The Levites – God’s Ministers
Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 6 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – (Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – John 5 – 6; Psalms 31 – 35; Proverbs 7)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 25
Read the “0507 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot. And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.” – (1 Chronicles 6:54-55)
In 1 Chronicles, chapter six, we have the genealogy, and the land distribution of the families of the Levites. Remember, the Levites were the folks ordained by God to minister for Him in the Tabernacle, and they were not given their own portion of land like the rest of the 11 tribes were. According to this chapter the Levitical families were given cities within the borders of each of the other tribes. This was no small number of cities either: they were given literally dozens of cities to live in. I often wondered why God didn’t just give them a region surrounding the place where the tabernacle (and later the temple) would rest. It would seem that it would be more convenient to live near where they primarily ministered. Perhaps the reason God set it up this way was because that the needs of the Levites were to be met by the other tribes. The other tribes supplied them with their food and other needs, and it was certainly more convenient for them to have some of the Levites nearby. Apparently the families of the Levites did not all have to report to the tabernacle every day, because the distance that some of them would have to travel would render that impossible. They must have taken turns travelling to the tabernacle to serve the Lord. It is also evident that the tabernacle was not in Jerusalem early on. The tabernacle started out in Gilgal, then was moved to Shiloh, and then to Nob. It was finally placed in Jerusalem by David; and then was replaced by Solomon’s Temple.
This portion of Scripture gives us a more accurate picture of what reality was for these servants of God. I always thought that the entire ministry team for the tabernacle was perhaps a few dozen people who all lived right outside the entrance. I never realized that it was a huge number of people (perhaps several hundred thousand). Think of the logistics of organizing this team of workers. Think of the planning required to make sure that all of their physical needs were met.
As our church grows in number, we will also have to expand our ability to administrate all of the people and logistics required to facilitate that growth. God will have to give us wisdom as to how to best accomplish this. However, we must be prepared to change the way we do things. Growth is a natural part of life. We are expected to grow; but along with numerical growth will also have to be an expansion of ability and administration so that the needs of the increasing numbers of people can be met. You can help, by asking God what he would have you do to help in this awesome task. I believe the reason that many churches stop growing is not because they are off in doctrine, and not because they don’t love the Lord or His people, but simply because they never expand their abilities in order to administrate a larger work. They are trying to run a large church in the same way they did when the church was small. Don’t misunderstand, many things should stay exactly the same; but unfortunately many things will by necessity have to change.
Posted in Thoughts from 1 Chronicles by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
They Cried to God in the Battle
Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 3 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – John 3 – 4; Psalms 26 – 30; Proverbs 6)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 19
Read the “0506 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this passage – “The Prayer of Jabez“
“18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. 19 And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. 20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him. 21 And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand. 22 For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.” (1 Chronicles 5:18-22)
The beginning section of 1 Chronicles is the largest genealogical portion of Scripture in the Bible. As was stated yesterday, these genealogies are very important, albeit at times they are not the most exciting passages to read. There are many nuggets of truth, however, nestled in the midst of these genealogies. In a previous post, we discussed the prayer of Jabez from 1 Chronicles 4:9 – 10. This morning I would like to focus on 1 Chronicles 5:18 – 22, which discusses the acquisition of land on the east side of the Jordan River by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
Verse 18 tells us that these 44,000 men were brave and very skillful in their military ability, but apparently their numbers and their expertise were not enough to conquer the enemy. They needed God’s help. Notice in verse 20, the Bible tells that they were helped by God because they put their trust in Him. We also know that it was God’s will for them to go to war against the Hagarites because “the war was of God” (v. 22).
I believe we can learn some things from this passage as we fight the Lord’s battles today”
- First, we must be sure that we are fighting God’s battle (doing His will). If we are just working for ourselves, we cannot expect success.
