May 31, 2006 - II Chronicles 13-14 and John 12:1-26
As I have told you before, it is always better to have God's blessing than to try to do things our way. This passage has several examples of this truth. I pray that God will speak to all of us through the lives of Abijah, Asa, and Jesus. Let's stop trying to do it our way, and give into God's way today.
Chapter 13 tells us how Abijah and the army of Judah defeated Jeroboam and the army of Israel even though Israel had twice as many men. Did you notice the boldness of Abijah? He was sure that God would bless them, because they had stayed true to the Lord, but Jeroboam had caused Israel to depart from God's ways. He even cast Rehoboam in a better light, when he said that he was young and inexperienced, so Jeroboam took advantage of his inexperience and led a rebellion. The fact is that Judah was not perfect, but they did enjoy the blessings of God longer, because they stayed true to Him. What about you? Do you see God's victories, even against strong enemies? God wants to give us those great victories, if we will trust Him each day.
Chapter 14 is the story of Asa's reign. He had a period of peace and rest, because of God's blessing. He used that time to build up the kingdom. Then, he defeated a large army from Ethiopia. He knew God could deliver them. Do you have confidence in God today? It comes from knowing God well in your personal relationship with Him. Asa must have walked with God. We must all walk with Him to enjoy His greatest blessings.
In John 12 we read about Jesus being anointed for burial early by Mary and about the Triumphal Entry. Do you see the connection? The Cross was coming soon. God was taking steps to let everyone know that Jesus was the Messiah. There is Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. Now, Mary anoints Him. Then, the people proclaim Him Messiah with the palm branches. God is so clear in His revelation of His Son. However, some still rejected Him, because they wanted to do things their way. They thought they could get rid of Jesus. They were wrong. We are wrong, if we think we can get rid of Jesus, too. We need His blessing. We don't need to put Him aside. We need to die to self, so we can bear fruit for Him. We need to give our lives to serve Him, and He will give us real life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 15-16 and John 12:27-50.
Chapter 13 tells us how Abijah and the army of Judah defeated Jeroboam and the army of Israel even though Israel had twice as many men. Did you notice the boldness of Abijah? He was sure that God would bless them, because they had stayed true to the Lord, but Jeroboam had caused Israel to depart from God's ways. He even cast Rehoboam in a better light, when he said that he was young and inexperienced, so Jeroboam took advantage of his inexperience and led a rebellion. The fact is that Judah was not perfect, but they did enjoy the blessings of God longer, because they stayed true to Him. What about you? Do you see God's victories, even against strong enemies? God wants to give us those great victories, if we will trust Him each day.
Chapter 14 is the story of Asa's reign. He had a period of peace and rest, because of God's blessing. He used that time to build up the kingdom. Then, he defeated a large army from Ethiopia. He knew God could deliver them. Do you have confidence in God today? It comes from knowing God well in your personal relationship with Him. Asa must have walked with God. We must all walk with Him to enjoy His greatest blessings.
In John 12 we read about Jesus being anointed for burial early by Mary and about the Triumphal Entry. Do you see the connection? The Cross was coming soon. God was taking steps to let everyone know that Jesus was the Messiah. There is Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. Now, Mary anoints Him. Then, the people proclaim Him Messiah with the palm branches. God is so clear in His revelation of His Son. However, some still rejected Him, because they wanted to do things their way. They thought they could get rid of Jesus. They were wrong. We are wrong, if we think we can get rid of Jesus, too. We need His blessing. We don't need to put Him aside. We need to die to self, so we can bear fruit for Him. We need to give our lives to serve Him, and He will give us real life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 15-16 and John 12:27-50.