2 Chronicles 7 - The Temple Celebration

2 Chronicles 7

...and 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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (verse 14)

Message: The Temple Celebration

Time: 2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and was separated into 2 books in 200 BC when the Septuagint was translated. This book focuses on Judah from 971-586 BC. The chronicler focused on the blessings God bestowed when leaders were faithful to His law. It covers Solomon's ascension to the throne to Judah finally carried into exile in Babylon. 

What the Lord is Saying: I was really moved by Solomon's prayer of dedication in 2 Chronicles 6. In that prayer Solomon addresses God and also teaches people that the Temple is a place for the people to come to God, seek forgiveness for their sins and recognize their wrongful actions are an offense to a Holy God. Solomon also pleads to God to minister to those in need - like foreigners and those in battle. (The same prayer is recorded in 1 Kings 8:22-61.) 

One difference with I Kings is a benediction or a challenge he communicates to the people in verses 56-61, " “Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” What a wonderful closing thought that can be repeated by me and others. God has given us rest. He has not failed. May He never leave us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience and keep the commands. May God uphold the cause of His servant and His people Israel daily with the purpose of all people knowing Him. May we be fully committed. To know God and to make Him known. 

Chapter 7, verse 1 says "when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house." If one thing stands out here it is the importance of praying. In the aftermath of praying is God giving a blessing and validating the offerings of his people. The Lord loves and wants to hear from his people. And we are thankful for this as there were in this time "praise to the Lord, saying, 'Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.' " We pray. God confirms himself to us. He sends love and we are blessed and go back to praising His name. 

I am thankful for a church that acknowledges this and continues to praise God and His name always. In verse 4, "King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen, and 120,000 sheep." Oxen represents hard work and sheep represent God's people, the Israelites. I wonder if these #'s are more metaphorical than actual. That is a lot of animals and maybe in a way this is saying that the Israelites numbered that many people at the time and were communicating to God we are here to offer our entire life to God. And the numbers speak of the significance of that commitment. 

"They held a solemn assembly, for the dedication..." - they continue to dedicate the temple and its uses and their future sacrifices to God. "Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king's palace." 

The next section of this chapter is 12-22 with the heading, "The Lord Confirms the Covenant." The Lord is the name used in the Bible out of reference for the Hebrew letter YHWH. "The Lord appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer" which is good because Solomon has been praying (2 Chronicles 6). God listens to our prayers. The Lord also states that "this place (the temple) is a house of sacrifice." 

He explains then in verse 13 a conditional statement - if He were to control the weather in such a way to stop rain which means agriculture can't receive the water they need for plants to grow and then also sends locusts to devour the crops already established and pestilence and plague to confirm his withholding of what they value as important - if God were to do all of this and then His people respond by turning from their wicked ways then He will forgive their sin and heal their land. I think this communicates that God is active. He does not simply wind a clock (of history) and let it run. He is present in life. And any time a weather issue comes, it should drive us to our knees and thank Him. Weather problems are increasing. Science wants to only give credit to climate change for the reason, but perhaps God is growing displeased. And hoping to wake people up.   

This is verse 14 -- "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, will forgive their sin, and heal their land."  Pray - seek God - turn or repent - God hears- forgives and heals our land. 

In verse 17 and 18 God continues: "walk before Me....do according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances." And then God "will establish your royal throne." We are to walk in God's ways, in the ways He has instructed us. And we are to keep His statutes and ordinances. 

I am a little perplexed as to ordinances. It seems every denomination and every non-denomination has a different definition of what is included in ordinances. I think what concerns me about making sure we do them is the piety or boastful feeling that may result. Maybe also the feeling that doing them makes you special or feeling set apart from those that don't. It seems we do them out of a response for God's love for us. In essence, his words here should not be alarming anyone that follows God. Seek God, turn from wicked ways, keep doing what He says we need to do - simply show my allegiance to Him. But perhaps in this passage we have examples. Prayer, repentance, turn from sin, have feasts, gather together to commit His provision to Him, be humble. These are ordinances or practices we need to continue to do. 

The idea of God "will establish your royal throne" to me is similar to Paul's words in Romans 8:28-39 - "Nothing can separate us from the love of God." I think with the royal throne God is saying I will never leave you. You will always be My people. God will always be there to take care of us. 

Likewise in verse 19 - "if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments...and go and serve other gods...I will cast (you) out of My sight." It seems we can't be surprised then when things don't go our way. 

This is a really good chapter. I admit, I have taken my time getting through it. But, it is a great chapter and full of lots of great ideas and acts of obedience and evidence of God's love for us. 

Summary: After Solomon prayer of dedication, God makes a covenant with His people as they walk in obedience, pray, humble, obey, and turn from their wicked ways. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "When God’s people go astray, He will restore them if they return to Him."