- Secondly, we must trust in the Lord to bring us the victory. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
- Finally, I believe that we should work at sharpening our skills. These men of Israel were well equipped, and highly trained for the task, and I think that God’s people need to be equipped and trained today in order to serve the Lord effectively. Someone once said that we ought to work like it all depends on us, but we ought also to pray like it all depends on God.
These three tribes were able to drive out the wicked inhabitants of the land and possess their dwellings all because they trusted in the Lord, and they remained there until the time of the captivity. Why did they eventually lose their land to the Assyrian army? Because they stopped trusting in God. We receive all of the blessings of life because of our dependence upon Him. Let’s not lose them by deciding to live life trusting in the flesh.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.“ (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Posted in Thoughts from 1 Chronicles by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
Why We Should Read the Genealogical Passages
Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 1 – 2 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – John 1 – 2; Psalms 21 – 25; Proverbs 5)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 18:3 & 46
Read the “0505 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from today’s passage – “His Name is Mudd”
“1 Adam, Sheth, Enosh, 2 Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered, 3 Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech, 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. … 28 The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael. 29 These are their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,” (1 Chronicles 1:1-4, 28-29)
“12 And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse, 13 And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, 14 Nethaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh:” (1 Chronicles 2:12-15)
“17 All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.” (1 Chronicles 5:17)
The words “genealogy” or “genealogies” are found only twenty-four times in the Bible and fifteen of those times are in the two Books of the Chronicles, which is full of genealogical records of many people associated with Israel’s history but primary they trace the lineages of the kings of Judah. It is really a miniature of Israel’s history from Creation through the Babylonian and Persian captivity period. The temptation is to skip over these passages of Scripture as they tend to be dry reading without a lot of excitement but that would be a mistake as there is a lot that can be gleaned from these passages.
The Books of the Chronicles were originally combined together into one book. The name of the book means “annals” or “happenings of the days.” The author of the book is not named but is traditionally thought to have been Ezra the priest who compiled his information from prophetic records, such as the Books of Samuel and other official records of Israel. It had to have been written after the Babylonian captivity and after about 450 BC. Although there is considerable overlap from Chronicles with the Books of Samuel and Kings, there is also much new material. According to MacArthur:
Over 55 percent of the material in Chronicles is unique, i.e., not found in 2 Samuel or 1 and 2 Kings. The “chronicler” tended to omit what was negative or in opposition to the Davidic kingship; on the other hand, he tended to make unique contributions in validating temple worship and the line of David. Whereas 2 Kings 25 ends dismally with the deportation of Judah to Babylon, 2 Chronicles 36:22–23 concludes hopefully with the Jews’ release from Persia and return to Jerusalem.[1]
The purpose of 1st and 2nd Chronicles was to remind the returning remnant from Israel of both the successes and failures of their past. The successes came when they were obedient to the Lord. These books also served to encourage Israel regarding the wonderful promises regarding their future that God had given them and would surely fulfill.
Why Should We Not Skip Over These Genealogical Passages?
- Though these passages contain many names that are unknown to us, they are not unknown to God and to the people who are concerned about history.
God knows all of these people intimately. That serves to remind us that God knows us intimately. God not only knows our names, but He knows everything about us, even the seemingly insignificant details. Jesus said:
“7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.“ (Luke 12:7; also Matthew 10:30)
- The People of Israel were very concerned with remembering, revering, and learning from the previous generations.
The contemporary culture does not seem to be overly concerned with history, or even just remembering and revering the generations that immediately preceded them. We can learn a lot from both the successes and failures of the previous generations. The Apostle Paul admonished the Church at Corinth to learn from the recorded history of their forefathers. He said:
“6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. … 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11-13)
Our forefathers got some things right and we ought to appreciate that. They also got some things wrong and we need to learn a lesson from their mistakes. By the way – don’t be too hard on the previous generations for the things they got wrong. Give them some grace and then maybe the next generation may give you some grace as well for your mistakes.
