Friday 31 March 2006

They stood…read…confessed and worshipped

“And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshiped the LORD their God.” Nehemiah 9v3

After the walls were finally built Ezra was called to read the Book of the Law to the people. When he did so the people realised the depth of their sin. Finally the people of Israel withdrew from everyone else for a time of prayer and worship.

For three hours they stood up and read from the word of God. For another three hours they confessed their sins and worshipped God. This was true spirit of revival. If we want God to work in our hearts we are going to have to have something of the same spirit. Read the word of God, confess our sins, and worship Him.

Thursday 30 March 2006

Should such a man as I flee?

“And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.” - Nehemiah 6v11

The more I read about Nehemiah the more I admire him. First he had to deal with a bunch of recalcitrant nobles who not only refused to work, but then complained because they were having to share in the cost and their children were being forced to work.

After he had to deal with that he faced a series of threatening letters from Sanballat and his men. Sanballat said that he simply wanted Nehemiah to come and treat with him over the future of the city. Nehemiah would not go because the work was too important. The fifth letter Sanballat sent was an “open letter” which anyone could read.

The threats continued. Nehemiah did not know it, but there was a spy in his midst. Shemiah tried to get Nehemiah to run and hide in the Temple and lock the doors so that Sanballat could not get to him. This was actually just another attempt to discourage Nehemiah from the work.

Nehemiah’s response was classic – “Should such a man as I flee?” No matter what happened he would not be deterred from his task. Discouragement after discouragement came and Nehemiah just kept on going. He was a tremendous example of the kind of faithfulness God expects.

Whenever we face opposition and attacks, may God give us the courage to say, “Should such a man as I flee?”

Wednesday 29 March 2006

Our God will fight for us

“In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.” - Nehemiah 4v20

Things were not getting any better for the wall builders. The remains of the wall were rubbish. When they got the walls about halfway rebuilt the threats of the opposition grew and the threat of a military attack became real.

Nehemiah’s battle plan was simple and practical – “Don’t be afraid, remember the Lord, and fight.” He set up soldiers among the workers, the workers carried swords at their sides, and for a time the worked with tools in one hand and weapons in the other. When the workers became anxious or afraid the trumpets were to be sounded and the battle cry sent up – “Our God shall fight for us!”

Of course we should always keep God’s spiritual work in mind. That is our main goal and purpose. Yet we can’t forget that while we do so we still must live in a very real physical world. There is still a physical work to do and a physical battle to fight. Heaven is our home, but we still are aliens in the land. While in a spiritual warfare, let us never forget the need for a physical work.

Tuesday 28 March 2006

We prayed…and we set a watch

“Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.” - Nehemiah 4v9

I love to read about Nehemiah. He had the proper balance of spirituality and practicality in his service for the Lord. Perhaps this is the reason that God did not use a priest or a prophet for this work. He knew that they may not focus on the practical aspects of the work.

Sanballat, Tobiah, and others began mocking and ridiculing the workers on the wall. Then they began threatening an attack. Nehemiah was not about to be deterred. He sent the men back to work on the wall. They prayed, which was the right thing to do. Asking God’s blessing and protection should be first and foremost. But they didn’t stop there; they also set a watch for the enemy.

Was this a lack of faith? Should they not have just prayed and trusted God to take care of them? That is fine, but God also gives us reason and wisdom. Nehemiah found the right balance for God’s work. Pray, but also be sensible in our service.

Monday 27 March 2006

The importance of teamwork

“Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.” - Nehemiah 2v20

Everything was in place and the work of rebuilding the city was all set to begin. In spite of the mockery and ridicule Nehemiah told Sanballat and the others that God was going to bless the work and the people were going to get up and go build the wall.

Chapter three is simply fascinating. At first appearance it looks like just a list of a bunch guys building a wall. Yet, at closer examination we can see the kind of teamwork that was taking place. It seems that everyone was there. Here is one example, “…Uzziel, … of the goldsmiths … Hananiah…one of the apothecaries…repaired the wall.” There were priests, government officials, craftsman, and shopkeepers all on the wall doing their jobs. There was a job to be done and everyone did their part.

