Category: 1 Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Chronicles 22 tells us matters went from bad to worse in Judah as first Ahaziah became king and then Athaliah became queen. Ahaziah’s reign was brief and evil. He followed the ways of his father and the kings of Israel and worshiped idols. He reigned only a year, because he made the mistake of joining sides with Israel’s king against Syria. When Israel’s king was eliminated by Jehu, Jehu assassinated both King Jehoram of Israel and King Ahaziah. Ahaziah’s mother Athaliah was more evil.  She attempted to have all of Ahaziah’s brother’s killed, but the priests plotted to spare the life of Joash. They hid him for six years, until he was seven years old.

The account continues in 2 Chronicles 23, as the priests conspired to overthrow Athaliah and install Joash as king. The plan worked and Joash became a good king. He found a copy of the Law of Moses, which he used to reform the people, and then caused the Temple to be repaired. The account continues in 2 Chronicles 24, and as we find so often after a good start, Joash rejected God’s will and purpose and started worshiping idols. He did this as a number of kings of Judah before him had done. As a result, he killed Jehoida the priest and ultimately Joash was assassinated, too.

As we turn to Matthew 26, we find the record of the woman poured a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus, while He was eating at the house of Smon the Leper.  Many grumbled because she had “wasted” the money, which the perfume would have brought because of its value. They said this, because the perfume could have been sold and used to feed many poor people. Jesus rebuked the group, and pointed out the woman had done something important for Him.  That’s the part that’s so easy to miss. Jesus appreciates our extravagant acts of giving, or serving or other ways we show our love to Him. Until we learn to love and serve Jesus extravagantly we will always be missing the point, at least to a degree.

After this Judas went to the Jewish religious leaders and agreed to turn Jesus over to them. Following this Jesus has a couple of the disciples go and prepare a place for them to celebrate the Passover. That night Jesus celebrated the Passover in a new way that reinterpreted the bread and Juice so it now represented his body and blood given for us and shed as a sign of the new covenant He would establish through His death on the cross. After this the disciples pledged their allegiance to Jesus, but He told them one of them would deny them, and all of them would run away when He was arrested. Peter promised never to deny or forsake him, but Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times that night. After the meal, Jesus took the group to Gethsemane to pray. It was there Jesus struggled in prayer, and was eventually arrested after being betrayed by Judas’ kiss. As Jesus had told them, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times that night. As we look at the account of the end of Jesus’ life in any of the four Gospels, we might wonder how those who had been closest to Him, could have betrayed, denied and abandoned Him. All we have to do is to think about the many times in our own lives when we have betrayed, denied and abandoned Jesus in our own lives and we’ll see it isn’t as hard as it might seem!

2 Chronicles 19 records the reforms of King Jehoshaphat. The LORD was upset with him for partnering with King Ahab of Israel, but forgave that wrong, because he did so much good in Judah. Jehoshaphat also appointed judges throughout the land of Judah to preside over cases throughout the land. He charged them to remember they were judging before the LORD, so they were to judge rightly. Jehoshaphat also set up priests and Levites as judges in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 20 records an amazing event in Jehoshaphat’s reign. The Ammonites and Moabites came against Judah with intent to destroy them. Jehoshaphat went to the Temple and prayed, along with all the people of the city. Jehoshaphat cried out to the LORD, and the LORD promised deliverance. Just as He had told the people of Israel when they were about to cross the Red Sea, and were being pursued by the Egyptians, “You need only stand still and I will fight for you,” the gist of the LORD’s promise was the same.  The people praised the LORD that night. The next morning the priests and Levites who played instruments led the army to battle singing and praising the LORD, but there was no battle. The Lord caused the enemy armies to fight among themselves and destroy themselves. It took three days for the army of Judah to bring the spoil home. With that amazing account of the LORD’s deliverance of Judah, we would expect faithfulness from Jehoshaphat for the remainder of his reign as king. As usual, we would be wrong. Jehoshaphat had peace for a long time, but at the end of his reign, he partnered with another king of Israel, Azariah, and was condemned by the LORD for it.

