It is not how you start that Counts

 Read 2 Chronicles 26. 

Many runners may begin a race in the lead.  Many leaders rise to the top early in their career.  In the final analysis the only assessment that counts is how one finishes. 

King Uzziah began his reign doing all the right things and God blessed him accordingly.  At age 16, he needed a mentor and the LORD provided Zechariah, the prophet, to teach the king the word of God and how to put it into practice.  Early on then, the king made some solid spiritual commitments (v.5). 

1. He set himself to seek God.

A person who desires to live for the LORD must discipline themselves each day, throughout the day.  The Christian life is not merely coming to faith in Jesus but one that cultivates a growing in relationship with Him.  This, as with any relationship, requires time and effort.  Uzziah "set" himself, became determined, to pursue God. 

2. He became a student of God's word.

He sought out and received instruction.  Notice that this was not an academic exercise, but the intent of the teaching was to learn "the fear of God."  Who is He?  What has He said?  What are His expectations of me?  How can I show respect for the LORD in my daily thoughts, words, and actions? 

And, as long as Uzziah maintained these commitments, the LORD blessed him in every aspect of his life. 

The turn in the story is in verse 16.  "But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction."  As a young man, he knew his limitations and willingly acknowledged his dependence on God and others.  But one of the dangers of success and achievement in life is a wrong sense of independence.  Respect and need for God and people can become dispensable.  Living independently of the LORD is the essence of sin itself! 

In Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur wrote: "Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God." 

In order to finish strong in life, the old hymn writer said it best, "I need Thee every hour."

 

Half-heartedness has a Price

 Read 2 Chronicles 25. 

King Amaziah's life may be summed up by the statement in verse 2: "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart." 

A half-hearted believer is one who knows better but continues to live in disobedience to God.  Instead of adhering to God's word and remaining faithful, they are swayed by selfish pleasures and the culture around them.  The Apostle James referred to such a person as "double-minded".  "For the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6b-8) 

Amaziah did a right thing, followed by a bad decision.  At each key juncture, God, in His faithfulness, sent a prophet with a specific message.  He listened and responded once.  The next time he was so attached to the fantasies he had procured, that he put his faith in them instead of the LORD.  He turned his back on God and suffered the consequences.  Not only did he lose his life, but the people he around him suffered. 

"Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart." (Psalm 119:2)

How soon we can Forget

 Read 2 Chronicles 24. 

Judah's new 7 year old king had been protected and then mentored by Jehoiada, the Temple chief priest.  Under the previous wicked leadership, the Temple had been neglected and now was in disrepair.  As an adult, King Joash took on the project of restoring Solomon's Temple. 

Evidently, tithing and the additional financial gatherings for the support of the Temple ministry had gone by the wayside.  It was the teaching priest's responsibility to educate the people regarding God's word and His expectations about giving.  To not do so resulted in disobedience on the part of the teachers and the people.  The king's orders were specific.  They were to reestablish the gathering of finances and pay to get the work done quickly. 

The priests did not respond.  So, the king took matters into his own hands.  He had them make a chest and set it outside the Temple gate.  The people were to give as they entered for prayer, worship, and/or to offer sacrifices.  Indeed, this was a tax, established in the law, and not their tithe money.  Finally, the restoration of the house of the LORD was done. 

Unfortunately, once Jehoiada died, Joash listened to ungodly counsel.  The nation plunged headlong into worshiping false gods.  When the LORD sent His prophets to confront the sin, the people refused to listen, even stoning to death Jehoiada's son.  "Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father had shown him..." (v.22). 

Jehoiada had poured his life and ministry into this young man.  But when Joash was on his own, he seemingly tossed it all away. 

How soon we can forget the spiritual training we have received!  How soon we can forget the life lessons learned!  How soon we can forget the goodness and grace of God to us! 

"But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments."  (Psalm 103:17-18)

A Prepared Leader Makes a Difference

 Read 2 Chronicles 23. 

The southern kingdom of Judah was being ruled by the wicked and violent Athaliah.  She even slaughtered her own grandchildren to secure her throne.  Only by the grace of God was one very young grandson spared.  The priest's wife at the Temple hid little Joash and began to raise him. 

How this must have grieved the heart of God to see His people subjected to such sinful leadership and encouraged to worship Baal.  The priest, Jehoiada, understood clearly the everlasting covenants God made with the people of Israel and David.  Joash was now the sole survivor of David's lineage and the hope of the nation's future.  But Jehoiada needed to be shrewd in taking steps to overthrow the self-appointed Queen. 

It is obvious that God prepared the hearts of the people for this transition.  They had had enough.  In addition, step by step, this spiritual leader prepared. 

1. He chose the place.  The Temple was a sacred spot and where he had authority.

2. He organized the protection.  From the inside out, he appointed and delegated responsibilities.

3. He distributed the weapons with delegated authority to use them.  These resources were essential to get the job done.

4. Only then did he reveal the solution to the nation's crying need.  He presented 7 year old Joash, gave him his crown, and more importantly "the testimony."  This was a copy of God's word.  It was required of all kings to have their own copy to know and to put into practice according to Deuteronomy 17:18-20.