God’s plan for His work is teamwork. Can you imagine what would have happened if only a few had set out to build the wall, or if everyone just set out on their own instead of planning who would do what.

These were people with a common purpose. They set aside their differences and everyone got to work. I wonder what would happen if God’s people followed that example today?

Sunday 26 March 2006

I prayed to God, I said to the king…and the mighty hand of the Lord was upon me

“Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king, … And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.” - Nehemiah 2v4-8

One day Nehemiah was going about his normal task of serving the king when the king noted that Nehemiah had a sad countenance that he had never had before. Nehemiah was burdened because of the state of Jerusalem. When the king asked him what the problem was Nehemiah was afraid to respond.

Nehemiah did the right thing. He prayed to God and then He talked to the king. Too often we get it confused, we talk or act first and then we talk to God about it. When Nehemiah had his priorities right he talked to God, then the king, and the hand of God was upon Him.

Before we can expect God’s hand to be upon us we must do it right, talk to God, and then act; not the other way around.

Saturday 25 March 2006

Nehemiah’s prayer

“And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.” - Nehemiah 1v5-6

Nehemiah was not a prophet or a priest. He was “only” a cupbearer in the palace, yet he got burdened for the state of God’s people and decided to pray. His pray is a model of what our prayers should be like.

First Nehemiah glorified God for who He is, then he acknowledged the sin of the people, then he took his requests to God. Nehemiah was under no false illusions about how good the people were. He made no assumptions that the people deserved anything from God. He knew that they deserved nothing, and that all they had or could hope for was at God’s mercy. This simple cupbearer knew more about prayer than most Christians learn in a lifetime.

When we approach God we can do so with confidence because of what Christ has done, but we also must approach in humility and submission to God’s will. God is still holy, our sin is still wicked, and we deserve nothing from Him. Lets make sure that we have a proper attitude to prayer.

Friday 24 March 2006

You have punished us less that we deserve

“And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;” - Ezra 9v13


Ezra’s prayer of confession is one that we would all do well to emulate. He brings his confession to God with weeping and absolute supplication. There was no excuse, no allowance, and no passing the buck. He called sin sin and realised presented it to God as such. He placed himself and the nation at the grace and mercy of God. He acknowledged that God had punished them less than their sins deserved. At the end of his prayer all he could do was to stand before God and depend on Him.

Do we see sin like Ezra did? I find it way to easy to make excuses for my sins. There seems to always be reason why I do what I do. There is no excuse for sin. Only when we have a proper view of how bad sin is and how holy God is can we take a proper attitude toward our sin.

May we never get caught in the trap of making excuses for our sin. There are none.

Thursday 23 March 2006

Trembling at the words of God

“Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice.” - Ezra 9v4

Ezra was absolutely devastated. He was dismayed and confused when he received news that numbers of his countrymen had violated the word of God and taken pagan spouses. It appears that he was absolutely shocked at the news of what they had done. All day long he sat and fasted, after which he went to the Lord in prayer.

During this time there gathered around him those people who “trembled at the words of God. These people were the exact opposites of those who had married into pagan families. The people who gathered around Ezra had a holy reference for the words of God. Their reverence was so strong that they “trembled” at His words. These folks spent the day with Ezra as he prepared to seek the Lord.

Those same two groups of people are around today, even among Christians. There are those who have very little if any reverence for God and His word. There are some Christians who have such an awe of God’s Word that they tremble in reverential fear.

How do we respond to God’s word? Is it something that we think we can “Pick and choose” or “take it or leave it”? The folks who gathered around Ezra had it right. There is only one way to see God’s word. We must approach it in reverential fear, never taking its lightly.

Wednesday 22 March 2006

Fasting and humility

“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” - Ezra 8v21
Ezra was now ready to move forward, but he knew that there would be opposition. He was ashamed to ask the king for protection because he had already told the king that God would take care of them and protect them. There were protected by God’s almighty hand.