- In these genealogical passages there are many little nuggets of truth. Nestled within these seemingly endless names are truths that cannot be found elsewhere in the Bible. The example that comes to mind is the passage about Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:
“9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
- These passages also contained technical information that help us understand the connections between people dealt with in the more familiar portions of the Bible.
For example, 1 Chronicle 2:16 and 17, we learn that David had sisters, named Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah had three sons (David’s nephews), Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Each of these play an important part within David’s kingdom. Abigail had a son named Amasa who also is an important historical figure. Amasa was actually killed by his cousin Joab. Knowing from Chronicles the familial ties enriches the understanding of the history.
Don’t skip over the genealogical passages. Pray and ask God to reveal a truth to you from these passages that will help you as you serve Him today. This whole devotion started out with a prayer and a rather dry and sometimes tedious reading from the first two chapters in 1 Chronicles.
[1] John MacArthur Jr., ed., The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed. (Nashville, TN: Word Pub., 1997), 563–564.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Choose Your Battles Wisely
Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 23 – 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
Second Milers also read – Luke 23 – 24; Psalms 16 – 20; Proverbs 4
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Joshua 1:8
Read the “0504 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.” – (2 Kings 23:29)
In order to make sense of the story referenced in 2 Kings 23:29 (above), the parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 35:20 – 25 should be read also. In a nutshell, the two big dogs on the block during the time of Josiah are Egypt and Assyria. The Kingdom of Judah, which includes Jerusalem and its surrounding areas was nestled right in between these two world powers. Assyria had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. Anyway, Egypt was travelling north to fight with Assyria at a place called Carchemesh on the Euphrates River. King Josiah from Judah, for some unknown reason, got in the middle of this battle, choosing to fight for the Assyrians against Egypt. 2 Chronicles tells us that the Pharaoh of Egypt warned Josiah not to interfere. Nowhere in Scripture does it say that God told Josiah to get involved. From all appearances it looks as if Josiah was killed because he involved himself in something that God never told him to be involved in. Josiah was a great king, but he got his priorities messed up here. The end result is that Josiah’s son takes control of Judah, and the Bible tells us that he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.
I think that there is a great lesson for us to learn here. Sometimes we get ourselves in trouble when we interfere in things that God never told us to interfere with. We need to learn to do two things. First, we need to choose our battles carefully. Second, we need to learn to mind our own business at times. Now don’t misunderstand, sometimes God wants us to get involved in things that are not directly involving us, but when these times arise we need to make sure that it is truly God’s will for us to involve ourselves. When I look back through the years of my ministry here at Jersey Shore Baptist Church, I can now see in hindsight that there were many times that I got involved in things that God never told me to do. As a result, the church would lose focus, and harm would come. I am trying now to stay within the area that God has called me to. He has called me to pastor the people of Jersey Shore Baptist Church, and He has called me to get the message of the gospel to my community. Besides my responsibilities as a husband and father, those are my main duties. It is a big enough job by itself, so I don’t need to get mixed up in something that distracts me from those purposes. There are a lot of “good” causes out there to get involved in, but even a “good” cause can become sin, if it is not God’s will.
How about you? Do you ever find yourself getting sidetracked into an area that distracts you from what you know God wants you to do? Choose your battles wisely, mind your own business, and stay focused on the will of God for your life.
By the way, I want to also be careful to acknowledge that even though Josiah got mixed up in something he shouldn’t have, he was still a great king, and in my opinion the greatest king Judah ever had. Chapter 23 of our passage records all of the great things Josiah did in Judah and even in the northern kingdom, Israel. He worked tirelessly removing the evil that his predecessors had allowed to enter into the land.
