who knows they are going to die not crying out to the Lord. Yet, typically God does not grant this type of request. I think that it illustrates where Hezekiah was in his walk with the Lord - how close he was and how devoted.
4. I don't care about the future - II Kings 20:19 is very troubling. I understand that Hezekiah was only worried about things during his lifetime. However, it is somewhat troubling that he would not inquire further of the message and try to do something to prevent the eminent demise of the nation. Not that I am sure there was anything that could be done, but he did not give it a second thought - rather, he only decided that it was good that there would not be trouble during his lifetime. I wonder: Was he having trouble with a rebellious son? Perhaps he felt that there was nothing he could do to reign in his son.
5. In II Kings 21 we see that it was indeed Hezekiah's son who really turned away from the Lord. He did not follow in God's ways, but rather turned the Israelites fully away so that they committed terrible things even worse than the nations that God helped the Israelites drive out when they possessed the promised land. I wonder if this could have been avoided if Hezekiah had taken a different attitude when God spared his life and then revealed to him a glimpse of the potential future.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Why would you want to do a thing like that?
From II Kings 16 - 18:
1. Why would you want to do a thing like that? I wonder why Ahaz would decide that it was better to worship idols than to serve the living God. And what would possess him to decide that sacrificing his own son would be a good idea? But yet I see our country, bolstered by a great abundance of God's blessings, following the ways of the world. I'm not talking about Republican / Democrat (because people who think that electing one over the other is going to change the world are suffering from an illusion - we've tried both parties and yet the country continues to slide downhill), I'm talking about everyday citizens who have decided that immoral practices are okay (living together out of wedlock, homosexuality) and that their own pleasures are more important than God's will. This is a direct result of the church not having done the job of spreading the gospel. And that means everyday Christians. I'm also not talking about beating people over the head with a bible. Show them God's love. Show them the pure life that comes as a result of being in tune with His will. And be prepared to give an answer.
I hope that it is not too late for Christians to make an impact in this country for good. But many "Christians" want to legislate Christianity instead. (Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now.)
2. I wonder what Hoshea - the last king of Israel - did that made him unlike the kings of Israel before him. See II Kings 17:2.
3. It is interesting to see that when the Lord sent lions in among the new settlers of the land where the Israelites had previously been, they immediately realized that they needed to honor the "god" of the land. That is why they had a priest come back and teach them about the Lord. Although they did not worship only the one true God, they identified the source of the problem immediately. I wonder why the Israelites could not have identified the fact that they were falling away from God as the source of their problems. Perhaps it was the same as today in our country - we have rejected God, so we cannot see our problems are due to this very fact.
4. One of my biggest hopes in life is that God could record of me the same as he recorded of some of the kings like Hezekiah. It says, "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses." How cool would that be if God said there was no one like you among all the people of the US.
5. The king of Assyria's fatal flaw was that he thought that he was all powerful, when in reality we all know that only God is all powerful. He should have given the glory to God. But, since he did not, God chose to have mercy upon Judah and rescue Hezekiah and the nation of Judah.
1. Why would you want to do a thing like that? I wonder why Ahaz would decide that it was better to worship idols than to serve the living God. And what would possess him to decide that sacrificing his own son would be a good idea? But yet I see our country, bolstered by a great abundance of God's blessings, following the ways of the world. I'm not talking about Republican / Democrat (because people who think that electing one over the other is going to change the world are suffering from an illusion - we've tried both parties and yet the country continues to slide downhill), I'm talking about everyday citizens who have decided that immoral practices are okay (living together out of wedlock, homosexuality) and that their own pleasures are more important than God's will. This is a direct result of the church not having done the job of spreading the gospel. And that means everyday Christians. I'm also not talking about beating people over the head with a bible. Show them God's love. Show them the pure life that comes as a result of being in tune with His will. And be prepared to give an answer.
I hope that it is not too late for Christians to make an impact in this country for good. But many "Christians" want to legislate Christianity instead. (Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now.)
2. I wonder what Hoshea - the last king of Israel - did that made him unlike the kings of Israel before him. See II Kings 17:2.
3. It is interesting to see that when the Lord sent lions in among the new settlers of the land where the Israelites had previously been, they immediately realized that they needed to honor the "god" of the land. That is why they had a priest come back and teach them about the Lord. Although they did not worship only the one true God, they identified the source of the problem immediately. I wonder why the Israelites could not have identified the fact that they were falling away from God as the source of their problems. Perhaps it was the same as today in our country - we have rejected God, so we cannot see our problems are due to this very fact.