5. He led the people in getting rid of Athaliah and the altars of Baal.

6. He "made a covenant between himself, all the people, and the king that they should be the LORD's people." 

May we be the LORD's people today, responding to God's leaders in this generation.

Same Family. Different Spiritually. Why?

 Read 2 Chronicles 22. 

With all his brothers killed, the youngest son of Jehoram took the throne of Judah.  King Ahaziah followed in his father's wicked footsteps.  However, verse 3 places the blame on his mother's training, as she was the daughter of Ahab, the king of Israel.  Ahaziah's reign only lasted one year. 

The LORD will only allow individuals to go so far in their rebellion against Him.  The young king listened to godless counsel, made foolish decisions, and the result was death. 

Then, his mother, Athaliah, slaughtered her own family so she could seize the national power of Judah.  Her heart was so given over to satanic control that she killed her own grandchildren.  But, thanks to the quick work of Ahaziah's sister, the king's baby son, Joash, was protected.  This godly woman, wife of the priest Jehoiada, put her own life at risk in hiding the baby in the Temple.  If Joash had been killed, the royal lineage of David would have ended and ultimately, of course, the family of the Messiah. 

God will deal with Athaliah and unfold His plans for Joash in time. 

Two women, a mother and a daughter, one as wicked as anyone in the Bible; the other acted mercifully toward her nephew.  Here also is a brother and a sister, raised in the same household.  One became a wicked king, while the other served God in the Temple.  How can people in the same family be so different spiritually?  Though the parental training is an important influence, and parents will be held accountable for teaching their children to love and obey God, there is more. 

Many faithful believers were not raised in Christian homes.  Many who were raised in Christian families do not follow Jesus today.  Good or bad, one cannot rely on the faith of their parents.  Nor will it be acceptable to blame bad experiences or bad examples for turning away from the LORD.  Each of us is individually accountable to God. 

The words of the Apostle Paul explain how personal this life-changing decision is: "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

 

A parent's greatest Joy

Read 2 Chronicles 21. 

King Jehoram was raised by a one of the finest, God-fearing kings of Judah.  Being the first born, he inherited the throne.  Yet, his true character became apparent almost immediately.  He married an ungodly woman who had been raised by the wicked King Ahab and Jezebel of Israel.  Next, he slaughtered all his own younger brothers so he alone would possess the wealth his father amassed.  Then, he led the nation into worshiping false gods. 

In response, the LORD sent a message from the Prophet Elijah.  Peace was taken from Judah.  Judah lost some of the surrounding territory previously conquered.  Jehoram lost all his wealth, his family, and his health.  The only reason God did not destroy Judah altogether was due to the eternal covenant promise He made to King David. 

Godly parents do not guarantee godly children.  Proverbs 22:6 is a principle and the hope of Christian parents but not a guarantee.  Children are a heritage and gift from the LORD, not biological accidents (Psalm 127:3).  Many scriptures charge parents to train their children in the word and ways of the God (Deuteronomy 6:7).  But as the saying goes, "God has no grandchildren." 

Each one must personally come to understand and commit their lives to the LORD.  No one else can do it for them.  Each of us will give an account of themselves to God (Romans 14:10-12).  All the more reason why parents should do everything they can to know the Bible, teach their own children how to put it into real life, and model godly behavior 24 hours a day.  Perhaps the greatest practice of all is praying for one's children and not giving up on them. 

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4)

 

The Power of Praise

 Read 2 Chronicles 20. 

A person's true character is revealed when they are threatened. 

King Jehoshaphat received the news of allied armies coming toward Judah.  A leader who relies on human strength alone would have mustered his own soldiers and called upon neighboring nations to join the fight.  Those who rely on themselves would have thought positive thoughts, made an inspiration talk, and hoped for the best.  A weak person would have caved in, feeling overwhelmed, realizing they did not have the resources to face the challenge. 

Not so with this king.  Yes, he was afraid when he got the bad news.  But his first response was to pray and fast, seeking God's help.  Because his people were being threatened, he called them together for prayer.  In his prayer, we learn a lot about Jehoshaphat's view of God.

-He is the God of heaven.

-He is sovereign and rules over the nations.

-He is omnipotent.

-He has proven His power in the past.

-He hears and answers prayer. 

The king acknowledged his helplessness and that he did "not know what to do.  But our eyes are on you."  In those times of desperation, it is just like God to send a friend with message of hope and encouragement.  Jahaziel delivered such a good word.

-Do not be afraid.

-The battle is not yours but God's.

-Go.

-Stand firm and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf.

-The LORD will be with you.

With those assurances, one could face any challenge in life. 

What did the king do to face the enemy?  He organized the singers to lead and worship the LORD as they marched.  A strange military strategy, if they were relying on themselves.  But their faith was in God.  In one of the most fascinating battles on record, God protected them, destroyed the enemy, and provided more resources than they could carry away in three days of work. 

What threatening challenge are you facing today?  "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)