May 24, 2006 - I Chronicles 22-24 and John 8:28-59
There are times in our lives when we are constantly fighting our enemies, and then, there are times when God gives us rest from our enemies. It is very important for us to be faithful to the Lord in the times of rest and to move forward instead of becoming complacent. We get a good feel for these two situations when we read these two passages. No matter where you find yourself today, I pray that you will let God show you what to do to be faithful to Him.
Chapter 22 explains how David began to make preparations for the Temple, which his son, Solomon, would build, even before he passed on the throne to his son. This was possible because God had given him peace from his enemies. Then, building the Temple was possible, because God was blessing Solomon and his kingdom with a time of rest and peace. (v.9) What have you accomplished in your life during your times of rest? Have you been actively pursuing God's plans and making preparations for bigger and better things, or have you simply relaxed and done very little? The tendency of the flesh is to do as little as possible. Many Christians seem to fall into this mode when things are going well. That is why we do not accomplish all of God's will. He means for us to use the good times to build up our lives for His service. Chapters 23-24 show the organization of the Levites for God's service. Preparation, planning, and organization are all things we can do in times of peace to insure the expansion of God's kingdom.
The end of John 8 is a classic clash between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. He makes it abundantly clear that they are children of the enemy, Satan. They are not children of Abraham in the spiritual sense. That is why they find themselves in opposition to Jesus. Jesus knew that, and He treated them accordingly. He did not take their opposition personally. He knew it was a result of their heart condition. He tried to show them the truth. On the other hand, Jesus knew that His disciples would abide in His Word. (v.31) They would be set free by the Truth. (v.32) They would hear His Words. (v.37) They would understand that He was God, and therefore, He was before Abraham. (v.57) Jesus was resisting His enemies, and He was encouraging His disciples to rest in Him and His Word. Where are you today? Are you a disciple? Have you been set free? Do you hear His Words and follow Him? Are you having a time of peace, or are you fighting your enemies? Make sure your focus is on Jesus and that you are standing strong in Him. If you are in a time of peace, move forward and prepare for greater things.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Chronicles 25-27 and John 9:1-23.
Chapter 22 explains how David began to make preparations for the Temple, which his son, Solomon, would build, even before he passed on the throne to his son. This was possible because God had given him peace from his enemies. Then, building the Temple was possible, because God was blessing Solomon and his kingdom with a time of rest and peace. (v.9) What have you accomplished in your life during your times of rest? Have you been actively pursuing God's plans and making preparations for bigger and better things, or have you simply relaxed and done very little? The tendency of the flesh is to do as little as possible. Many Christians seem to fall into this mode when things are going well. That is why we do not accomplish all of God's will. He means for us to use the good times to build up our lives for His service. Chapters 23-24 show the organization of the Levites for God's service. Preparation, planning, and organization are all things we can do in times of peace to insure the expansion of God's kingdom.
The end of John 8 is a classic clash between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. He makes it abundantly clear that they are children of the enemy, Satan. They are not children of Abraham in the spiritual sense. That is why they find themselves in opposition to Jesus. Jesus knew that, and He treated them accordingly. He did not take their opposition personally. He knew it was a result of their heart condition. He tried to show them the truth. On the other hand, Jesus knew that His disciples would abide in His Word. (v.31) They would be set free by the Truth. (v.32) They would hear His Words. (v.37) They would understand that He was God, and therefore, He was before Abraham. (v.57) Jesus was resisting His enemies, and He was encouraging His disciples to rest in Him and His Word. Where are you today? Are you a disciple? Have you been set free? Do you hear His Words and follow Him? Are you having a time of peace, or are you fighting your enemies? Make sure your focus is on Jesus and that you are standing strong in Him. If you are in a time of peace, move forward and prepare for greater things.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Chronicles 25-27 and John 9:1-23.