Prayer: God, you bless your people. You prepare a place for them and in response we are obedient and you bless us, but as people turn from you, you deal with their obstinance and their sin. The order of things is simple. Live in obedience and expect good things. Help me to remember this passage. Take me back to it and let it remind me of your commitment to me. Be praised. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 21 - Blood Atonement

2 Samuel 21

Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the presence of the Lord. And the Lord said, "It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites in death." (verse 1)

Message: Blood Atonement

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson, Sheba rebelled and took with him the Northern Tribe where there was already division with them and the Southern Tribe. David takes this serious and originally sends out Amasa and Joab and Joab kills off Amasa as he doesn't want two leaders and Joab is still devoted to Amasa. They approach Abel-beth-maacah, a fortified city and begin to cut off its supply chains and compromise its fortifications when a woman appears to mediate, not wanting violence but wise counsel. She hears what Joab says and the word about Sheba and immediately cuts his head off and provides it to Joab. With that, Joab returns back to Jerusalem and all is resolved.  

Chapter 21 begins with words of a famine in the land for 3 years. David prays to the Lord for his presence and guidance. The Lord responds that this is a consequence of Saul's actions against the Gibeonites violated a covenant made during Joshua's time (Joshua 9). Innocent blood was shed and with that there is a problem that God takes seriously. 

David responds by reaching out to the Gibeonites and seeking restitution with them. David desires to make amends. The Gibeonites recognize this as a serious problem. In Ancient Near Eastern these situations were common and money was often offered, but there is a deeper need here for justice. David agrees he will honor their request. Thus, it is requested to have 7 men of the tribe of Saul be given to them for hanging to satisfy this. 

David spares Mephibosheth because of the oath he made to Jonathan. But David provides to them other children of Saul. And they were given to the Gibeonites, hanged at the beginning of harvest which is often a time of celebration with hopes that this marked a deliverance from the famine. Thus, a blood atonement. In response, one of the mothers of the children, Rizpah mourns the loss and David learns of this he gathers the bones of Saul and Jonathan and well as these children and gathers them so that they receive a proper burial. And thus, God answered their call and the famine was resolved. 

In verse 15, war with the Philistines is mentioned again. David fights with his men but becomes exhausted. Ishbi-benob, one of the giants of the Philistines, sought to kill David. Abishai interceded and struck Ishbi-benob and killed him. And David's men stated that David should never go to war again with them, but stay back as the strategic leader. Another battle occurs and there Sibbecai another one of David's warriors kills another of the Philistine giants Saph. And then another battle with Elhanan (from the same town as David) kills the brother of Goliath. Then another battle and a man with 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot and he was killed by Shimei. Thus, these 4 descendants of Rapha fell at the hands of brave men. 

The Lord was faithful to Israel and continue to provides victory for them against their adversaries. 

Summary: A famine has been in the land for 3 years because Saul's attacking Gibeonites who had a previous covenant with Joshua. In return, 7 men are hanging providing a blood atonement and the famine ends and then wars with the Philistines occur but David's men conquer them. 

Promise: Sin is serious, and the only way for it to be covered is through a blood atonement. 

Prayer: Lord, sin is serious. Let us know this. You have taken care of sin in our lives through a radical blood atonement in Jesus Christ. Let me recognize the seriousness of sin. That it must be dealt with. And it will be dealt with in one way or another and sometimes what occurs in our life points back to that sin and even may impact people that are were not involved originally. Lord, let us realize the significance of that sin even when life seems unfair. You will guard and have guarded your people and will continue to protect them. Be glorified. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Mark 13:5-8 - False Messiahs, Wars, and Natural Disasters

Mark 13:5-8
5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. 8 For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

Message: False Messiahs, Wars, and Natural Disasters

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been in Jerusalem speaking to the disciples following his time at the temple. Upon exiting the temple area, some of the disciples remark that the temple structure is huge and impressive. Jesus has just spoken to them about how we often stare at people's large giving or wealth and think what they do is more impressive than a poor person, yet the poor widow gave everything she had as an offering. Jesus responds that the temple will one day be destroyed and no stone will be left. The disciples ask the question of wanting to know when this will occur.

In response to the question that the disciples asked in verse 4 - Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am!’ and will mislead many. Many people will come disguised as authority, with the idea that they speak for Jesus. Jesus' response here in 5-8 has come to be known as the Olivet Discourse and has been a challenge for many to interpret.