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Kings by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
The Saturday Morning Post – The Words Of This Book
Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 20 – 22 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Luke 21 – 22; Psalms 11 – 15; Proverbs 3)
Read the “0503 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought the king word again, and said, Thy servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of them that do the work, that have the oversight of the house of the LORD. And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” (2Kings 22:8-13)
“In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Saviour gave to the world was communicated through this book.” – Abraham Lincoln
The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts. – John Jay – First Chief-Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Education is useless without the Bible. The Bible was America’s basic text book in all fields. God’s Word, contained in the Bible, has furnished all necessary rules to direct our conduct. – Noah Webster
Good morning. Have you seen the news this morning? Don’t bother, it’s all bad. Just 11 years ago we saw fathers suffocating crying babies so they can play video games. Two Alaskan police officers killed by a teen. Home invasions, murder, rape; what is this world coming to? The end.
According to 2Kings 22:2 , King Josiah did what was right before the Lord without wavering. Then the Scriptures were found while repair work was being made on the temple. Upon hearing the Scripture read, Josiah tore his clothes; his nation was in trouble with the Lord. Why? He was doing what was right before the Lord, walking in His ways, wasn’t he? Why would the Lord be angry with Judah?
“…because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” (2Kings 22:13)
Today, in America, sin is running rampant. Look at the quotes by three of our early leaders, and what they said about the Word of God. Things have changed. Maybe we need to rent our clothes, drop to our knees, and humble ourselves before God or has America fallen too far? Josiah was concerned with doing right, when confronted by the Word of God he could see the corruption of the past kings would evoke the wrath of God. Josiah humbled himself before the Almighty God, and God told him, he would die in peace. Is there still time for America? Jesus said…
“…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
And to quote another great American…
“It ain’t over till it’s over.” – Yogi Berra
There is always hope through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is written in the Words of this Book – The Bible.
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with no comments yet.
Spread It Before the Lord
Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 18 – 19 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Luke 19 – 20; Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4
Read the “0502 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this passage – “Now You’ve Crossed the Line”
“And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.” – (2 Kings 19:1)
“And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.” – (2 Kings 19:14)
In our passage this morning in 2 Kings we learn that the city of Jerusalem was surrounded by the army of Assyria. This very powerful nation had already conquered much of the known world at that time, including the northern kingdom of Israel. Jerusalem, in southern kingdom of Judah certainly did not have the military strength to repel such a powerful force. But King Hezekiah knew Someone who could help even in this very impossible situation. The king of Judah did what we all should do when we are faced with problems far bigger than our own human ability to solve: he went to the Lord. Notice in verse 1 above that Hezekiah went into the house of the Lord. That’s a good place to go to find answers. He then sent for the man of God, Isaiah. In this passage we can see a recipe that will help us in times of trouble. Go to God; go to God’s house; seek counsel from the man of God.
Notice in verse 14 above, the Assyrian’s are threatening again, and Hezekiah does the same thing that he did the first time. Why wouldn’t he? By the way, both times God delivers Jerusalem from the mighty Assyrian army. The first time, God just lures them away from Jerusalem, but the second time He actually kills 185,000 of them. They should have quit when they were ahead.
So, what can we learn from this passage? When you are faced with questions and problems that are bigger than yourself, go to God. Look into the Bible for answers to your questions. Seek counsel from the men and women that God has placed in your life to help you. And whatever you do, do not forsake the house of God when you are faced with problems and going through difficult and discouraging situations. It very well may be that God will solve your problem there. The older I get, the more I realize that my life is bigger than my ability to live it right, and I often find myself not knowing what to do. I need God’s help. I need God’s wisdom. Our church is always facing decisions that drive us to our knees. My family is facing decisions regarding the future. We need God’s wisdom; God’s help. We need to spread these things before the Lord.