Instead of asking for help Ezra called for a fast with two purposes. One was to humble themselves, the other was to seek God’s way for them. Fasting was certainly not only an Old Testament practice. When teaching on fasting Jesus just assumed people were doing it, “When you fast…” He said. For Ezra fasting was a chance for the people to show their humility and to seek God’s way for the nation.

At the end of the fasting and prayer time they could rejoice for He heard their prayer. There is great benefit to be gained through fasting and prayer. The next time we face a situation where we do not know what to do, instead of running and asking someone for help, perhaps we should follow Ezra’s example and humble ourselves in fasting and prayer as we seek His direction.

Tuesday 21 March 2006

The Lord strengthened my heart

“And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.” - Ezra 7v28

Ezra found great strength and encouragement in a letter of support he received from King Artaxerxes. The letter gave Ezra full government freedom to all he wanted to do in Jerusalem. He knew that this was by God’s mercy alone. The Lord had shaped the heart of the king to support His work.

Note what Ezra did when he was encouraged. He gathered the men together and went out and got to work. Encouragement should always spur us to action. God gives us encouragement for a reason, and the reason is to motivate us to act.

How often do we get encouragement from the Word and get and warm fuzzy feeling, but then do nothing about it? God’s word and His work should motivate us to act.

Lets not be lazy recipients of God’s encouragement, but let us act on it!

Monday 20 March 2006

Seek…do…and teach

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” - Ezra 7v10

After all of the delays caused by political and legal wrangling the people finally were able to finish the building of the Temple. It was a glorious day and the Passover was reinstituted. Ezra came to Jerusalem as a spiritual leader. Ezra gives us an example of wisdom in leadership.

· Ezra prepared his heart to seek the Lord
· Ezra did what he studied
· Ezra taught the people how to do the same

Here we have a logical plan that each of us can carry out when serving the Lord. First we must prepare our own hearts to seek His word. Diligent Bible study is the very first thing required because without that we can’t do any of the rest. Once we have prepared our own hearts, we must do what it says. Many people fall short here and become useless Bible scholars. Once we know it, its time to do it.

Finally, once we have learned, and once we are doing, then we must teach. There can be no teaching without doing ourselves, and doing should always involve teaching so that the learning can be passed on.

Study…so…and teach! What a plan!

Sunday 19 March 2006

Separation

“Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.” - Ezra 4v2-3

There has been a lot of abuse about the concept of Biblical separation in the last few years. When this happens it can be tempting to “throw out the baby with the bath water” and forsake the Bible’s teaching on separation.

We must remember that separation is still an important Bible concept. Here in Ezra the people had come back to Jerusalem to build the Temple. The Samaritans, who had a corrupted concept of Jewish worship, opposed the return of Israel. They came and “offered to help” build the Temple. This would have given them a foothold in the re-established culture. Fortunately the leaders had the wisdom to refuse their help. “You have nothing to do with us, we ourselves will build…”

No matter how tempting the offer we must always do God’s work His way, using His methods, and in His time. We must never condescend to using the enemy to do God’s work.

Saturday 18 March 2006

Put it in writing

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,” - Ezra 1v1

The marvellous book of Ezra opens with God moving in a mighty way. So that Jeremiah’s prophecy would be fulfilled God moved in the heart of Cryus, king of Persia to issue a proclamation authorising the people of Israel to return and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.

In that proclamation this king proclaim that YHWH Elohim is the true God. He announces that the God is going to be with the Israelites and that his own people should help them on their way. Clearly God was at work in a mighty way to deliver His people as we will see in the book of Ezra.

Not only that, but the king ordered that his proclamation be written down so that there could be no mistake regarding it. Cyrus did not want his oral words to be misunderstood; putting them in writing gave them permanency.

I am so grateful that our King put His words in writing so that we don’t have to depend on memory or tradition. I can open His Word day by day and know that He is speaking to me. Praise the Lord that He “put it in writing!”

Friday 17 March 2006

A nations tragic end

“But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.” - 2 Chronicles 36v16

Over the turbulent years of its history Israel had seen highs and lows. Judah had had a few good kings and seen some revivals, but the people had always returned to their own ways. For almost 500 years they had neglected observing the Sabbath years that God has required them. God kept calling them through His prophets, but the mocked his messengers, despised His words, and misused His prophets, so the wrath of God was to be poured out. After seventy years of captivity they would return to Jerusalem, but the would never return to their power.

