4 indispensable elements of a godly Mission

 Read Ezra 8. 

Ezra faced a 900 mile journey from Babylon to Jerusalem.  His mission was to teach and serve the Jews who returned from the exile.  Including all the Levites, priests and their families, the number of those who accompanied him would easily be in the thousands.  They carried millions of dollars worth of gold, silver and bronze.  The group gathered at the Babylonian canal of Ahava for three days to prepare. 

Here are the steps he used before setting out on the mission:

1. To accomplish the mission, the right leaders needed to be in place.  He realized that leading the return and ministering to a nation of people were too much for one man.  He needed solid leaders around him; men of insight and discretion (vv.16 and 18). 

2. To accomplish the mission, everyone needed to be spiritually prepared.  Ezra proclaimed a fast "that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods" (v.21 and 23).  They used this time to pray to the LORD "and he listened to our entreaty." 

3. To accomplish the mission, the resources were handled with great stewardship and accountability.  Twelve leading priests were charged with that responsibility (vv.24-25). 

4. To accomplish the mission, God protected them along the way.  "...he delivered us from the hand of the enemy..." (v.31) 

Right leaders.  Prayer and fasting.  Great stewardship and accountability.  God's protection.  Those elements will work for any achievement for God.

The 3 keys to experiencing God's Power

 Read Ezra 7. 

Ezra was teaching priest.  As a scribe, he hand copied the Law and the books of the Old Testament up to that time.  He was a scholar and "a man learned in matters of the commandments of the LORD" (v.11).  Along with other teachers, God called Ezra to return to Jerusalem from Babylonia and minister to the people as they rebuilt the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. 

God moved the heart of the king of Persia, Artaxerxes, to encourage, authorize, and finance their efforts.  Three times in this chapter Ezra stated that "the hand of the LORD my God was on me." 

There is no better confidence in life than when one knows they are where God wants them to be, doing what God wants done.  Contentment is the sister to such God-inspired confidence. 

How did this man Ezra know God's will for his life?  How did he have such confidence?  How did he get to experience the power of God's hand on his life, including moving the heart of the king? 

"For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD and to do it and to teach his statues and rules in Israel." (v.10) 

1. To know God's word one must invest the time to study it. 

2. To have confidence in God's will one must take action and put God's word into practice. 

3. To experience God's power one must communicate God's word as He provides daily opportunities. 

3 questions before moving Ahead

 Read Ezra 4-6. 

Whenever action is taken to achieve God's work, expect opposition.  Opposition does not mean that anything is wrong.  Indeed, it may be the very confirmation that it is right. 

The pagan neighbors watched as the Jews returned to resettle in Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.  To stop the work, they tried to infiltrate the work force.  When that plan failed, they began to say and do things to discourage the people and make them afraid.  The enemies even used bribes.  Next, they sent a letter to the new king of Persia with accusations that prompted Artaxerxes to call a halt to the project.  The king acted on partial information and not the whole truth. 

God's people had full authority to move forward, yet there is no record of fighting with those who opposed them.  And, there was no rebellion against the king.  Instead, God used two of His spokesmen (prophets) to encourage the people to go back to work.  Haggai's message was short, immediate and direct regarding priorities.  Zechariah took a long-range view and encouraged them to finish the work for the coming Messiah.  Zerubbabel acted quickly to restart the project. 

The opposition's plan backfired.  Once the next king, Darius the Mede, received all the information, not only did the Jews have permission, but the government was to pay for it.  The king's new decree: "Let it be done with all diligence.” (6:12) 

Again, there will always be people with their own agenda, wanting to do different things, their way, and on their timetable.  Sometimes (not always) it is Satan who energizes opposition to godly leadership.  Many times people with differing ideas oppose godly leaders due to personal pet projects, their own feelings of fear and/or inexperience. 

Questions leaders must ask and know the answers before moving ahead:

1. Is this what God wants done?

2. Is this how God wants it done?

3. Is this when God wants it done?

Getting back on track with God

 Read Ezra 2-3. 