Jesus in these words is wanting to provide some discernment to the events of the future, but also give the disciples some comfort. The idea that Jesus understands the future and will take of things is a comfort to the disciples and present day followers. Jesus first says that they need to be careful as many will try to mislead them. They need to be careful because it will happen - people will try to mislead you for personal power or pride or gain. And these that come will have success. They will mislead many. I can't help here to think of Joseph Smith, someone that came with the same sort of authority of Jesus or even Muhammad -- and in the process many have been misled. Many will say that Jesus was a man or even God but they will also want to come alongside Him and have the same authority as Him and this is something the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Islam appears to have done. Those adherents have been misled.

Jesus then says - When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. The warning again is to be careful because wars and rumors of war will occur and take place. It is not as if they may or may not happen, but they will happen. But, our response to these will probably be different from how others respond. Jesus tells us to not be frightened. People often think that wars and rumors of them should not be occurring if we have a God of love. Obviously, they don't understand his purposes and also don't understand sin. We need to remain firm in our faith during these crazy times.

Our country is experience shootings in an alarming rate currently. In the last week there has been a shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh in which a man walked in and opened fire, killing 11 people. Last night there was a shooting at Yoga studio in Tallahassee. These shootings are becoming a weekly phenomenon. People seem angry and want their way over others. People seem to be quick to place blame on others rather than looking within. We have built a culture of toleration and yet complete toleration is somewhat impossible. Our media is quick to show us controversy and take sides among leaders. We have a culture that is often angry and doesn't know how to deal with that anger. Again, Jesus says, do not be frightened. 

He remarks then that nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. As time marches on we have more countries and nations than ever before. It is somewhat amazing to me that we still only have 50 states in the US and places haven't tried to divide themselves further. The rest of the world continues to do this. In the last 100 years the total number has gone from about 80 to about 190 now. So it is growing.

There will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. The number of natural disasters is increasing. But we are not to be frightened or misled or bothered by the earthquakes and famines which occur. We need to keep our focus on the Lord. Unfortunately, more trouble is on the way.

Summary - Jesus is probably still at the Mount of Olives, outside of Jerusalem. He is responding to some of the disciples saying that temple structures are large, but then Jesus says they will be destroyed and then the disciples ask when and Jesus provides a response to be careful to not be misled or frightened. Natural disasters, wars, and deceptions will occur, but we can take solace in the promise of God and continue to Trust Him.

Promise: We do not know when Christ's final return will be. There will be signs. What we know is we are to trust God and not be frightened and wait for His time.

Prayer: Lord, I am always thankful for the clarity of Your Words. You know the future and you know men's hearts. Help me to keep reminded of this and keep my eyes focused on Your truths. Thank you for your great love. I believe in You.

Ezekiel 5

Message: Jerusalem will be destroyed. Ezekiel continues to prepare to give the message to Israel.

Time: Ezekiel is probably about 31 or 32 now and he is continuing to hear from the Lord of the judgment that awaits Jerusalem.

What the Lord is Saying: Ezekiel is to shave his beard, in a very exact manner, placing the clippings into three equal, weighed out parts. One third in the center of the map of Jerusalem and will burn in the fire for the days of the siege of the city. The Lord placed Israel in the center of all surrounding nations and yet the surrounding nations were more obedient. Israel rebelled. And so people will be punished more than anyone has been punished by God before. Parents will eat their children.

Then take another third and strike them with a sword around the map of the City. This is the third that be slaughtered by the enemy outside the city. Another third scattered to the wind.

What amazing pictures of the seriousness of people's sin and how we can see so clearly what God thinks of sin. All will see what the Lord thinks of His people that are rebellious and turn from Him.

Problem: You know the amazing thing here is there is a obviously a message in the Gospel that the Lord deals with sin. People will die in their sins. But, also, his people, whom He has called, are now responsible to live in a way that is worthy of their calling. And the Lord will not be kind to those who call on His name and yet rebel from Him at the same time. This is hypocrisy at its best.

Lamentations 4

Message: A song of sorrow. This one begins from a different perspective. Each chapter seems to have a different perspective.

Time:  Jerusalem, in mourning, after it's fall, in 586 BC at the hands of the Assyrians (Babylon).

What the Lord is saying:

Possessions
Gold lost its shine. Dull.
Riches are scattered

People
The children of Jerusalem are treated like pots of clay.
The cries of people are ignored.
There is no food for the children.
Those with much now have nothing and are beggars.
Their guilt is greater than those of Sodom.
Princes once sparkled in appearance, now they are black, dry.
Those killed by the sword are better off than these beggars.
Women have cooked their own children to survive.

Why all of this? Sin. [We should see in this that God makes a big deal out of sin.]

They couldn't flee. Their enemies were always waiting for them. God did not shield them. People were caught in the snare they set up for themselves.

Promise: May these words remind us of the importance of the sin in our lives. We must surrender to the Lord. We must accept His provision in our life.