2 Chronicles 21 marks a sad decline in the history of Judah. When Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat came to power after his father’s death, he killed all of his brothers and some of his other relatives, to secure his grip on the throne. Then he turned away from the ways of his father, Jehoshaphat, and pursued “whoredom” as had the kings of Israel. Jehoram had married a daughter of King Ahab, and her influence guided him to re-establish the high places, and to pursue other false gods. As judgment against Jehoram, the LORD allowed Judah’s enemies to have various victories over them, and ultimately Jehoram was struck with a “disease of the bowels,” which ended in an extremely painful death for him. The final words in the chapter tell us he died “with no one’s regret.” Imagine, being such a bad leader that when you died, no one was sad. We see again, that just because a man has a good father, or good parents, doesn’t mean he will do the LORD’s will. Each generation must decide for itself whether they will follow the LORD. Each of us must not only make that decision, but then follow the decision with commitments that will bring us to carry out the decision. Deciding to follow the LORD, to follow Jesus, is good, and following them out of the commitment of our hearts is even better.

As we turn to Matthew 25, Jesus tells three parables, each of which relates to being prepared for Jesus’ return. The first parable told of ten virgins who were to attend a wedding. The groom was delayed, so they rested. Five of the virgins were wise, so they brought extra oil for their lamps, but the five who were foolish did not. When their lamps when out, they had to go out in the middle of the night looking for a place to buy more oil. While they were away, the bridegroom came. The five wise virgins were given entranced to the wedding feast and the door was closed. When the other five came they knocked on the door, but weren’t permitted inside. Jesus concluded the parable by telling us we must be ready as well.

Then Jesus told the parable known as the Parable of the Talents. In it He tells of a master who had to go away on a trip. He entrusted his wealth to his servants. He gave the first five talents, the second two talents, and the third one talent. We’re told he gave to each according to his ability. (Thus, we see Jesus recognized we aren’t all the same, and have differing abilities.) While their master was away, the first two servants doubled the amount entrusted to them. The third servant was afraid of his master, so he hid the money in the ground. When the master returned, he rewarded the first two servants for their faithfulness, but when the third servant told the master he had buried the talent in the ground, because he was afraid of the master, because the master was harsh. The master responded by telling the servant if he knew the master was harsh, why did he not at least deposit the money in a bank and gain interest. He called the servant wicked and lazy, and commanded he be cast out into he other darkness. Jesus concluded this parable by telling us the one who has much will be given more, and the one who has little will have it taken away. The reason is not because those with much deserve more, and those with little don’t. The reason is the ones who had much used it to their masters glory, and the one with little didn’t. Jesus judges us according to what we have, not according to how much we have, but He expects us to do the most we can with what He entrusts to us.

The final parable is of the end of time. Jesus tells us when He returns He will separate everyone into two groups: the “sheep” and the “goats.” The sheep are those who have done small daily deeds of service to others, such as giving food and clothing to those in need, or visiting those who were sick or in prison. The goats would be those who failed to help such people. Jesus told us when we do something for the least person  in His name, we are doing it to Him.

These parable remind us we were created to glorify God through faithful lives. We aren’t saved but our good works, but once we are saved, we demonstrate our salvation through good works. Often in American Christianity, we have leaned so heavily on God’s grace that it becomes license rather than what it is: God’s unmerited favor to sinners deserving death. The gratitude for such amazing grace challenges us to serve others in Jesus’ name with great love, passion, and always in Jesus’ truth. The New Testament writers made it clear it was never intended to be grace or works, but grace followed by works.

 

2 Chronicles 15 tells us more about King Asa’s reign, and how fully he followed the LORD. His favor with the LORD was such that many from some of the tribes of Israel, deserted Israel and became part of Judah. We’re told Asa even removed his mother from being the queen mother, because she didn’t worship the LORD, and because she made an Asherah pole. One small matter was not attended to by Asa–he didn’t remove the high places around Judah. We’re told his heart was wholly devoted to the LORD, but the high places were always a stumbling block to God’s people. The chapter ends by stating there was no war in Asa’s kingdom until the thirty-fifth year of his reign.

2 Chronicles 16 tells us in the thirty-sixth year of his reign King Baasha of Israel came against him. Instead of relying on the Lord, he relied on the King of Syria. A prophet came to him and asked him why he had relied on the Syrians, when God had dealt with far larger armies before. As a result Asa would have war for the remainder of his reign. He also became diseased in his feet, but once again he did not call out to the LORD for healing. We see that even a good king didn’t always finish well. Indeed, there’s a pattern of that, as King David didn’t finish well, nor did Solomon. Starting well is important, continuing well is, too. But finishing well is vital to the legacy we leave to those who come after us. They need to see we can walk with the LORD all our lives and not just for a season or two.