At another point in Judah’s history, King Jehoshaphat found himself and the southern kingdom in a similar dilemma, and he also went to God for help:
“1 It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. … 5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 6 And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 9 If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. 10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; 11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.“ (2 Chronicles 20:1, 5-12)
In the New. Testament, James also gave this same advice – Go to God. He will liberally give you the wisdom that you need to navigate through any problem.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – (James 1:5 )
Revised 050225
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Kings by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
Have It Your Way
Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 16 – 17 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Luke 17 – 18; Psalms 1 – 5; Proverbs 1)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 4:7 & 8
Read the 0501 Evening and Morning devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this passage – “I Warned You”
“They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.” – (2 Kings 17:33)
“So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.” (2 Kings 17:41)
Do you remember the old Burger King jingle and ad campaign, “Have It Your Way?” Years ago this company promoted the concept of having your burger custom designed any way you desire. They inferred that the other fast-food burger places would only let you purchase their food the way they made it, and you could not “special order” a sandwich the way you wanted it. The ad campaign, I think, was very successful for Burger King. It has been a few decades decades since they ran those ads and I still remember them. The Burger King concept is a reflection of the American culture. We don’t want to be confined to a pre-determined menu. We want it our way. The Burger King concept may be a very good idea when it comes to selling fast food, but it will be a disaster for the church.
In our text, we see people living in the land of Israel who were originally from many nations. They had been placed there by the king of Assyria after he had removed many of the Israelites from the land. These foreigners faced opposition from God Himself when they first came in to inhabit the land, so they figured they had better do something to appease the God of Israel:
“24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. 25 And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them. 26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land. 27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land. 28 Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.” (2 Kings 17:24-28)
The king of Assyria released one of the Israelite priests from captivity and charged him to return to Israel and instruct the people in the proper worship of the God of Israel. The result was that these people incorporated God into their worship partially, but they still continued to worship their own gods, their way.
The New Testament tells us that in the end times there will be many that will do the same thing:
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” – (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
We are certainly living in the time that the Bible describes in 2 Timothy, and we have applied the Burger King philosophy to our worship of God. We pick and choose which doctrines on the menu that appeal to our tastes and we create our own custom designed forms of worship and service. We have it wrong. This “seeker sensitive” generation of Christians needs to go back to the Bible and discover what is pleasing to the Lord and then submit themselves to the menu that He has designed for them in His wisdom. God knows how to make our burgers better than we can. We had better let Him have it His way.
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Kings by Phil Erickson with 3 comments.
God Sent Them a Saviour
Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 13 – 15 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers Read – Luke 15 – 16; Proverbs 30 – 31; Psalms 146 – 150)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 John 3:1
Read the “0430 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days. And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. (And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime.” – (2 Kings 13:3-5)
In our passage today we have the northern kingdom of Israel, which is a nation that had long ago abandoned the God that had brought them from bondage in Egypt and had given them a land of their own. They are led by a king, Jehoahaz, who the Bible describes as an evil man. Because of this nation’s wickedness, God sends judgment via the hand of the Syrians. However, in verse four something very interesting happens: this bad king, Jehoahaz, humbles himself before the Lord, and asks for the Lord’s help and the Lord delivers Israel from the hand of their enemy.
What a marvelous picture we have here of the grace of the Lord. This nation and this king certainly did not deserve any help from the Lord, yet the Lord in His mercy delivered them anyway. This story reminds me of another story. I know a guy who is also a bad guy, a sinner, and he lives in a bad place, America: a nation that also has long ago abandoned the God that blessed them with their freedom and prosperity. Many years ago this evil guy I know recognized his sinful condition and the judgment that lay ahead for him in Hell, and he also humbled himself before the Lord and called upon Him for forgiveness. You know what? The Lord had mercy upon him too and saved him. That guy’s name is Phil Erickson. He didn’t deserve it then and still doesn’t now deserve any consideration or mercy at all from a holy God, yet God saved him. What a God?