We serve a patient God. He lovingly calls and patiently waits for people to repent. However, God is also righteous. When people mock God’s messengers and despise His words His wrath will one day come.

We have a job to do. All around us people are facing the full measure of God’s wrath. They may mock, they may despise His words, but for now He is still giving them a chance. Let us redeem to time – for the days are evil

Thursday 16 March 2006

The Golden Opportunities of Youth

“For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.” - 2 Chronicles 34v3

Way back in secondary school in 1973 I entered a speech competition in Alabama and did quite well! The topic for the speech was “The Golden Opportunities of Youth” I don’t remember the speech, but I do remember that I used examples of youth through history to demonstrate the opportunities youth had in those heady days.

Today I would surely include King Josiah in that list of examples. King at eight, he began following the Lord at sixteen, and at twenty he began making major changes in the kingdom to reverse what the previous king had done.

Youth is a prime time to serve the Lord. “Remember now your Creator in the years of your youth,” is a clear admonition to all young people. Young Christians today have a golden opportunity to serve the Lord. There are not many takers for the position of Godly Young Person. The church., today more than ever needs some Josiahs in its midst. We are never more capable of serving the Lord than when we are young. Those who are young should stand up and say, “I want to be a Josiah!”

Those of us who are no longer young have a job to do as well. When we see a potential Josiah who wants to serve the Lord it is our job to do whatever we can to encourage and assist them along the way.

May God give us Josiahs in 2006 and may he remind us who are older of the golden opportunities of youth.

Wednesday 15 March 2006

Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God

“And prayed unto him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.” - 2 Chronicles 33v13

There could not be two kings more different than Hezekiah and Manasseh. When Manasseh became king he undid all the good that Hezekiah had done. Among other things he sacrificed his children to Molech, had the high places rebuilt, allowed idols in the Temple courtyard, and even allowed an idol to be brought into the Temple itself. God tried to speak to Manasseh, but he would not listen.

Finally God allowed the Babylonians to capture Manasseh and take him away captive back to Babylon. There, while he was afflicted he prayed and humbled himself before God. God saw his repentant spirit and restored him to power back in Jerusalem where Manasseh acknowledged that Jehovah truly was God.

Manasseh set about setting things right. He tried to restore proper worship and he rid the Temple of idols. However the people had been corrupted and they still chose to worship the Lord at the high places in violation of God’s plan.

Sin always has consequences. We can rejoice in the fact that God does forgive sins by His grace and in His mercy, but we must also understand that sin will have an impact and that this is not removed by sins being forgiven.

May we realise just how serious sin is, even forgiven sin.

Tuesday 14 March 2006

With him is an arm of flesh, but God is with us

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” - 2 Chronicles 32v8

Hezekiah had seen God do great things in the spiritual realm. The idols were destroyed, the high places had been torn down, and the Passover had been restored.

Now, however, he faced a new and real threat. The mighty King Sennacherib and his mighty army were roaring down from the north wiping aside all opposition. Israel had fallen to the mighty Assyrian army and things looked dark for Judah. Defeat looked certain.

Hezekiah had it all figured out though. “Sennacherib has a mighty arm of flesh,” he said, “but we have the Lord our God to help us and fight our battles.” These words of comfort caused the people to find rest.

Sometimes it seems like in our Christian lives we are looking up at a mighty army of opposition like Sennacherib had. The arm of flesh which opposes us seems too strong for us to bear. In those days we would do well to heed the words of Hezekiah and find our own rest in them as well. They might have a mighty arm of flesh, but we have the Lord our God on our side to fight our battles for us. We have no need to fear. When God is on my side, why should I fear what man can do to me?