2 Chronicles 17 tells us of Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son. He was a good king, and reflected his “father” David. That is always a great compliment. The important detail we find is he removed the high places and all forms of idol worship from Judah. As a result, the LORD strengthened Judah and gave it favor with all the surrounding nations. The Philistines even brought tribute to Judah during Jehoshaphat’s reign.

2 Chronicles 18 recounts King Jehoshaphat’s alliance with King Ahab of Israel. This was not a wise decision, and yet the LORD protected Jehoshaphat when he and his troops went out with King Ahab against the Syrians. Before the battle, the Chronicler recounts the prophecy of Micaiah the son of Imlah, who predicted Ahab would die in battle. Even though it wasn’t much of a battle, a Syrian soldier shot an arrow “randomly” and it pierced Ahab between the joints in his armor. Thus, he died as the LORD said he would.

As we turn to Matthew 24, Jesus tells His disciples of what will come at the end of time. Jesus makes it clear the end times will be filled with false messiahs, natural and political disasters, and all manner of evil. Yet, much of life will be the same as it has always been. Several times as He does in Mark 13, Jesus tells the disciples to be ready, to be prepared for the return. He also tells them when he end comes, everyone will know it. The challenge is to be ready. We don’t know the day or hour of Jesus’ return. We know it is closer than it has ever been. That means we must live faithfully, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to empower us each day, so when the day comes we will be ready!

 

In 2 Chronicles 12, we read of the remainder of Rehoboam’s reign. After he had established himself as king in Judah, he abandoned the ways of the LORD. The result of that is never positive, and in the case of Judah and Rehoboam, the LORD subjected them to the rule of Shishak, king of Egypt. When they saw what they had done, Rehoboam and his leaders humbled themselves before the LORD, and He relented, but even so, Shishak came and took away all the gold shields from the Temple, and caused them to feel the yoke of slavery. We can learn a vital truth from this situation: Put God first–period. Never let your position, whether great or small cause you to turn from following Him.

2 Chronicles 13 records the brief reign of Abijah, the son of Rehoboam. He reigned only three years, and the Chronicler doesn’t tell us whether he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD or not. What he does tell us is Abijah confronted Jeroboam and with 400,000 troops, and trust in the LORD, they took on Israel’s 800,000 troops and decimated them, killing 500,000 troops. While we aren’t given as much detail as usual about King Abijah, we see he put his trust in the LORD, which is always the right choice.

In 2 Chronicles 14 we read of the reign of King Asa, Abijah’s son. Asa was a good king, who not only did what was right in the LORD’s eyes personally, but also had all of the high places torn down, and destroyed any of the places of idol worship. He went to war against Ethiopia, and called on the LORD, because his troops were vastly outnumbered. The LORD responded and destroyed the entire army of the Ethiopians who had a million troops. Judah carried away much spoil and the fear of the people of Gerar came upon them. Again, we see how important it is to put our trust in the LORD. He always responds to those who trust and obey him.

As we turn to Matthew 23, Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees with a number of woes, and calls them hypocrites repeatedly. The Greek expression translated “woe” is a strong curse and could even be translated “Damn you!” Jesus realized the time was rapidly approaching for His arrest and crucifixion, and far from avoiding a confrontation with the leaders who would be arresting Him soon, He took them on. His major points of challenge with them was while they spoke the truth, they didn’t live it. In addition, they led their proselytes astray. Jesus never had problems with any group of people, but the religious leaders. Their hypocrisy was something He couldn’t tolerate, because being so gracious Himself, He expected them to act graciously. We do well to remember Jesus always forgave the “sinners” who admitted their sin and came to Him. The only group He confronted time after time were the religious leaders who thought they were better than He was. Jesus was perfect,  so we’re never going to be better than He is. Far better for us to humble ourselves before Him, admit our shortcomings, and live in His mercy and grace.

2 Chronicles 8 records many of King Solomon’s accomplishments. They included the construction of the Temple and his palace; the defeat of a number of Israel’s enemies; the remnant of the indigenous people of Israel were subjected to forced labor, while the citizens of Israel became soldiers and other workers for Solomon’s kingdom. Solomon followed his father, David’s desires when it came to having the Levites manage the Temple’s work. We find an interesting comment in 2 Chronicles 8 that will ultimately be the undoing of Solomon. We’re told he married Pharaoh’s daughter, but he wouldn’t let her live in David’s home or be where the Ark of the Covenant was, because it was holy. What we see here is Solomon knew he was compromising by marrying this woman, yet he did so anyway. Eventually, he married hundreds of wives, with many of the marriages being for political advantage. The result was Solomon’s zeal for the LORD declined, and eventually he worshiped foreign gods. We must learn the lesson Solomon didn’t: compromising in matters of our faith in the LORD, will always lead us to a place we don’t want to go.