4. One of my biggest hopes in life is that God could record of me the same as he recorded of some of the kings like Hezekiah. It says, "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses." How cool would that be if God said there was no one like you among all the people of the US.
5. The king of Assyria's fatal flaw was that he thought that he was all powerful, when in reality we all know that only God is all powerful. He should have given the glory to God. But, since he did not, God chose to have mercy upon Judah and rescue Hezekiah and the nation of Judah.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
God is merciful and slow to anger
It was a particularly busy day yesterday, but I did not get to enter anything. I apologize to all of my loyal readers. Such is the spiritual battle that we face every day.
From II Kings 13-15:
1. God is merciful and slow to anger - It is neat to see that even though the bible says that Jehoahaz was evil because he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam led the Israelites into, God still had mercy on him when he sought God's face (see II Kings 13:4). It goes to show that God is an extremely merciful God, slow to anger and abounding in love. (See Psalms 86:15, Psalms 103:8 or Joel 2:13) (By the way, try reading Psalms 103 without being touched...it is hard.)
Additionally, I did a search for "slow to anger abounding in love" and the interesting thing is that it turned up all the results in the old testament. We tend to think of God as being much more unforgiving in the Old Testament; however, I think that it could be argued that the rules are much more stringent in the New Testament. See the sermon on the mount speech if you doubt this. However, God does not change, so he is always merciful and loving.
2. Jehoash is also recorded as having done evil in the eyes of the Lord for not having turned from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat. Nothing is mentioned about what these kings did wrong besides continuing in the idol worship that had been instituted generations before. I think it again re-iterates the need to evaluate customs and traditions to make sure that they are pleasing to God.
3. It is interesting to note that the king was judged according to his own actions. In chapter 14 it says that Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord; however, it also says that the people continued to worship at the high places that Solomon had built. Amaziah could have done even better if, in addition to what he did himself, he had led the people to also leave their lives of idol worship. This is in contrast to Jehoash, who not only allowed the people to worship idols, but participated in it also.
4. What a thing to be known for: Menahem ripped open all the pregnant women of Tiphsah. I wonder if the word Mayhem comes from Menahem.
From II Kings 13-15:
1. God is merciful and slow to anger - It is neat to see that even though the bible says that Jehoahaz was evil because he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam led the Israelites into, God still had mercy on him when he sought God's face (see II Kings 13:4). It goes to show that God is an extremely merciful God, slow to anger and abounding in love. (See Psalms 86:15, Psalms 103:8 or Joel 2:13) (By the way, try reading Psalms 103 without being touched...it is hard.)
Additionally, I did a search for "slow to anger abounding in love" and the interesting thing is that it turned up all the results in the old testament. We tend to think of God as being much more unforgiving in the Old Testament; however, I think that it could be argued that the rules are much more stringent in the New Testament. See the sermon on the mount speech if you doubt this. However, God does not change, so he is always merciful and loving.
2. Jehoash is also recorded as having done evil in the eyes of the Lord for not having turned from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat. Nothing is mentioned about what these kings did wrong besides continuing in the idol worship that had been instituted generations before. I think it again re-iterates the need to evaluate customs and traditions to make sure that they are pleasing to God.
3. It is interesting to note that the king was judged according to his own actions. In chapter 14 it says that Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord; however, it also says that the people continued to worship at the high places that Solomon had built. Amaziah could have done even better if, in addition to what he did himself, he had led the people to also leave their lives of idol worship. This is in contrast to Jehoash, who not only allowed the people to worship idols, but participated in it also.
4. What a thing to be known for: Menahem ripped open all the pregnant women of Tiphsah. I wonder if the word Mayhem comes from Menahem.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Such a pity!
From II Kings 10 - 12:
1. Such a pity! - Jehu was very zealous for the Lord. He completely wiped Ahab's descendants off the face of the Earth. Because of this the Lord was pleased with him. However, he could've had so much more if he had only had enough wisdom, foresight and vision to destroy the evil traditions that Jeroboam had instituted. It just shows that in following God, we should examine even our traditions to make sure that they are pleasing to God. If they are not, we need to cast them aside and form new traditions.
2. I wonder why Ahaziah's sister Jehosheba was so interested in preserving Ahaziah's legacy, risking her own life to hide one of his children to be a future king. Was she at odds with her mother, Athaliah? One would've thought she would be happier with her mother reigning without contest, especially since it might mean that in the future she might get a shot at the throne.