Monday 13 March 2006

Everything that Hezekiah did for the Lord he did with all his heart

“And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.” - 2 Chronicles 31v21

Hezekiah’s life and reign are summarised with these words. “Everything he did for the Lord he did with all of his heart.” This king had the kind of dedication that God favours all throughout the Bible. In Ecclesiastes we read, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” In Colossians 3v23 we find the New Testament principle that Hezekiah already knew – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

God is not looking for half-hearted, lazy followers. He is looking for followers who, like Hezekiah, are willing to serve Him with all their hearts. How do we compare to Hezekiah in this aspect of serving God. Can it be said of us that “every work we begin in the service of the Lord…we do with all our hearts”?

Sunday 12 March 2006

In their faithfulness they sanctified themselves unto holiness

“And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:” - 2 Chronicles 31v18

As a part of Hezekiah’s nationwide reform he called for the people in general and the priests in particular to dedicate themselves to the Lord. The priests in particular were charged with setting themselves and their families apart, or sanctifying themselves, to God.

This was apparently a personal dedication of priests and families to the Lord. It reminds me of Joshua’s pledge that “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” For a New Testament principle we can look at Romans 12v1-2; “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Like the priests mentioned above, we too should be willing to sanctify ourselves to holiness as we faithfully serve Him. A puritan write is quoted in “The Valley of Vision” with these applicable thoughts -

“There is much unconquered territory in my nature,scourge out the buyers and sellersof my soul's temple,and give me to return pure desires,and longings after perfect holiness.”

Are we willing to separate ourselves to holiness, forsaking all that the world has to offer, as we faithfully serve the Lord?

In their faithfulness they sanctified themselves unto holiness

“And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:” - 2 Chronicles 31v18

As a part of Hezekiah’s nationwide reform he called for the people in general and the priests in particular to dedicate themselves to the Lord. The priests in particular were charged with setting themselves and their families apart, or sanctifying themselves, to God.

This was apparently a personal dedication of priests and families to the Lord. It reminds me of Joshua’s pledge that “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” For a New Testament principle we can look at Romans 12v1-2; “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Like the priests mentioned above, we too should be willing to sanctify ourselves to holiness as we faithfully serve Him. A puritan write is quoted in “The Valley of Vision” with these applicable thoughts -

“There is much unconquered territory in my nature,scourge out the buyers and sellersof my soul's temple,and give me to return pure desires,and longings after perfect holiness.”

Are we willing to separate ourselves to holiness, forsaking all that the world has to offer, as we faithfully serve the Lord?

In their faithfulness they sanctified themselves unto holiness

“And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:” - 2 Chronicles 31v18

As a part of Hezekiah’s nationwide reform he called for the people in general and the priests in particular to dedicate themselves to the Lord. The priests in particular were charged with setting themselves and their families apart, or sanctifying themselves, to God.

This was apparently a personal dedication of priests and families to the Lord. It reminds me of Joshua’s pledge that “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” For a New Testament principle we can look at Romans 12v1-2; “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Like the priests mentioned above, we too should be willing to sanctify ourselves to holiness as we faithfully serve Him. A puritan write is quoted in “The Valley of Vision” with these applicable thoughts -

“There is much unconquered territory in my nature,scourge out the buyers and sellersof my soul's temple,and give me to return pure desires,and longings after perfect holiness.”

Are we willing to separate ourselves to holiness, forsaking all that the world has to offer, as we faithfully serve the Lord?

Saturday 11 March 2006

The good Lord pardon every one that prepared his heart

“For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.” - 2 Chronicles 30v18-20

Here in the Old Testament we find a wonderful picture of the grace of God even when the Law was still in existence. Hezekiah had called for an observance of the Passover to be carried out. A great number of people came to the Passover and partook, but they did not go through the whole ritual cleansing first. They should have been punished for violating the Law, but Hezekiah interceded for them.

He prayed that God would pardon all those who had prepared their hearts, even though they had not followed the law, and “the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah and healed the people.”

It is clear even the Old Testament that God was a God of mercy and grace. These folks violated the Law, but God took mercy on them because they had prepared their hearts.

How wonderful to serve a God of mercy. He does not condone or accept sin in any regard, but He knows our hearts.