2 Chronicles 9 records the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon. During Solomon’s reign many leaders who heard of his wisdom and wealth came to see for themselves, and all were astonished, but none more than the Queen of Sheba. As we read of Solomon’s wealth, we realize the tremendous blessing God poured on his life, and it is important for us to remember the reason for all this material blessing, was Solomon had asked for wisdom to rule God’s people well. Keeping first things first, always brings God’s blessing. As Jesus would put it 1,000 years later, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well. Chapter 9 closes out with a record of Solomon’s death. He ruled over Israel for forty years, which was consider a generation in Old Testament times. The Chronicler doesn’t go into the gory details of Solomon’s abandonment of the ways of the LORD in his old age, but simply tells us he was buried with his father, David.

2 Chronicles 10 starts with the account of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, becoming king. We find out right away that Rehoboam was not as wise as his father, because when the people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, come and ask him to ease the burden on them, and they will remain loyal to him, Rehoboam asks for three days to consider their demand. During that time, he asked the elders who had guided his father. They suggested he agree with the peoples’ demands. But then he went to his advisors, young men as he was. They told him to tell the people he would increase the burden on them. When he did so, the people rebelled, and the nation was divided into Israel and Judah. The Chronicler uses chapter 11 to tell us Rehoboam was going to attack Israel, but the LORD told him not to do so. So, Rehoboam secured the borders of Judah, and brought the priests and levites to Judah. This would leave Jeroboam in a position where he thought he needed to set up his own worship places, including two golden calves, so the people of Israel wouldn’t go to Jerusalem to worship and offer sacrifices, and then persuaded to turn back to being loyal to Rehoboam. This turned out to be a fatal mistake, as the northern kingdom abandoned the true God of Israel, and would never have an honorable king throughout their history.

As we turn to Matthew 22, Jesus tells a parable of a man who threw a wedding feast, but the invited guests wouldn’t come. Then the man had his servants go out into the highways and byways and call anyone who would come to join them. As the man walked through the wedding banquet, he found a man without wedding clothes, so he cast him out. The point of the parable is clear. Many who thought they were God’s people rejected Him, (this would include the Pharisees, and Sadducees of Jesus’ time), and many who were considered outcast would be included. Yet, even the outcasts who were included needed to be “dressed” appropriately. Jesus said many who are last will be first. That’s good news for all of us, who don’t think we’re all that, and who come to Jesus humbly accepting His salvation in our lives.

After Jesus’ parable, the religious leaders took turns attempting to trick Jesus into saying something for which they could arrest Him, or something that would turn the people away from Him. First, they asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. They thought he would be trapped regardless of how He answered, because if He said the ought to pay taxes to Caesar, the Jewish people would be upset. If He said they ought not to pay taxes to Caesar, then the could turn Him into the Romans. Instead, Jesus had them show Him a coin and asked whose picture and inscription it was? When they said, “Caesar’s.” He responded, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s! Next, the Sadducees attempted to trip Jesus up by asking a question about the resurrection. Because they didn’t believe in the resurrection, they used an example of a woman who was married to seven different brothers in succession. Each brother married the woman after the brother before them, died. Then the woman died. They asked Jesus, “So, to whom will she be married in the resurrection, since they all had her?” Jesus wasn’t challenged at all by this question. He responded that they were wrong, because they didn’t know the Scriptures or the truth of God. He pointed out we are neither married or given in marriage in heaven, but we are like the angels in heaven. He then gave a powerful illustration of the resurrection, by reminding the Sadducees when God spoke to Moses in the burning bush, He said, “I ‘am’ the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” even though they had all been dead long before Moses came along. Jesus’ point was they were alive when the LORD spoke to Moses, because He said, “I ‘am’,” not “I ‘was’ the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Another attempted to trick Jesus by asking Him, which was the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus responded quickly, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength,” and offered a second one that as like it, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No one could argue with that. Finally, Jesus turned the tables back on the religious leaders by asking them how the Messiah could be the Son of David, when David called Him LORD? After this no dared to ask Jesus anything. We do well to remember Jesus can answer all our questions, and we cannot outwit Him. As we go about our lives, we can rely on Him to guide us in any and every situation we face.