In response to the God-given proclamation of Cyrus, king of Persia, the Jews began to return to the Promised Land.  Among those leading the people back, two names stand out.  Zerubbabel and Nehemiah provided the spiritual and project leadership the people would need.  Though 70 years had past each family knew their heritage of service to the LORD.  Those who could not prove their genealogy waited for a priest to make a decision (2:63). 

First, they set up the altar.  Here sin was acknowledged and the sacrifices for atonement were made.  Next, they celebrated their faith according to the Law of Moses.  Then, they presented their freewill offerings to begin the project. 

When the foundation of the Temple was laid, a formal procession followed with singers and instruments.  The song was a familiar one, recorded in several places in the Old Testament.  It is a song of praise to God. 

"For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel." 

1. God is good.  He is good to us, because He is good.  It is His nature. 

2. God is love.  This is not an emotion but a commitment by covenant to His people.  Therefore, His love does not change. 

3. God is faithful.  The promises He made to Abraham (becoming a great and blessed nation) and to David (regarding the kingdom) are forever just as He said.  Yes, the people may disobey.  Yes, the LORD will step in and discipline His children when needed.  But the character and the Word of God stand sure.

5 steps to getting things done for God

 Read Ezra 1. 

For 70 years the Jews had lived as captives in Babylon.  This was God's response to their ignoring His command to allow the land to rest every 7th year.  Finally, the total number of years they owed to God and the land came to 70 years.  At the end of those days, the Medes and Persians conquered the Babylonians.  Cyrus, king of Persia, now ruled from India to Egypt.  Though he did not live to see it, the Prophet Jeremiah several times foretold that this captivity would last for exactly 70 years.  Before the captivity ever took place Jeremiah wrote: "The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it" (Jeremiah 51:11) 

God wanted His people back on the land He promised them.  So, He did an amazing work in the heart of King Cyrus.  This is one of the most astounding turning points in Jewish history.  There are lessons here for all of us. 

1. He acknowledged that what he had came from God.

"The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all..."  This is the confession of stewardship: that his possessions were a gift from God and that he had accountability to the Owner for what he did with what he had been given. 

2. He announced what God had called him to do.

"…and he has charged me to build..."  It was not merely a good idea that Cyrus had.  In fact, it was what God wanted done!  This is the statement of one who knows why they are here at this specific time and place on earth.  Using our resources for God-ordained results is the implementation process of a steward. 

3. He communicated to others and encouraged their participation.

"Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go..."  When one has a confident passion for a specific calling, they want others to be engaged also.  This is a clear call to action.  

4. He provided his own resources and encouraged others to give willingly.

He led by example.  He did not ask others to do something he was not doing.  He could have paid for the whole project, but that would have robbed the people from having their own investment in what God was doing.  This was not their tithe money they contributed.  This was generosity giving, a freewill offering, as with every project in the Bible. 

5. The people responded to God's prompting.

This was not a response to the king or to the project need.  God "stirred" their hearts to action.  Every great work of God was accomplished by those whose hearts were open, praying for God's leadership in their decision. 

What is God stirring in your heart today?

A hope-filled end to a sad Story

 Read 2 Chronicles 36. 

Judah experienced a rapid succession of kings and three take-overs.  First Neco, king of Egypt came up from the south and brought Judah under his control.  He even dethroned King Jehoahaz and took him back to Egypt as a prisoner. 

Next, Nebuchadnezzar, King of the Babylonian Empire, came down from the north and forcefully took control of Judah in 605 B.C.  Most of those who were not killed were taken captive back to Babylon.  Among the captives were Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  Two more times the Babylonians came until the land of Judah was totally conquered in 586 B.C. 

Then, the Medes and the Persians conquered Babylonia.  In one of the most astounding passages displaying God’s sovereignty, He stirred the heart of the pagan King Cyrus to release the Jews to go back home.  Even more, he charged them to rebuild the Temple and he would pay for it! 

What was God doing?

1.     He was responding to the evil and blatant disregard for Him and His word.

Each of these kings that followed Josiah not only ignored the LORD and His claims upon them, but they involved themselves in every evil practice.  They willfully refused to acknowledge that it was the LORD who gave them life and opportunity.  This was His land.  They were His people.  They were only allowed to be there as a result of His blessing.

