2 Chronicles

When God Speaks 

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2 Chronicles 11:4
“Thus says the Lord: ‘You shall not go up or fight against your brethren! Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me.’  Therefore they obeyed the words of the Lord, and turned back from attacking Jeroboam.”

“Thus says The Lord” is a very common phrase in scripture. All in all, it is used over four hundred times. We find God speaking to priests,  prophets, kings and commoners. It becomes very clear that the problem is rarely with God being silent, and is more often with man refusing to listen and obey.

I am particularly encouraged by the use of “Thus says the lord” in this passage, because of who it was that God spoke to, and how he responded. The portrait the bible paints of Rehoboam makes it clear he was anything but a godly man. His self-will created division within the nation, and his idolatrous ways continued to weaken things from within. He was a defiant, proud, and self willed man, yet we read of a time when he responded favorably to the words of God.

The bible teaches that believers ought to be praying for our political leaders. Often, we become discouraged, and fail to pray,  when it seems they show little or no regard for the things of God. It is important to keep in mind, the God who got through to Reheboam, is the same God who wrote on the wall of Belshazzar’s palace, and the same God who stirred Caesar to take a census of the people, and is the same God who is able to direct our leaders, even if they show little evidence of wanting his direction. Rather than losing heart at  the condition of our nation, it should drive us to our knees, where we seek God to bring about His purposes, and perhaps bring yet another revival before Christ returns.

Pastor Jim

Unraveling 

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2 Chronicles 9:6
“However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard.”

A person, standing at a distance and looking in at Solomon’s kingdom, would be struck by the enormous wealth and prosperity. We read of merchants traveling the world and returning with treasures of gold and precious stones, as well as exotic spices and animals. We are told, the landscape was marked with elaborate building projects, fine arts, and gourmet foods. Beyond question, the nation looked to be at its apex, and was envied by the world around them. In fact, we are told that delegations, including kings and queens, would make their way to Israel just to see its highly developed society and vast wealth. All the world wanted to be like Israel. Sadly, things were not really as they appeared. Underneath the surface was a cancer that was eating away at the fabric of the nation, and in a few short years would cause its collapse.

1 Kings 11:6-7

“Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord, as did his father David. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon.”

The real strength of Israel was not their military, their economy, their foreign policy, or the wisdom of their leaders. The real strength was their commitment to the Lord and His Word. They were a nation founded on the principles of God’s Word, which gave them a foundation that could support their vast growth and success. When they departed from the Lord, it was only a matter of time before the nation imploded.

Today, across our nation, we are celebrating freedom. Flags, fireworks, and family cookouts remind us that we are part of the greatest nation in the world. Our freedom has resulted in vast wealth, and has made us the envy of the world. People from all over the globe dream of making their way to America to find a better life. Unfortunately, some view freedom as a license to behave without law. They believe that freedom means that no one, especially not God, has the right to tell them their behaviors are wrong. They want to celebrate being free with licentiousness. Sadly, this will ultimately lead not only to greater bondage, but will destroy the fabric that holds our nation together.

If we want true freedom, it will never be found in breaking away from the laws of God, but in living in step with the One who designed us, loves us and desires the best for us.

Pastor Jim

 

Our Nation

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2 Chronicles 7:14
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

The bible clearly teaches God is just, and will one day judge each nation for its wickedness. The farther a nation strays from the ways of God, the weaker it becomes, and the closer it gets to its final hour. This was true of Israel, Judah, and the surrounding nations; and remains true today. One cannot read the pages of God’s Word and not conclude, there will come a time for judgment for those who turn their back on God. That being said, it is also true, God does not take pleasure in judgment, but delights in extending mercy. It is His desire to pardon and restore. To that end, a promise is given to Solomon which remains true today. This promise is directed at the child of God, for the purpose of forgiveness and restoration.

Notice this promise is conditional, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, . . .” The present condition of our nation is calling us, not to rise in judgment of those who are following the course of the world, but to fall on our knees in intercessory prayer. A church full of men and women who will bow before the Lord, and cry out for the salvation of souls, will have a tremendous impact upon the world, no matter how dark it has become.