3. I am guessing that at seven years old the king did not really make many decisions of any import, as he was so young. Likely the officials surrounding him took care of all the matters of state and such. I wonder - this likely being the case - why they didn't declare the baby king shortly after Athaliah took control. Why wait seven years?
4. The bible tells us that Joash took all of the sacred objects that were dedicated to the Lord, as well as many things of value out of the temple in order to pay off Hazael so that he would not besiege Jerusalem. I wonder what would have happened if he had sought out God to protect them instead of buying out his enemies. Would God have honored his requests for protection? Because although the people had continued in their evil, idol-worshiping ways, God typically would honor those who sought Him first.
1. Such a pity! - Jehu was very zealous for the Lord. He completely wiped Ahab's descendants off the face of the Earth. Because of this the Lord was pleased with him. However, he could've had so much more if he had only had enough wisdom, foresight and vision to destroy the evil traditions that Jeroboam had instituted. It just shows that in following God, we should examine even our traditions to make sure that they are pleasing to God. If they are not, we need to cast them aside and form new traditions.
2. I wonder why Ahaziah's sister Jehosheba was so interested in preserving Ahaziah's legacy, risking her own life to hide one of his children to be a future king. Was she at odds with her mother, Athaliah? One would've thought she would be happier with her mother reigning without contest, especially since it might mean that in the future she might get a shot at the throne.
3. I am guessing that at seven years old the king did not really make many decisions of any import, as he was so young. Likely the officials surrounding him took care of all the matters of state and such. I wonder - this likely being the case - why they didn't declare the baby king shortly after Athaliah took control. Why wait seven years?
4. The bible tells us that Joash took all of the sacred objects that were dedicated to the Lord, as well as many things of value out of the temple in order to pay off Hazael so that he would not besiege Jerusalem. I wonder what would have happened if he had sought out God to protect them instead of buying out his enemies. Would God have honored his requests for protection? Because although the people had continued in their evil, idol-worshiping ways, God typically would honor those who sought Him first.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Reunited!
From II Kings 7 - 9:
1. I wonder when the Arameans discovered that they were not actually being chased by other armies. What did they do at that point? Go back to Aram and make excuses? Or did they never figure out that there was not actually an army, but rather that God was fighting for the Israelites?
2. God really took great care of the woman who provided for Elisha. It is neat to see that she even got all the income from her land during the time she was absent.
3. It is interesting that Elisha tells Hazael about what he will become and do in the future, especially with regard to the Israelites. Seems almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
4. In II Kings 8:19, it says that God was not willing to destroy Judah because of the promise made to King David. However, later he did destroy Judah. Was this promise broken then? Or were there conditions put on the promise? Obviously the people of Israel continued to stray from God's commands, so that God would finally decide destroying Judah was the only solution.
5. It sure seems like Elisha was stirring the pot when he had Jehu anointed king. Otherwise I am guessing that Jehu would not have rebelled against his master. However, at the same time, it seems that at least Jehu was God-fearing, unlike Joram.
6. Reunited! I wonder why Jehu did not pursue Ahaziah and try to re-unite the two nations of Israel after making sure Ahaziah was dispatched. It was the perfect opportunity.
1. I wonder when the Arameans discovered that they were not actually being chased by other armies. What did they do at that point? Go back to Aram and make excuses? Or did they never figure out that there was not actually an army, but rather that God was fighting for the Israelites?
2. God really took great care of the woman who provided for Elisha. It is neat to see that she even got all the income from her land during the time she was absent.
3. It is interesting that Elisha tells Hazael about what he will become and do in the future, especially with regard to the Israelites. Seems almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
4. In II Kings 8:19, it says that God was not willing to destroy Judah because of the promise made to King David. However, later he did destroy Judah. Was this promise broken then? Or were there conditions put on the promise? Obviously the people of Israel continued to stray from God's commands, so that God would finally decide destroying Judah was the only solution.
5. It sure seems like Elisha was stirring the pot when he had Jehu anointed king. Otherwise I am guessing that Jehu would not have rebelled against his master. However, at the same time, it seems that at least Jehu was God-fearing, unlike Joram.
