Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

May 12th Who Are The Nethinim?

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 8 – 9

As I was reeading today’s passage, I was caught by the name used in verse 2 of chapter 9, Nethinims:

Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. (1Chronicles 9:2)

I decided to do a little study on these people and I discovered that the Nethinims were a group of people that were actually slaves or servants to the Israelites. The Gibeonites were such a people (see Joshua 9). Apparently these folks were assigned to serve the Levites in the temple. These folks are mentioned by name several times, but only in two other books of the Bible: Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is apparent that the Books of the Chronicles were actually written after the captivity years, and may have actually been written by Ezra. Nevertheless, it appears that these Nethinims existed as bondservants  before the captivity, early in Israel’s history, and then chose to retain their position as servants in the temple when the Israelites returned to the land from Persia.

These Nethinims must have been a dedicated people to willingly be slaves to the God of Israel and servants to the Levites in His temple. I would like to be that kind of a servant; not the guy with the robe on who is always in front of the people but the guy who just loves and humbly serves the Lord, the Lord’s House, and the Lord’s people. Would to God we had more Nethinims today in our churches who are willing to work behind the scenes; people who are willing to quietly serve the Lord without the applause and honor of men.

May 11th (No Title)

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 6 – 7

In chapter six of today’s passage 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 Levi was not given their own portion of land as the rest of the 11 tribes were given.  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.  Perhaps it was in Hebron as that was where Aaron’s sons, the priests lived.

These are just a bunch of rambling thoughts from the chapter.  This portion 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 in our ability to administrate all of the people and facilities 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; not because they don’t love the Lord, or 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. 

May 10th The Prayer of Jabez

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 4 – 5 (Yesterday’s 2-3)

I am sorry about not posting yesterday.  The entire weekend was a little crazy with the Mother/Daughter Banquet on Saturday; and then all of the preparations for the Bill of Rights Spring Campaign. 

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. (1Chronicles 4:10)

I have got to admit that these first few chapters of 1 Chronicles are not my favorite portions of Scripture to read.  Oh, don’t misunderstand, these genealogical passages are very important, and God has good reason to include them in the Bible; but they don’t make for very interesting reading.  However, nestled in the midst of this rather dry recollection of families and names is a prayer request made by a man named Jabez.  Now we don’t know anything about this man except for this prayer which is recorded here; but we also know that God granted him that which he requested.  Let’s take a look at the prayer:

1  He prayed that God would prosper him.  He depended on God for that prosperity.  He recognized that God was the source of all blessing.  His prayer required a great deal of faith which we know is pleasing to God.

2  He prayed for protection.  Again, he knew that anything could happen to him; but he also knew that nothing could happen to him without God’s permission.  He asked God to put an hedge of protection about him.

3  He prayed for peace of mind (happiness).  Not every situation we face in life will be pleasant to us; but God’s people should be a very happy people.  We have a lot to be happy about.

I have often thought that this prayer was selfish.  He didn’t pray for others; he didn’t pray for the glory of God; he didn’t pray for the salvation of the world; he prayed for himself; and God answered him.  Maybe God likes it when we come to him in childlike faith.  I guess God enjoys blessing us.  Don’t misunderstand, I don’t think that God appreciates a spoiled brat, always begging for things they want; and always griping about what they don’t get; but I bet He enjoys blessing us.  I know I enjoy doing things for my kids, just because I love them.  Maybe, we should try praying a prayer like Jabez.

May 8th The God of Second Chances

Todays Reading – 2 Kings 25 – 1 Chronicles 1

In the closing verses of the book of 2 Kings there is a very interesting story involving King Jehoiachin.  Jehoiachim was Josiah’s grandson who took the throne when he was only eight years old and only reigned for three months.  It was during his short reign that the King of Babylon came in and took Jerusalem captive.  Though we certainly could not blame all of Jerusalem’s problems on Jehoiachin; the Bible does tell us that he was an evil king, even at eight years old.  Nevertheless Nebuchadnezzar took him captive and threw him in jail in Babylon where he stayed for 37 years. (He is now 45)

In this passage the Bible records something very remarkable.  The new king of Babylon (Evil-merodach) removes him from prison and places him in a position of honor in the kingdom.  The question I have is why?  The Bible doesn’t tell us directly, but I have a suggestion.  I believe that it is very possible that Jehoiachin got right with God when he was in prison (people often do).  He was possibly influenced by Daniel or some of the other men that were taken captive with him.  Notice the Bible tells us that he received some new garments.  I believe that could be a picture of the robe of righteousness that God gives us when we get saved.  I could be off-base on this; but since the king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand, I just would like to think that God gave him a second chance with a new life .

May 7th Mind Your Own Business

Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 23 – 24 

In chapter 23 of today’s passage we see the death of Josiah.  Surprisingly, Josiah did not die of natural causes; he was slain in battle.  Now the question I have is this:why would God allow a good and godly king like Josiah to be slain in battle.  Bad kings were often killed due to the judgment of God; but not good kings.  What happened?  The answer is not clear in this passage; but when we compare it with a parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 35, God tells us why. 

After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who iswith me, that he destroy thee not. Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

Here we see that Josiah involved himself in something that was none of his business; and as a result, he was slain.  God never commanded Josiah to get involved in a battle between Egypt and Babylon.  Interestingly, Josiah was helping Babylon; and Babylon is the nation that later would destroy Jerusalem.  Josiah might not have realized it; but he was actually fighting against God’s will.  

When I look back at my life, I can see that many of the times that I got myself in trouble was when I interfered in things that did not pertain to me.  I should have minded my own business.  Let me encourage you, don’t meddle with things that do not belong to you.  Stay within the area God has given you; and make sure before you intervene in other people’s affairs, that you clearly have the direction of God. 