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – (Romans 10:13)
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Kings by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
The Lord’s People
Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 10 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 13 – 14; Proverbs 29; Psalms 141 – 145
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 Timothy 1:17
Read the “0429 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Read a previous post from this passage – “Housecleaning“
“And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD’S people; between the king also and the people.” (2 Kings 11:17)
The northern kingdom of Israel never had the benefit of good leadership, and there is no doubt that the worst leadership team that served them was King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Time would not permit me to list here all of the ways that these two had led their nation away from the will of God, but suffice it to say that they were some evil people. However, their wicked influence did not just impact their own nation, as the southern kingdom of Judah was also affected by the evil that was spewing out of their neighbors from the north. It all started with a good Judaean king named Jehoshaphat who loved the Lord but unfortunately, also had an “affinity” to Ahab. Jehoshaphat and Ahab were friends, so much so that Jehoshaphat’s son, Joram, married Ahab’s daughter, Attaliah. Joram was not a godly man, choosing rather to follow the influence of his wife and father-in-law rather than follow the God of his father. King Joram and Attaliah had a son, Ahaziah, who became the king of Judah and he was also an evil man. He met an untimely death at the hands of Jehu because of his association with Ahab’s family. When he died, his mother, Attaliah (Ahab’s daughter), seized control of Judah by slaughtering everyone else that would have a claim to the throne, and she actually reigned as queen for 7 years. However, one of the “seed royal” of Judah was rescued from Attaliah’s attempted assassination, and was secretly protected and raised by Jehoiada the priest; and when Jehoash (called Joash in 2 Kings 11:2) was old enough, he was revealed to the nation and was anointed as king. Finally, a good king was back on the throne and some of the influence from the family of Ahab could be reversed.
The people of Judah had gotten out of the will of God because they allowed an ungodly influence into their land, but now, under the leadership of King Jehoash and Jehoiada the priest, some great things could happen. In 2 Kings 11:17 a covenant was made between the king, the people, and the Lord; and this covenant declared that the people of Judah would once again be “the Lord’s people,” meaning that they were going to remove the influences that had previously pulled them out of the will of God and they also were going to follow the principles contained in the Word of God.
Notice the results of this decision:
“And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet:” (2 Kings 11:20a)
God gave the people rejoicing and “quiet,” which means they were at peace. Praise the Lord. There was a time when our land enjoyed the peace (quiet) of God. I wish America would follow the example and admonition of Jehoiadah and Jehoash by ridding our land of the ungodly influences, and wholly following the Lord. Maybe then we could be “the Lord’s people” again as a nation, and could also have that wonderful peace that comes with it.
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Kings by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
Windows in Heaven
Today’s Passage – 2 Kings 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 11 – 12; Proverbs 28; Psalm 136 – 140
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32
Read the “0428 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.” (2 Kings 7:2)
In today’s passage we see the the city of Samaria surrounded by an overwhelming army of the Syrians. This massive host from Syria had the city surrounded for some time, which caused the Israelites to run completely out of food on the inside of the city with no way to get out to get more food. Things got so bad the people were actually buying and selling dove’s dung to eat. Some had even killed and ate children. Pretty hopeless situation.
Along comes the man of God and tells them that at the same time the next day the situation would be reversed, so much so that food that was very expensive the previous day would be sold for next to nothing on the next day. But one of the lords (princes) of Israel doubted the Word of God through the mouth of the prophet and stated basically that this is impossible, even if God were to open the windows of heaven.
You can read the story for yourself but God did exactly what he said he would do. The Syrians heard the sound of chariots and assumed that their enemies from Egypt or maybe the Hittites were coming to help Israel by attacking them. They flee, leaving all of their food and goods behind. Israel discovers that the Syrians have left and they come out of the city and spoil the camp of the Syrians.
It looks like God truly opened up the windows of heaven. Israel had a promise from the word of God regarding those same windows in heaven:
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)
God has promised us that if we will keep him first in our lives that he will keep those windows open. He doesn’t promise that we will all live in mansions on this earth and eat caviar, but praise the Lord, we won’t have to eat dove’s dung either.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Posted in Thoughts from 2 Kings by Phil Erickson with 3 comments.