2 Chronicles 4 lists the making of the articles for use in the Temple. Over and over again we read either that King Solomon or Hiram made this item or that. We read of dozens and dozens of items and of one thing we can be sure: King Solomon most likely didn’t make any of the items himself. Hiram oversaw the casting of the items, but he probably did make any of the items himself. Currently, we are in the final phases of constructing the Children’s Nurture and Discipleship Center at New Life. A number of you have said, “You have certainly done a lot of work!” The truth is on this particular building, I haven’t done any work. When we built the first building, I did a good deal of hands on work on the project, but I haven’t done anything on this one. When such a major project is undertaken, the leader receives credit for “building” it, but the workers are the ones who do the building. It was true in King Solomon’s era, and it is true in ours. Each of you who have prayed for the project, or given money toward the project have been part of building the building. In the end, though, God will receive the glory for any good thing that takes place in it, and for seeing the project through to completion and putting the building into use. King Solomon would undoubtedly have said the same thing in his day. Let’s acknowledge the many workers who have overseen the project, coordinated the project, and poured and leveled the concrete, nailed the walls and trusses together, installed the wiring and plumbing, and all the details to get us to where we are. Let’s continue to pray for the materials we need to arrive–fifty-seven of the doors arrived yesterday!, and to lift up the workers in prayer, so we’ll be able to start using the building as soon as possible.

2 Chronicles 5 records the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple. The process involved a great procession, so many sacrifices that the number of animals could not be counted, and eventually the presence of the LORD filling the Temple as the Ark was placed in the inner sanctuary of the Temple. This was a memorable day for every person who saw it. If we fast forward to this moment, something much more incredible is taking place: inside each of us who bear the name of Jesus the presence of the living God lives. While we gather in church buildings or houses to worship with one another, and the LORD’s presence is with us in that, wherever we are, and wherever we go, God is in us and goes with us by His Holy Spirit. Let’s remember to thank God for this amazing reality, and to live in His power every moment of this day, to His glory and praise!

2 Chronicles 6 records Solomon’s dedication of the Temple and his prayer to the LORD. While the entire chapter is significant, let’s focus on Solomon’s humility before the LORD. Before he prayed, Solomon fell to his knees. He was the king of a great nation, and yet he humbled himself before God in prayer. He thanked and praised God for humbling Himself to be with Israel. He prayed for the LORD to respond to the prayers of the people offered in the Temple, or even offered facing toward the Temple, and to do so especially when the people had sinned, and repented before Him. Solomon acknowledged the people would sin, and the necessity of repentance for God to respond to our prayers. While we live in a time when Jesus has sacrificed Himself for us and become both LORD and Savior of our lives through His resurrection and return to heaven, we, too, must repent when we have sinned for Him to hear and respond to our prayers. We see this clearly throughout the Bible, but never more clearly than in 2 Chronicles 6-7.

In 2 Chronicles 7 we read God’s response to Solomon’s prayer. The response came in three parts. First, God sent fire and burned up all the sacrifices offered by the people. Second, God’s presence filled the Temple, so that the priests couldn’t even go inside it. Finally, God appeared that night to Solomon and gave him a personal answer to the prayers he offered in 2 Chronicles 6. Significantly, God said, “¹³When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, ¹⁴if my people who are called by my name 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.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (ESV) This response of the LORD is quoted often during National Day of Prayer celebrations, and at other times when we focus on God corporately, particularly as He relates to nations. This is a good use of this response. Note the order: 1) the whole people who are called by God’s name; 2) humble ourselves; 3) we pray and seek God’s face; 4) we turn from our wicked ways, or we repent, then God will hear our prayers, will forgive our sins, and will heal our land. We live in an incredibly individualistic culture in America, but as those belonging to the LORD, we must not only pray for ourselves and our own needs, but for our church family, and for our nation. As we do, and as we remember we are God’s people first, as we humble ourselves, as we pray and seek God’s face, and repent, God will hear, forgive and heal us. What an amazing promise! It was true when God spoke it to Solomon, and because Jesus came, lived, died, rose again, returned to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to us, we can be sure it is just as true for us today.

As we turn to 2 Chronicles, the Chronicler continues his record of Judah, starting with  the record of King Solomon’s reign. As we move through 2 Chronicles the Chronicler recounts Judah’s fall into sin, and the resulting consequences. In 2 Chronicles 1, we read of King Solomon presenting a 1,000 burnt offerings at Gibeon. Then Solomon has a vision of the LORD in a dream, and in it the LORD asks Solomon what he would like to receive from Him. When Solomon asks for wisdom to rule the people, rather than riches or military victory, the LORD promises to give Solomon all three! Finally, we read about Solomon’s wealth, and to give us an idea of how wealthy Solomon was, we’re told during his reign gold was as common as stones during that time.