May 6th Have You Found The Book?

Todays Reading – 2 Kings 21 – 22

In chapter 22, we have the account of the great king Josiah.  I used to have debates with a good friend of mine as to who was the greatest king of Israel or Judah.  His favorite was Hezekiah; but mine was Josiah.  I like Josiah.  He started young, but he had a heart for God from the beginning of his reign until he died; and he caused God to postpone the judgment that was coming due to the sins of the kings before him.

As I mentioned already, Josiah was a good king from the start; but something happens in verses 10 and 11 that will destine him for greatness.  The men that were working on the Temple discover a copy of “the book of the law”, the Bible.  Apparently the Bible had been missing and out of use for many years because nobody seemed to even know about it at this point.  When Josiah reads it for the first time he “rent his clothes” because he knew that Israel and Judah had gotten completely away from the principles contained in “the Book”.  Once he has finished mourning over the sad state of affairs in his nation, he begins to implement in the nation all of precepts contained in the law.  He follows God with all of his heart and all of his strength; and God puts his blessings once again on the nation of Judah.

How about you?  Have you found “the Book”?  Have you discovered that “the Book” is not just a dusty decoration on your coffee table; but is a powerful source of nourishment for your hungry soul; and a bright light of direction in this dark world that we live in today.  Find your Bible; read your Bible; study your Bible; apply your Bible; and share your Bible with others. 

May 5th Special Guest Post by Gary Geiger

Todays Passage – 2 Kings 19 & 20 

A few years back I heard a message from a missionary entitled. “At Your Wits End”.  I have never forgotten that message.  After reading 2 Kings 20, I began to sympathize with Hezekiah and his sickness.  Many of you know that I personally struggle with a sickness, often times unto death.  I become paralyzed, unable to do anything but the bare minimum.  While struggling with my illness a short time ago a few things happened:  first, someone said they needed me; second, I was reminded through God’s Word about my value in the body of Christ; and third, instead of waiting for this struggle to pass, I decided to read God’s Word, and I came across this verse; 

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. (2 Kings 20:5)  

God’s Word is always true.  If you are hurting inside and at your wits end, it isn’t over: God is trying to teach you something.  In our humanity, I believe we often tend to lean to our own understanding.  I do, but God understands our frame.  He knows our heart.  He feels our pain.  He wants us to turn again; to pray; and to cry.  The thief on the cross next to the Lord turned one last time and prayed to God in the flesh.  I wonder if his heart was crying to the Lord on the inside?  I wonder if he shed tears on the outside?  God healed him.  God healed Hezekiah.  God can heal you and me!!!

Gary Geiger

May 4th What Should Hezekiah Do?

Today’s Reading – 2Kings 17 & 18

In chapter 17 of today’s reading we see the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel.  God had warned them for years that if they would not  listen to Him and turn from other gods; and also turn from their wicked ways, that He would judge them.  The powerful Assyrian nation came down from Ninevah and took captive all of the people of the northern kingdom and assimilated them into other cities of the Assyrians; and by doing so completely immersed them in the Assyrian culture.  It seems that Israel not only got what she deserved; but also received what she wanted.  Israel did not want to be a nation of God; they followed the heathen nations; and now they were part of a heathen nation.

In chapter 18, however, we see the same impending doom heading south to the nation of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. At this time Hezekiah is the king.  The difference between Judah and Israel is, however, that Judah, under the direction of Hezekiah, is a very godly nation at this time in their history.  They are following the Lord, and they are separating themselves completely from the heathen nations around them; and they are trusting in God to deliver them.  But here in this chapter they are facing the same threat that Israel faced and were defeated by.  Will God deliver them?  What will they do?  Will God save them if they call upon Him?  Tune in tomorrow to chapters 19 & 20 to find out.

May 3rd Now You’ve Gone Too Far

Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 15 & 16

In chapter 16 of today’s passage we read the story of Ahaz, the king of Judah.  He was a wicked king who, the Bible tells us, “made his son pass through the fire”.  He did not follow the example of David, but rather walked in the ways of the kings of Israel.  But the thing that he did in vv 10 – 16 went beyond anything that any of the other kings of Judah had done before him.  The Bible tells us that, while visiting Damascus in Syria, Ahaz saw a heathen altar, and was so impressed with it, he wanted it duplicated back in Jerusalem.  He also takes some of the instruments of worship from God’s temple and incorporates them in his new pagan temple; and he commands the priests to basically forsake God’s house, and perform all of their worship at this new altar that he had built.

I have two thoughts on this.  First, we can see clearly that Ahaz is not a man that has any kind of a relationship with the God of the Bible.  Because he does not know God, he is not seeking God’s direction for his life, or for the nation.  He is doing what seems right in his own eyes.  He is making all of his own decisions without any concern for the will of God.  How often do I do that today?  I have a relationship with God, but so many times I find myself doing and saying things that originate with me, and not with God.  we need to seek God’s principles through the word of God, and the specific will of God through prayer.

The second thought I had was this: Ahaz had forsaken God’s house a placed all of his sacrifices on this pagan altar that he had built.  God expects us today to give our lives as a living sacrifice, yet so often we lay our lives at some other altar, rather than the altar God intends.  Most often it is at an altar of our own making and design which would mean that we are the god of our own lives.  Let’s get back to God.  If we are truly God’s people, let us recognize that we are “bought with a price” and that we no longer belong to ourselves, but to Him.  Let us lay down our lives at the altar of God’s choosing; not seeking to fulfill our own desires, but rather seeking the perfect will of God for our lives.