Day 131
Reading: 2 Chronicles 35:1 - 2 Chronicles 36:23
What have I learned from reading the chronicles of how Israel asked for a King in 1st Samuel to the time of the nation being led to captivity because they had departed from the ways of God? That was the question I heard in my heart as I was studying the scriptures today. The Bible is not a storybook we read for entertainment. The Bible is God's Word for our edification, instruction and in studying it one becomes knowledgeable in the ways of God. This list of lessons learnt is not exclusive to the 2 Books of Chronicles but includes lessons from 1st Samuel to the end of the 2nd Chronicles.
- No one should take the place of God. The children of Israel in asking for a king to lead them like other nations despised God's leadership. Child of God where have you chosen to be like the other nations and despised God's leading?
- God can pick anyone to rule. The same God who chose Saul fired him and left him on the throne while He groomed his replacement in full view of the fired king.
- God views the heart while man views the outside qualities of a person. If Samuel was to pick the King, Eliab, David's brother would have been king, however, God had David in mind. See from God's perspective and not man's viewpoint.
- Don't touch the anointed of God. David had opportunities to kill Saul but would not lay his hand on him as he recognised that God had placed Saul on the throne and not a man. Just because you are anointed doesn't mean you kill others who are anointed. Remember when Joash killed the son of the High priest who anointed him, king, he was killed by his own servants.
- Walk in the fear of God. When this is not observed then sin has its way leading to disaster. The encounter we read between David and Bathsheba is about David stepping outside the place of the fear of God. Look at the many times we have seen that the kings served idols all because the fear of the Lord was not present. Obedience to the commandments helps maintain a healthy fear of the Lord.
- Prayer, prayer, prayer! We must pray and pray more than ever. Prayer will unlock victories. Jabez by reason of prayer changed his story to one of hope and glory from pain. Hezekiah prayed and saw Sennacharib leave him. Hezekiah cried to God and his life was extended.
- Humility will sustain a king while pride will unleash God's judgement. Remember Uzziah! He reigned for 52 years yet because of pride he died a miserable death as a leper.
- God has prophets who declare His counsel with clarity. Elijah, Elisha, Nathan, Gad, Huldah, Isaiah, Jeremiah are just a few of the prophets we have met along this journey whose oracles are clear and on time.
- Worship is critical to God. David introduced the worship in the House of God. Jehoshaphat had a praise team lead the army and the result of the war was ridiculous in human terms. God ambushed the enemy.
- Follow God's commands wholeheartedly. Lean on God. Let God consume you and your name will be in the annals of greatness.
- Generous givers to God access heavenly provision. Remember Obed-Edom whose fame reached the King because he housed the Ark of the Covenant. Give God room in your life and see what God can do. Solomon gave excessively and had two divine visitations.
- God's Word is final. God's word cannot be questioned and what God says always come to pass. Hannah had a boy. Josiah was born and purged the land of idol worship many years after his actions were prophesied.
As we say bye bye to the book of 2 Chronicles, I urge that you reflect on what God has designed for you and purpose to become the manifestation of the promises of God.
Memory Verse: 2 Chronicles 36:23
Decree
Personalise this scripture
Thus says Charles:
All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up! ( paraphrased; italics mine)
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