2.     In His love, mercy, and patience with them, He faithfully sent messenger

after messenger to call them back to God.  “The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place” (v.15).  But instead of listening and embracing what God had made clear to them, they rejected the word of God and even mocked it.

3.      He was fulfilling His word with or without them.

In their ignorance of the Scriptures, and/or rebellion against God’s commands they had not rested the land every 7 years as God commanded.  These skipped Sabbath years now totaled 70 that the nation owed God.  Jeremiah, one of those messengers from the LORD, made this clear to them well in advance (Jeremiah 25:11-12). 

Insights for all of us:

1.     It is better to listen to God and humbly respond than to suffer the consequences of disobedience.

2.     It is better to give God what rightfully belongs to Him than for Him to have to take it from us.

3.     It is better to live for the LORD and experience the blessings He desires to bestow upon us.

The Greatest Celebration in 400 Years!

 Read 2 Chronicles 35. 

Nothing was spared in celebrating the Passover when King Josiah reigned.

As he grew older, he also grew in his spiritual leadership.  The Temple had been cleansed and repaired.  The Book of the Law had been discovered and there was a renewed commitment to obey it.  Only now could the leadership and the nation properly come before the LORD for a wholehearted celebration. 

1. They prepared themselves.

The Levites who taught and served at the Temple were charged again to fulfill their responsibilities.  This meant they were to accomplish their assigned tasks by family and division as prescribed in the Scriptures.  They then could put the Ark back where it belonged.  In order to handle the tremendous amount of people and offering, they must be ready.  There was work to be done. 

2. They consecrated themselves.

Without spiritually preparation, they would just be doing a job, instead of a ministry.  The price of serving God is purity!  Ministry is an inside out work.  It begins within the heart of the servant and flows into the lives of others. 

3. They worked hard.

Those who taught the people, those who helped with the sacrifices, those who burned the offerings, those who boiled the meat, those cleaned up after all the mess, those who sang, those who offered the sacrifices and worshiped--all celebrated together!  Yes, they came for the day of Passover, but the feast lasted a week. 

Verse 18 states: "No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the days of Samuel the prophet." 

Worship is not a spectator sport.  Everyone should come with their hearts right before the LORD and ready to give, work and do their part.

The most important factor to spiritual Life-change.

 Read 2 Chronicles 34. 

Josiah was only 8 years old when he began his reign over Judah.  At age 16, he began to exercise his faith in the LORD.  By age 20, he was leading his nation in a spiritual cleansing process.  When he became 26, he turned his attention to the repair of the Temple. 

This is a great reminder that spiritual maturity has nothing to do with how old a person is.  Paul told Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because he was young (1 Timothy 4:12). 

As the work proceeded, a copy of the Book of the Law was found!  Obviously, the people had not seen, nor heard, the word of God in a long time.  When Shaphan read the scriptures to King Josiah, he became overwhelmed with conviction.  His concern regarding the lack of attention and obedience to God's word was not only for himself but for the people of his kingdom and that of the northern kingdom of Israel. 

To understand the implications, they sought out the Prophetess Huldah.  She confirmed the king's concerns for the people, yet the judgment would not take place in Josiah's lifetime.  Further, she explained why: "Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words..." (v.27a).  

When one's heart is open to hear what God has to say, it is life-changing!  "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) 

The openness, or tenderness, of the heart toward the LORD is what makes the difference in the results.

Gain from the Pain

 Read 2 Chronicles 33. 

After some 29 years of wonderful and godly leadership from Hezekiah, his son Manasseh became Judah's next king.  Manasseh systematically reversed the spiritual reforms of his father.    He turned from worshiping the LORD to installing every false and evil way. 

1. He not only built altars to the Baals but also to the fertility goddess, Asherah.  When people turn to false worship, moral values are soon lost.

2. He built altars to the "host of heaven".  Astrology and worship of the movement of stars and planets has always been condemned by God as evil (Deuteronomy 4:19).  It is a system that looks to the creation for life guidance rather than the Creator.