6. Reunited! I wonder why Jehu did not pursue Ahaziah and try to re-unite the two nations of Israel after making sure Ahaziah was dispatched. It was the perfect opportunity.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Famine and War are Terrible Things
From II Kings 4-6:
1. God ALWAYS takes care of those who love Him. It is neat to see how God took care of the lady whose husband was a man of God and had died. In this case, he caused a miracle with the oil. It is also interesting to note that he was among the company of prophets. So I really wonder why Catholics would declare that priests cannot marry. Upon what basis do they issue this edict?
2. God really tested the faith of the Shunammite woman. He gave her something very precious and then took it back to see how she would react. As we can see from the story, she placed all of her trust / hope in God and his servant. Additionally, she was persistent in calling out to God to help her. And she had great faith, as she told her husband everything would be fine. (It is interesting to note that the boy's symptoms are consistent with that of a stroke / aneurysm - which is not something you just get up from.)
3. In chapter 4 we have yet another story of God causing a little food to become much. And yet we (I include myself in this) worry about what we will eat / wear. (Matthew 6:25) It is really neat to see that there were men during this time that were still reverent towards God and offered their first fruits.
4. In chapter 5 we see the first instance of a missionary by circumstances. The little slave girl cared for her master (I guess they must've treated her well - but who knows) and mentioned the prophet of God in Israel. As a result, I bet that his entire family believed in the God of Israel in the end.
5. Two things can be learned from Gehazi:
A. Do not be greedy. God will provide in due time. And remember, there was a famine in Gilgal, so Gehazi was likely thinking that one could not pass up an opportunity to get some "insurance" for potential future food.
B. Do not judge but rather let God do that. Gehazi may have thought that since Naaman was from Aram, he should get something from them, as they were enemies (see chapter 6 for reference). He used his earthly viewpoint in dealing with this situation.
Gehazi learned both lessons by getting leprosy. I hope that none of my readers will learn these lessons the hard way, like Gehazi did.
6. I wonder who the king was and why Elisha kept helping him. Did he begin to fear God because of Elisha's showing God's power through helping him to avoid capture?
7. Famine and war are terrible things. We forget this in the US, as most citizens have never faced them in their lifetimes. Due to these circumstances, two women in chapter 6 made a pact - one with evil motives and intentions, the other with hunger driving her reason from her mind. It is unfortunate that they did not trust in God to provide them with the food they needed.
1. God ALWAYS takes care of those who love Him. It is neat to see how God took care of the lady whose husband was a man of God and had died. In this case, he caused a miracle with the oil. It is also interesting to note that he was among the company of prophets. So I really wonder why Catholics would declare that priests cannot marry. Upon what basis do they issue this edict?
2. God really tested the faith of the Shunammite woman. He gave her something very precious and then took it back to see how she would react. As we can see from the story, she placed all of her trust / hope in God and his servant. Additionally, she was persistent in calling out to God to help her. And she had great faith, as she told her husband everything would be fine. (It is interesting to note that the boy's symptoms are consistent with that of a stroke / aneurysm - which is not something you just get up from.)
3. In chapter 4 we have yet another story of God causing a little food to become much. And yet we (I include myself in this) worry about what we will eat / wear. (Matthew 6:25) It is really neat to see that there were men during this time that were still reverent towards God and offered their first fruits.
4. In chapter 5 we see the first instance of a missionary by circumstances. The little slave girl cared for her master (I guess they must've treated her well - but who knows) and mentioned the prophet of God in Israel. As a result, I bet that his entire family believed in the God of Israel in the end.
5. Two things can be learned from Gehazi:
A. Do not be greedy. God will provide in due time. And remember, there was a famine in Gilgal, so Gehazi was likely thinking that one could not pass up an opportunity to get some "insurance" for potential future food.
B. Do not judge but rather let God do that. Gehazi may have thought that since Naaman was from Aram, he should get something from them, as they were enemies (see chapter 6 for reference). He used his earthly viewpoint in dealing with this situation.
Gehazi learned both lessons by getting leprosy. I hope that none of my readers will learn these lessons the hard way, like Gehazi did.
6. I wonder who the king was and why Elisha kept helping him. Did he begin to fear God because of Elisha's showing God's power through helping him to avoid capture?
7. Famine and war are terrible things. We forget this in the US, as most citizens have never faced them in their lifetimes. Due to these circumstances, two women in chapter 6 made a pact - one with evil motives and intentions, the other with hunger driving her reason from her mind. It is unfortunate that they did not trust in God to provide them with the food they needed.
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