Friday 10 March 2006

Some laughed and mocked, but some humbled themselves

“So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.” - 2 Chronicles 30v10-11

As part of Hezekiah’s attempts to restore true worship he reinstituted the Passover. He sent runners all through the land to inform the people and invite them to Jerusalem for the event. As the runners told the people the news some laughed at them and mocked them, but some did humble themselves and come to Jerusalem.

Anytime one tries to follow the Lord and worship him there are going to be similar responses. When Paul was on Mars Hill he had a similar experience. Some mocked him, others wanted to hear more, and a few believed.

We should not be surprised or discouraged when people do not respond to God’s word in the way we want. Just like those who heard the runner’s message some are going to laugh and mock us, but some, maybe only a few, will hear, humble themselves, and come to Christ.

Those few are worth all of the mocking and laughter.

Thursday 9 March 2006

In the time of his distress King Ahaz became increasingly unfaithful to his Lord

“And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.” - 2 Chronicles 28v22

It is not only personal strength and power which can lead us away from God, adversity and trouble can also lead to forgetting about God.

Ahaz’ reign was the opposite of Uzziah’s. There were troubles aplenty under Ahaz’ reign. He was the ultimate pragmatist and when he saw defeat after defeat he sinned more and more. He decided that if the enemy was winning they must be right to he began to adopt the false gods on the enemy.

Uzziah forgot about God when he became strong. Ahaz forgot about God when we became weak. The problem is obvious – neither man had a right view of God and their hearts were never truly turned toward God.

When our heart is right the circumstances become irrelevant to us. Lets be sure that we never base our relationship to the Lord on our circumstances. May we learn to follow the Lord and trust Him in our strength and in our weakness.

Wednesday 8 March 2006

But when he was strong his heart was lifted up

“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” - 2 Chronicles 26v16

Uzziah was a brilliant leader in the land. His army grew, he set up watchtowers out in the desert and he even had new weapons developed that could fling arrows and stones from the top of the watchtowers on the enemies. He supported agriculture and had new wells dug and supported farmers and shepherds. Judah was becoming a mighty power and verse fifteen says that Uzziah was made strong.

In verse sixteen it all changes. When Uzziah became strong his heart was lifted up and he sinned by trying to take on the priestly role. His pride led him to try and do things that God did not want him to do. His job was to be king, not priest, but in his strength he thought he could do whatever he wanted.

There is a real danger in strength. Strength can too easily led to pride as it did with Uzziah. Perhaps that is why God tells us in the New Testament that God uses the weak, the base, and the foolish things of this world. When he uses these things they can only glory in the Lord.
Let us rejoice in our weakness and beware in our strength.

Tuesday 7 March 2006

As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper

“And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.” - 2 Chronicles 26v5

When Uzziah became king he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and as long as he did that he was a success. When he turned away from following God he lost all promise of prosperity. Prospering and following God are inextricably linked.

When we think of prospering we usually think of material things. That however is a man-centred concept. Our ultimate desire should be to spiritually prosper and we are only to prosper spiritually today when we are following the Lord. We can’t hope to neglect Him and still prosper spiritually. If we truly desire spiritual prosperity we must prioritise following Him.

Monday 6 March 2006

[Amaziah] did that which was right…but not with a loyal heart

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.”
- 2 Chronicles 25v2

Amaziah was the son of Joash who was a king of Judah who had fallen into apostasy. Joash was eventually defeated by the Syrians and upon this Amaziah became king.

Amaziah seemingly learned from his father. He set about to do all the right things. However, he had a problem that would eventually be seen and bring about his destruction. While he did what was right, he did not do so with a heart that was loyal to the Lord.

God is never satisfied with just surface obedience, and He never has been. Anyone can do all the right things, Christian or not. Any Christian can do the right thing, whether his heart is right or not. Amaziah’s wrong heart attitude eventually manifested itself in open rebellion against God. If our hearts are not right, eventually the truth will be seen.
Lets be sure that as we do right, it is more than just doing right, but that we do so with a loyal heart.

Sunday 5 March 2006

The people had not prepared their hearts

“Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.” - 2 Chronicles 20v33

Jehoshaphat followed Asa his father in following the Lord and doing what was right in God’s eyes. It was one of the very few times that Judah had two good kings in a row.