Throughout the Old Testament we read of the LORD blessing the obedience of His people through giving them wealth, good health, and victory over their enemies. We find times when this “rule” doesn’t hold, such as in the life of Job, but typically it does. As we turn to New Testament, we will see that obedience isn’t always blessed this way. God’s people often face obstacles, and Jesus, the Son of God, Himself faces death after a life of complete and total obedience. The reward of obedience shifts from nearly always being seen in this life, to being the promise of heaven.

In 2 Chronicles 2 & 3 we read of Solomon’s preparation for building the Temple, and of its construction. As we read the detail of all the materials collected for the Temple, let’s remember much of the material was collected by King David, and left for Solomon, his son, to use for the Temple’s construction. David’s vision was fulfilled by his son.

As we turn to Matthew 20, Jesus tells a parable of a landowner who hires workers throughout the course of a day. He promised the ones he hired first a denarius, which was a fair day’s wages. Each of the other workers he promised to give “what was right.” At the end of the day, the landowner paid those who had only worked one hour a denarius. Those who had worked all day assumed they would receive more, but the landowner gave them the denarius he had promised. Those workers grumbled, but the landowner pointed out he had treated them fairly, because he paid them what he promised. Then he asked a vital question: “Are you angry because I am generous?” The workers had seen the landowners’ action from their perspective, not his. He was generous to the last workers and fair to the first. As we follow Jesus, we are not to compare our work with that of others who started before or after us, but submit ourselves to His authority, knowing He is generous and will reward us according to that generosity.

Next, Jesus tells the disciples again He is going to be arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified. He tells them not to worry, because He will rise from the dead. After this, the mother of James and John comes and asks Jesus if He will do her the favor of setting her sons at His right and left hands (the positions of greatest power) when He comes in His glory. (Mark tells us the sons came on their own.) Jesus tells the mother (and the sons) the position isn’t His to give. When the rest of the disciples hear about this, they become indignant, but Jesus reminds them all the greatest among them is the one who serves the most. He concludes by reminding them that He came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. We must always remember this in our lives as Jesus’ followers. We aren’t to push or pull to get “ahead” as God’s people. We ware to live as faithful servants, knowing we are also His children, and He has saved us to share that blessing with everyone we can. The world tells us the positions of “honor” are to be the goal of our lives. Jesus tells us serving others is the greatest honor we can experience.

Finally, Matthew tells us two blind men cried out from the crowd for Jesus to heal them. Jesus called them to come to Him and asked what they wanted. When they said they wanted to see, Jesus told them their faith had healed them and they received their sight. They immediately started following Jesus. As we look at the many healings Jesus performed during His ministry, we see that sometimes it is the faith of the one to be healed, which Jesus points to as the reason for their healing. At other times it is the faith of the ones requesting the healing for another, as in the case of the healing of the paralytic brought to Jesus by four friends. At times Jesus heals and no mention is made of whose faith was involved. The point is: Jesus healed people, because that’s the nature of the Kingdom of God–people are well and whole. Faith is always a component of the Kingdom of God, because as the Apostle Paul will remind us in 1 Corinthians 13, faith, hope, and love are three attributes that “remain” in God’s Kingdom. As we live this day, let’s remember to exercise our faith, because it is the stuff of which miracles come!

1 Chronicles 26 lists the gatekeepers and treasurers in Israel. Again, the lists are long, and the details minute, because this information was quite important to the Chronicler. As we read through the names and duties, they might not seem so important to us, but if we were Levites, priests, musicians, gatekeepers, or treasurers in Israel, or our ancestors were, these lists would be quite important to us.

1 Chronicles 27 lists the military leaders and the tribal leaders over the twelve tribes of Israel, along with some of the key counselors in the nation. 1  Chronicles concludes in chapter 28 with David’s charge to the people of Israel regarding the construction of the Temple, which would fall to his son, Solomon. Then chapter 28 concludes with David giving a charge to Solomon concerning his supervision of the construction of the Temple. To the Chronicler the Temple and everything concerning the Temple and the priesthood were of paramount interest. While other biblical writers focused on the same matters along with other matters, the Chronicler paid particular attention to the Temple and the priesthood. This is the same as any of us who have a particular interest in a specific area of life, as I do with sports, and specifically baseball. I tend to know more facts about baseball than any other sport, because I have focused on it my whole life. While the illustration breaks down a bit, because there’s nothing divinely inspired about my knowledge of and interest in baseball, the Chronicler’s knowledge and inspiration came from the LORD!