We are also called to turn from our own sin and seek the Lord. I once read a book on the history of revival. The purpose was not only to remind the reader of what God did in the past, but to stir up a future work of God on earth. The author wrote, if we want to see a revival begin in our community, then spread to impact our nation, we should start by drawing a circle on the ground, kneeling within the circle, and praying for God to begin the revival there. Too many Christians are outraged by the sins around them, without giving any conscious thought to the sins within them.

God wants to forgive and restore, but He wants to do it through the lives of those who have chosen to follow Him. Will you rise to the challenge by falling on your knees? Are you willing to remove sin from your own life, and seek God to work in the lives of others? Our nation is on the edge of a cliff; it is time for the children of God to take Him seriously and seek His face.

Pastor Jim

 

The Cross 

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2 Chronicles 6:29-30
“Whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this temple: then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways…”

Once the Temple was erected and the altar and priesthood put in place, Solomon explained the purpose of the Temple. It was designed as a means for sinful men to have relationship with a holy God. As Solomon prayed, he revealed the great benefits of the Temple. We might say, 2Chronicles 6 gives us the doctrine of the Temple. It became clear, no matter what the cause, turning to the Lord was the cure. If the people were suffering loss, pain, sorrow, sickness, or defeat, they could turn toward the Temple, pray, and find restoration with the Lord. Since the Temple provided access to God, it was the means to receiving mercy from the Lord.

The Temple no longer exists, but the mercies of God are still accessible to sinful men. Instead of looking to a building where sacrifice is offered, we now look toward the cross. It was at the cross two thousand years ago, God expressed His mercy, love and grace by sending His Son as a sacrifice for sin. The cross is now the way to access the mercy of God. Whatever suffering sin has caused in your life, the cross can cure. No matter how often or how far you have fallen, when you look to the cross and confess your sin, you will find His mercy in the form of pardon and restoration.

Whatever you are facing today, the cure is at the cross. Take time this morning to sit at the foot of the cross and call upon the mercy of God.

Pastor Jim

 

Established 

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2 Chronicles 3:17
“Then he set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left; he called the name of the one on the right hand Jachin, and the name of the one on the left Boaz.”

In addition to building the Temple, Solomon had two large pillars erected, which he named Jachin and Boaz. Jachin means to establish and Boaz means strength. Whenever a person approached the Temple, they would see these two massive pillars. A reminder that the nation, the kingdom, the Temple, and each of our individual lives, are established and strengthened by God.

I recently had a pergola built in my yard. The first step was to clear away the weeds, the second was to establish a foundation. This is true of any building project. Rubble must be removed and a foundation must be laid. As we seek to build our lives, it is important we clear out the things that do not belong, and we build on the proper foundation. The Bible refers to many principles which are foundational to establishing a strong and healthy life.

We are told Jesus is the chief cornerstone of life (1 Peter 2:6). He should not be treated as an additive to life, but as the most important aspect. The bedrock of life is set when we trust in Christ for salvation.

Jesus went to great lengths to explain that even believers can build their lives on shaky ground. He warned of building on a sandy foundation rather than on solid rock (Luke 6:48-49). The rock He referred to was obedience to His written Word. The secret to a successful Christian life is to read and obey the Word.

Finally, Jesus told us the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all (Luke 10:27). In other words, we must give Jesus first place in our lives. One way we can do this is by starting our day with Him. Rather than running out the door to face the day in our own strength, it is a good idea to take some time to read His Word and pray before we face the challenges of the day.

Pastor Jim

 

Heavy Lifting 

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2 Chronicles 2:5-6
“And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build Him a temple, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a temple, except to burn sacrifice before Him?”

Solomon faced a great predicament, he desired to build a temple where God and man could meet, but he realized that all the heavens were too small to contain Him. He knew the dwelling place for God must be grand, but he also knew that no earthly building could ever truly reflect the glory of God. The temple he would build would be a mere shadow of the real glory of God, and was designed to point Israel to the Lord. For generations to come, this building would serve as a place where man worshipped God, and was the focal point of many revivals within the nation. It interests me that this glorious building was the byproduct of a multitude of people investing their many different gifts. In fact, we find thousands of men were hired for the work of quarrying stones alone. Seemingly, innumerable man hours were spent doing nothing more than working with rocks.