3. He led the nation into human sacrifices, including his own sons.

4. He used fortune-telling, omens, sorcery, mediums, and wizards.  These are not amusements for video games, role playing, fantasies of escape, and advice seeking.  They are in fact satanic and rooted in everything that is against the God of heaven.

5. He even carved an idol and set it up as a god.  A piece of inanimate wood that he fashioned became something to which he bowed and paid homage. 

All of these actions resulted in God's anger and judgment.  The Assyrians humiliated him and took him captive.  He lost everything. 

"And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers" (v.12).  God heard his prayer.  "Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God" (v.13b).  The personal and national restoration began. 

It took the pain of loss and distress to turn his heart from going his own way to surrendering to God's way.  Isaiah described this behavior as true of everyone and the reason the Messiah died on the cross.  "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) 

Restoration begins when a person turns from their sin to embrace God's forgiveness.

 

When your world is Threatened

 Read 2 Chronicles 32. 

When our world is threatened we discover the source of our true trust. 

The king of Assyria had conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and then thought that Judah would be no problem.  His tactics included marching into the land with his strong army and then terrifying the city with belittling messages.  The messages he sent attacked the foundations of their trust.  Judah trusted in the LORD and in the leadership of King Hezekiah. 

Sennacherib's powerful forces had handled all others in their path.  However, his fatal mistake with Judah was to think the God of heaven was just one of many faith options. 

When someone states, "We all worship the same God", they make the mistake of Sennacherib. 

The tactic did scare the people.  The threat was real.  Hezekiah did two things that all of us should do when our foundations are under attack:

1. He prepared.  There were things he could do.  At the first word of trouble, he took immediate defensive actions.

2. He prayed.  There were things he could not do.  He found his prayer partner and cried out to God for help. 

In response, God sent an angel to fight for them.  The Assyrian army experienced supernatural defeat.  Sennacherib was assassinated by his own sons.  Hezekiah's experienced peace and blessings. 

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.  They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright."  (Psalm 20:7-8)

 

What your Giving says about you

 Read 2 Chronicles 31. 

Someone once said that we are never more like God than when we give.  In one of the most well-known of all Bible verses, John 3:16 begins with the words, "For God so loved the world that He gave..." 

King Hezekiah led the nation to restore the worship and celebration of the LORD.  The Temple and those who ministered had been marginalized and ignored for a long time.  But now the Temple had been cleaned up and the ministers were back to work again.  However, in order for the ministry to be sustained resources were essential. 

Hezekiah led the people in giving on multiple levels.   They presented the required sacrifices for worship.  They began tithing of all their income.  They practiced generosity with freewill offerings over and above their tithe (v.14). 

The result was abundance for God's house and God's servants (v.10).  The King and the people prospered as a result. 

Too many Christians have never been taught and do not realize that there is a direct connection between a person's spiritual maturity and their financial giving.  Tithing (a tenth) has always been a base standard, before and after the law (Genesis 14, Hebrews 7).  Offerings of generosity are over and above that standard. 

It is our responsibility to make sure that both the place where we worship and those who serve us are well provided for accordingly.

The price of Unity

 Read 2 Chronicles 30. 

In his continuing efforts to restore the nation spiritually, King Hezekiah organized the first celebration of Passover in long time.  He had a heart for those who lived in the northern kingdom of Israel.  They had alienated themselves from worshiping at the Temple.  Not since the kingdom divided after the reign of Solomon had the nation come together for Passover. 

In a kind gesture, he sent out invitations for the northern tribes to come and join in the celebration.  Note that his message was not only to come, but he included a strong exhortation for them to make this a time of repentance and return to the LORD.  "For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him." 

But Israel was so given over to idolatry and false worship that his invitation had no value to them.  Indeed, his offer was ridiculed.  However, that was not true of everyone.  Some did come.  And, even though a few of the ceremonial details were not exactly followed, Hezekiah stepped in with words of grace. 

Unity is a beautiful thing to behold and enjoy.  Jesus prayed for his followers to be one and to love one another. 