Matthew 19 begins the same way as Mark 10, with the Pharisees coming to Jesus to ask whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. While the order of the response is changed by Matthew, he offers the same response from Jesus as Mark: No. It was not God’s intention for a man to divorce his wife. God ordered it in creation for a man and woman to leave their families of origin and be one as husband and wife. When the disciples questioned Jesus about this matter, He told them not everyone can receive this message, and that some in hearing it would even become celibate in service of the LORD. (He used the term become a eunuch.) This passage speaks clearly to those who say Jesus made no comment about homosexual relationships. He didn’t use the term homosexual, but He spoke clearly about marriage being as God ordered it in Genesis 2 between one man and one woman.

As in Mark 10, after this conversation some parents brought their children to Jesus for Him to bless them. When the disciples rebuked the parents, Jesus told the disciples to let them come, because the Kingdom of Heaven is made up of such as they.

Finally, as in Mark 10, Matthew 19 records Jesus interaction with the rich, young man who wanted to know what to do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him to obey the commandments, the man responded he had obeyed them all his life. Then Jesus told the man he lacked one thing: he needed to give away all he had to the poor, then he would have riches in heaven, and then come follow Jesus. The man couldn’t part with his riches, so he parted company with Jesus. When Jesus told the disciples it was hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven they were amazed, because they had been taught riches were a blessing from God. That idea is still prevalent in many places around the world, including the United States of America. When Jesus told the disciples it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, they asked in amazement, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus told them it was impossible in human terms, but possible with God. Finally, Peter asked Jesus what the disciples would receive, because they gave up everything to follow Him? Jesus responded anyone who had given up homes or family or land for Him or the Kingdom, would receive many times as much in return, and eternal life. (Mark adds that in this life we will face persecution with it.) Jesus concluded with the statement, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” As always, Jesus wanted us to understand that the way we think things are isn’t always the way they are. The ways of God’s Kingdom are often strange to our ears, and challenging to our hearts. It’s important for us to understand, though His ways are always best for us. Only then will we put Him and His Kingdom first in our lives.

In 1 Chronicles 23, David passes the kingdom to Solomon, and then the remainder of the chapter records David’s ordering of the Levites. These details were of great importance to the Chronicler, because he was of the priestly sect. We find more details in sections that deal with the Levites and priests in 1 & 2 Chronicles than in 1 &2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. In keeping with this reality, 1 Chronicles 24 records David’s ordering of the priests, and 1 Chronicles 25 records David’s ordering of the musicians. The roles of the Levites, priests, and musicians was important in the life of God’s people. After all, they were the ones responsible for ordering worship among the people of Israel.

As we turn to Matthew 18, the disciples ask Jesus an important question: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of God?” Jesus responds by bringing a child into their midst and telling them that those who respond to God as a little child are the greatest. He then tells them how bad it is for anyone who leads one of His little ones astray. This wasn’t what the disciples were wanting to know, but Jesus wanted all of us to understand if childlikeness is the quality we need to be great in the Kingdom of God, then anyone taking that away from a child, or causing a child to sin in any way is a devastating offense.

Next, Jesus reminded the disciples of the value of one person to His Heavenly Father. The reminder comes in the form of a parable of a shepherd with 100 sheep. Jesus tells them if one of them goes astray, the shepherd will leave the 99 on their own to go and look for the one. What comfort that brings to us, because it is not God’s will for even one person to be lost!

Jesus then tells the disciples how to respond when a brother or sister sins against us. We are to go to them and confront the sin. If the person repents, we have restored the situation. If the person won’t repent, we are to take another person with us to join the conversation. Again, if the person repents, the situation is restored. If the person doesn’t repent he or she is to be brought before the whole church, and then if there is no repentance, the person is to be cast out and treated as a Gentile. This seems harsh in a world with no accountability, but when we hold each other accountable for sin, we all benefit through the repentance of one another.

Jesus tells us that whatever two or more of us bind or lose in His name is bound or loosed in heaven. He tells us when two or more of us are gathered in His name, He is with us. That doesn’t mean He isn’t with us when we’re alone. It means He’s with us in a special when we were are in community with one another, even if it’s only a community of two!

