May 27, 2006 - II Chronicles 1-3 and John 10:1-23
It is so important for us to hear God's voice and to respond to Him. That is what relationship is all about. This passage has a lot to say about hearing from God and doing His will. I hope you will reflect on your relationship with Jesus and what He has been saying to you. Then, I pray that you will do it out of love to Him.
Solomon got off to a great start as king after David's death. Chapter 1 makes it clear that God was with him and that God exalted him. (v. 1) Why was this true? Let's look for the reasons. First of all, he began his reign by calling on God in worship. (v.6) God was evidently impressed by the 1,000 burnt offerings and the heart of Solomon. Therefore, He spoke to Solomon. (v.7) It is amazing how God's revelation of Himself to us often follows our sincere worship of Him. Then, Solomon made a completely unselfish request of God. He did not ask for riches or long life, but for wisdom to rule the people. This showed his humble heart. He felt inadequate, and he knew he needed God's help. (v.10) That is why God exalted him. The Bible says that God exalts the humble. If we will seek God with a humble heart, He will be with us, too.
In chapters 2 and 3 we see how Solomon knew God's Word and he followed it. He did not just follow it half-heartedly but completely. He knew why he was building God's house. (2:4) He wanted to do the most quality job possible since His God was the greatest of all. (2:5) He did exactly what God had told David to do. Can you image the craftsmanship of 183,600 workers building a Temple which was the size of a house today? They were able to do each detail with precision and for God's glory. That is how we should do God's work today. We should do our best at all we do, because He is worthy. If we do, He will bless our efforts.
John 10 is very specific. Jesus knows His sheep, and they know Him. It clearly says that His sheep do not hear the voice of others. They hear His voice and respond by coming to Him. What does that say to you? It tells me that we must have a relationship with Jesus. He is a person, and we relate to Him. He speaks, and we hear. We respond to Him, and not to others. Take some time to reflect on this important truth. We will read the rest tomorrow, but let this much sink in today. This is one passage that makes it abundantly clear that Jesus is the only way to salvation. He is the only door. All others are thieves and robbers.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 4-6 and John 10:24-42.
Solomon got off to a great start as king after David's death. Chapter 1 makes it clear that God was with him and that God exalted him. (v. 1) Why was this true? Let's look for the reasons. First of all, he began his reign by calling on God in worship. (v.6) God was evidently impressed by the 1,000 burnt offerings and the heart of Solomon. Therefore, He spoke to Solomon. (v.7) It is amazing how God's revelation of Himself to us often follows our sincere worship of Him. Then, Solomon made a completely unselfish request of God. He did not ask for riches or long life, but for wisdom to rule the people. This showed his humble heart. He felt inadequate, and he knew he needed God's help. (v.10) That is why God exalted him. The Bible says that God exalts the humble. If we will seek God with a humble heart, He will be with us, too.
In chapters 2 and 3 we see how Solomon knew God's Word and he followed it. He did not just follow it half-heartedly but completely. He knew why he was building God's house. (2:4) He wanted to do the most quality job possible since His God was the greatest of all. (2:5) He did exactly what God had told David to do. Can you image the craftsmanship of 183,600 workers building a Temple which was the size of a house today? They were able to do each detail with precision and for God's glory. That is how we should do God's work today. We should do our best at all we do, because He is worthy. If we do, He will bless our efforts.
John 10 is very specific. Jesus knows His sheep, and they know Him. It clearly says that His sheep do not hear the voice of others. They hear His voice and respond by coming to Him. What does that say to you? It tells me that we must have a relationship with Jesus. He is a person, and we relate to Him. He speaks, and we hear. We respond to Him, and not to others. Take some time to reflect on this important truth. We will read the rest tomorrow, but let this much sink in today. This is one passage that makes it abundantly clear that Jesus is the only way to salvation. He is the only door. All others are thieves and robbers.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 4-6 and John 10:24-42.