Sometimes, it is difficult to see the value in what we are doing for the Lord. We might have a role in the ministry much like a wood cutter or stone mason. We swing a hammer or lift heavy objects, and do not see the intrinsic spiritual value in what we are doing. I think it is important to step back and see the big picture. Without the massive foundation stone, there would have been no altar, tabernacle or mercy seat. The stones were truly the foundation upon which the ministry was built.

The temple serves as a illustration of the church. There are ministries like worship, prayer, and Bible teaching that are clearly spiritual. However,  for these ministries to be effective, there are a host of things that must take place. Cars need to be parked, people need to be welcomed, children need to be cared for, the rooms need to be properly prepared, the lights have to work, and the list goes on and on. In many ways, those who are laboring in the things that may seem mundane, make it possible for people to encounter the Lord. Don’t reduce any service for the Lord as though it didn’t matter. If you are a stone mason, then cut away with all you heart.

Pastor Jim

 

Slip Sliding 

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2 Chronicles 1:15
“Also the king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland.”

After Solomon ascended to the throne of David, he was gifted by God with everything necessary to become the greatest king the world had ever known. Because of his father’s military campaigns, the nation would experience a time of peace unlike anything they had ever known. The wisdom of Solomon and the wealth of the nation made it seem as though they would have years and years of abiding peace, strength and growth. It seemed as though nothing could stop the nation that had been birthed by God. Tragically, in a few short decades, this nation would go through a heated civil war, dividing the nation, and costing many their lives. Not too much later, this nation would be defeated over and over again by their enemies, until they were finally overthrown and carried captive to Babylon. What happened? What caused the rapid fall of a nation with such promise?

The collapse of the nation began with the compromise of its leadership. By the end of Solomon’s life, the nation was filled with altars to false gods, and the people were involved in strange and immoral worship practices. This did not come suddenly. It was the byproduct of a slow, but slippery slope that began with just a little compromise. Solomon ignored the warnings of God, and began to multiply horses, money and wives unto himself. Soon his trust was no longer in the Lord, but in his army and his wealth. His wives began to turn his heart away from the Lord.

I wonder, if we were to truly examine our lives, if we could find things that do not belong? These things did not suddenly appear, instead we let them in gradually. A casual look at something forbidden, has led to an addiction that seems to control us. A neglect of the Word, has made it more difficult to get back in the habit of reading the Word, or a misunderstanding with someone, has led to a failure to be consistent in fellowship. Whatever it may be, understand this slippery slope will end with a tragic fall.

Before things get worse, it is time to get things right. Let’s determine, today, that we will walk with Christ.

Pastor Jim

 

Lesson Learned 

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1 Chronicles 14:10
“And David inquired of God, saying, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?’ The Lord said to him, ‘Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand.’”

David’s domestic policy included doing everything possible to ensure that the Lord was at the center of the nation of Israel. To this end, he sought to bring the Ark into the city of Jerusalem. In doing so, David committed one of the more common mistakes in ministry; doing the right thing, the wrong way. Instead of opening the Word of God and doing the necessary research on the subject of transporting the Ark, David used “common sense” and a pattern set by the Philistines. The Ark was placed upon a new a cart and driven to Jerusalem. Tragedy struck along the way and a young servant of the king was killed. The reason for the failure was that David had failed to seek the ways of the Lord.

Before Chronicles returns to the subject of the Ark, we are told that David was forced to deal with the problem of the Philistines. Since the time of the Judges, the Philistines had become an increasing problem to Israel. Much land and countless lives had been lost, as they continued to attack the nation. David realized the problem must be addressed. His recent failure with the Ark taught him a valuable lesson, and rather than using charts and graphs, he determined to seek the mind of the Lord. In two decisive battles, David received his marching orders from the Lord.

It seems appropriate to say, David had learned his lesson. What started as a failure, became a learning experience. David came to understand the proper way to live his life, serve the Lord, and lead the people, was to begin with searching out the mind of the Lord.

We have available to us, the counsel of God. It is critical that we take the time to both pray and listen. God wants to direct us, and He does so with His Word. Before making life decisions, be sure to take the necessary time to look into the pages of your Bible and to seek the ways of God.

Pastor Jim