Yet Jehoshaphat left something undone. He did not rid the land of the high places because the people’s hearts were not prepared to the Lord. They followed God, the walked in His ways, but they never changed their hearts and always left provision to return to their old ways. These high places, which they could just not let go, proved their hearts were not totally sold out to the Lord.

What about the high places in our lives? What are the things we just can’t get rid of because our hearts are not truly prepared to the Lord? Isn’t it about time we tore down the high places in our lives?

Saturday 4 March 2006

The realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet

“So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.” - 2 Chronicles 20v30

God gave His promised victory in a might way. The people had the faith to trust God before He acted. They sent out singers to praise God for what He was going to do before He did anything. When they started praising and singing God caused the alliance to break down. The Ammonites and Moabites fought the men from Mt Seir then they fought each other so that when Judah arrived there was no army to fight!

After all was said and done we read that the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for God gave him rest all around. Peace and quiet are two things that we all long for. Jehoshaphat found peace and quiet for himself and by simply learning to trust he Lord in time of opposition. If we desire true peace and quiet in our lives we would do well to follow his example.

Friday 3 March 2006

Be not afraid or dismayed

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.” - 2 Chronicles 20v15

King Jehoshaphat was facing daunting task. The nations of Moab, Ammon, and Mt Seir were allied against him. Jehoshaphat took the entire nation to the Lord where they sought His leadership. At first he was afraid. In response he sought the Lord and called a fast and prayed. The Lord responded by sending these words through the prophet Jahaziel. “Be not afraid or dismayed by reason of this multitude, for the battle is not yours but the Lords.”

I first came across this verse in about 1977. I was only saved a couple of years and had just started dating my dear wife. We were separated for the summer and writing back and forth almost daily (LONG before e-mail). We tried to share some devotional thought every day.

I was going through some particular struggle, that I don’t remember now, and was checking my post office box. As usual I immediately opened Mary’s letter and saw this passage. The Lord used it immediately to remind me that the Lord was the One who would fight the battle for me.

Many times through the years the Lord has brought this passage back to my heart and mind. What battle are you looking at today? What challenge is before you? Might you do well to follow the example of Jehoshaphat? The battle is not yours, but the Lords!

Thursday 2 March 2006

The eyes of the Lord run to and fro

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” - 2 Chronicles 1v:9

As time went by Asa seemingly forgot what God had done for him when He defeated the million man Ethiopian army. About thirty-five years later he faced opposition from a march smaller army from Israel led by King Baasha.

Instead of depending on the Lord, Asa went to the Temple and took silver and gold to pay the king of Syria to help him repel Baasha. His plan worked, Israel was repelled, but Asa missed his chance for a military victory over Syria.

Hanani the seer gave the reason – “the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” Asa did not realize that the Lord is looking for opportunities to show Himself mighty and He will do that for those whose hearts are perfect, or loyal to Him.

What a blessed truth. God is looking for chances to show Himself mighty. I wonder how often we get in the way when we try to do things in our own power and according to our own wisdom? I wonder how often we force our own way instead of letting Him work?
What kind of challenge are you facing today? Are you willing to let God show Himself mighty as you keep your heart loyal to Him, or are you going to follow Asa’s example here and try to do it your own way?

Wednesday 1 March 2006

Let no man prevail against thee

“And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.” - 2 Chronicles 14v11

How many men does God need to win a victory?

Shortly after Asa became king of Judah he set about restoring true worship to the land. He tore down the idols and their high places. Asa was one of the few who chose to follow the Lord.

He faced a major challenge when an Ethiopian army that out numbered him by about two to one confronted him. His roughly half million men faced a million man plus army.

Asa had enough faith that he was not troubled by this massive army. He simply called out to the Lord with a cry of faith, “It makes no difference to you Lord to save with many, or by those who have no power. We rest on thee and in thy name we go forth and no man will prevail against you.”

Asa knew that the physical numbers meant nothing. With God on our side we will prevail at the end of the day. The next time you feel outnumbered or alone, remember that it makes no difference to God to save by a great number, or with a weak powerless few.