Perhaps, because of the conversation about confronting brothers, and forgiveness, Peter asked Jesus how many times he needed to forgive a brother who sinned against him? Peter offered seven as the number of times.  Jesus responded, “Not seven, but seventy-seven (or seventy times seven.) times.”  Jesus’ point is we are to forgive time and time again, when the person repents. Jesus followed up with a parable of a servant who owed a great debt to his master. The master was going to imprison the servant, but when the servant begged for forgiveness, the master forgave the debt. The servant went out immediately and found a fellow servant who owed him a small debt. The other servant begged for forgiveness, or for more time, but the forgiven servant failed to forgive the other, and had him put in prison. When the other servants saw this, they told their master. The master called the forgiven servant in again. Calling the man ungrateful, the master told him he ought to have forgiven as he had been forgiven. Because he didn’t forgive, the forgiven servant was thrown into prison. Jesus concluded the parable by telling us God will treat us the same way if we don’t forgive others who sin against us! What a powerful reminder of the principle that we must forgive others in Jesus’ name, because He has forgiven us for all our sin, through His blood shed on the cross.

1 Chronicles 20 records several victories David and his man had against the Ammonites and the Philistines. Notable points are: 1) the Chronicler fails to mention the battle against Rabbah is the battle during which David failed to go out to battle, stayed home and committed his sin with Bathsheba. That sin resulted in his murder of Uriah to hide his sin; and 2) In the battles against the Philistines several Philistine giants were killed. When David killed Goliath, no one in the Israelite army had the courage to face Goliath, even though he came out and taunted them for forty days. Many years later after David had both killed Goliath and become king, David’s men were able to kill the other Philistine giants. This is often the case in life, both the life of faith and everyday life: Before someone accomplishes a feat it is considered “impossible,” but once the feat has been accomplished it is repeated and sometimes even becomes commonplace.

1 Chronicles 21 records David’s numbering of the people of Israel. It is the same as the account we read earlier in 2 Samuel 24. The major difference is in 2 Samuel 24 we read the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He caused David to harm them by taking a census. In 1 Chronicles 21 we’re told it was Satan who incited David to take the census. As we consider how such a different source could be behind David’s taking the census, let’s remember nothing happens apart from the LORD’s approval. He doesn’t “will” or approve much of what the devil does, but the devil must have the LORD’s permission to act. We will see this clearly when we read the book of Job. It may be seen subtly in Chronicler’s reporting of David’s census.

1 Chronicles 22 records David’s preparation for the building of the Temple. David provides the materials that will be needed, and he tells his son, Solomon what he is to do in seeing the Temple gets built. The Chronicler seems to “compress” history a bit here, because the transition from David being king to Solomon being king is less detailed, and seemingly smoother than in the accounts we read in 1 Kings. This does not mean one of the accounts is not accurate. It simply means each writer emphasized different aspects and details of the transition. We see this frequently in the Bible when there is more than one account of a matter, such as in the four Gospels in the New Testament. The details differ at times, but the overall accounts remain faithful and consistent.

As we turn to Matthew 17, we see a perfect example of this. The first account in Matthew 17 is that of Jesus being transfigured with Moses and Elijah, and then his healing of a demon-possessed boy. If we read Matthew’s account and compare it with Mark’s we find the details differ, but the overall account is consistent. As you read the Bible remember this principle: Each passage of Scripture is to be examined for what it says, and then compared with all of Scripture to understand it’s full meaning.  Many times people take a verse of Scripture out of context and use it to make a certain point. This is called “proof texting,” because the text is used to prove the person’s point of view. The key is to be certain the verse means what we are “proving” it means not as an isolated verse, but as it fits within the paragraph, chapter and book that contains it, as well as all of Scripture. The best way to avoid proof texting is to become acquainted with the whole Bible, and then compare the passages you read with the rest of God’s word.

After this account, Jesus tells the disciples again He will be arrested, tried, and crucified, but afterwards He will rise again. We aren’t given much detail about the disciples’ response this time, except that they were distressed by it. The closing account of the chapter tells of Jesus providing funds for the Temple tax for him and Peter, by having Peter going to catch a fish, and the fish he catches has a coin that covers the cost of both of their taxes! We might think, “Really? Isn’t that a little far-fetched?” After all, would Jesus really orchestrate such a situation simply to obey the rules? Apparently. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have the account in God’s word. As Donald Baillie said nearly a hundred years ago, “God’s ways aren’t always logical to us. It isn’t that they are ‘illogical,’ but by our standards they are “alogical.” That is they don’t correspond to the laws of human logic.