Spiritual unity is not based upon a call for corporate organization.  It has a personal price.  It means coming in repentance of sin and acceptance of God's plan.  Jesus conducted an interesting conversation with a woman who flinched because of gender, racial and religious differences.  But the real issue was this, "the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him."  (John 4:23)  That personal turning in faith to Jesus opened the door for fellowship, worship, and unity with other believers.

 

 

4 Steps to Spiritual Restoration

 Read 2 Chronicles 29. 

The ungodly Ahaz died and his son, Hezekiah, became the next king of Judah.  The royal lineage of David and the Messiah continued.  Though he was raised by a father who did not obey the LORD, Hezekiah did.  His father had stopped all worship of God and substituted it with objects of his own making.  The new king loved the LORD and used his position to restore the spiritual life of the nation. 

The Temple had been misused and, evidently, boarded up for years.  The sacrifices, worship and celebrations prescribed by God were no longer practiced.  The Levites had been marginalized and had not been able to fulfill their responsibilities.  There was much work to be done. 

How does one restore a spiritual life that has been corrupted by sin?

1. Internal Consecrating.

There was an intentional work of separating themselves from sin and giving themselves wholly to God.  Purifying their lives and work before the LORD was a sacred responsibility that must come first before they may effectively serve and please God.

2. External Cleansing.

This required the distasteful tasks of cleaning out the filth that lurked behind closed doors.  Ungodly and impure things had been allowed in the Temple and stored there.

3. Sacrificial Giving.

Sacrifices were made as sin offerings for atonement of what had taken place in the past.  Burnt offerings wafted sweet smelling aromas up to God.  Thank offerings were made to celebrate that God had given them a new beginning.  Peace offerings symbolized that reconciliation with God had taken place.

4. Joyful Singing.  

With instruments and voices, the songs of David and Asaph (The Psalms) resounded loudly in praise and worship to the God of heaven. 

"Thus the service of the house of the LORD was restored." (v.35b) 

For the believer in Jesus, our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit.  "Since we have these promises beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of the body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)

How to get out of the Hole

 Read 2 Chronicles 28. 

Will Rogers once said, "When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging!" 

This would have been helpful advice for King Ahaz.  At twenty years of age, he wanted to run his own life.  For some inexplicable reason, he thought he knew how to run his life and lead his nation better than the God who created him and gave him his position.  He not only forsook the LORD but then made his own gods.  He worshiped and sacrificed to pieces of metal that he had fashioned. 

God put increasing pressure upon the king to turn his heart back.  Despite defeat, enormous loss, and humiliation, Ahaz hardened his heart.  "In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the LORD" (v.22).  Spiritually, he just kept digging the hole deeper and deeper.  

It is interesting to read that even those in the northern kingdom of Israel, who indeed were far from God themselves, acknowledged their sin and guilt.  Though there is no record of repentance toward the LORD, they at least understood their accountability to Him and treated Judah with kindness and mercy. 

God's intent in disciplining us is to call us to stop going our own way and turn back to Him.  He is gracious and merciful to forgive.  As a wonderful father with his children, He wants a relationship with us. 

"All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD.  But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." (Isaiah 66:2)

What it means to be a Focused Follower

 Read 2 Chronicles 27. 

Jotham proved to be a good ruler for the southern kingdom of Judah.  His many construction projects enhanced the nation.  His military defeat of the Ammonites added to Judah's power and financial strength.  But at the core of his success and achievements was his spiritual discipline. 

"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD..." (v.2)

"So, Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God." (v.6) 

The word "ordered" (ESV) or "prepared" (KJV) in Hebrew has to do with determination and being fixed, or focused.  He was determined to live his life with a strong sense of accountability to God.  Such living requires moment by moment personal discipline. 

There is no discipleship without spiritual discipline. 

Being a follower of Christ is more than a one-time decision for salvation.  There is a daily dealing with life and the faithful use of the all that God has given to us. 

The beginning of the personal work that is required is seen in the words of the Apostle Paul: "take every thought captive to obey Christ".  (2 Corinthians 10:5b)

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)