June 1, 2006 - II Chronicles 15-16 and John 12:27-50
I love great verses from the Word of God. I know each verse is great because it is God's Word, and we are to live by every word. However, there are certain verses that rise to the top to present the message of God to us very clearly and succinctly. Today, I want us to focus and two such verse. I know they will be a blessing to you, if you will meditate on them.
In chapters 15 and 16 we finish reading about Asa's life. He trusted the Lord for a long time, and he made some wonderful reforms to drive out the idolatry from the land. However, his heart did not remain fully loyal to the Lord. He ended up depending on Syria and on doctors, instead of depending on God. It is into this context that Hanani speaks to Asa and reminds Him of a great truth. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." (v.9) God wanted Asa to know that he had not forgotten him or overlooked him. He was very willing to show Himself strong in any situation in which a person would be loyal to Him. Do you realize that today? God is running to you to help you, if your heart is loyal to Him. What a truth! The God of the universe is not busy with other things. He is looking for loyal people to bless every day. I pray that all of us will live by this realization with a heart that is loyal to Him.
Then, in John 12 we read about Jesus as He speaks of His coming crucifixion. The people don't know why He needs to be crucified, but they understand what He is saying to them. Some are blinded by unbelief. They will not allow themselves to believe such a drastic thing as the Savior dying for our sins. Others believe, but they are scared of what others will say. John makes this observation, " for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." (v.43) What an indictment! Are you more concerned about receiving the praise of men than God's praise? Why would you be that way? The only reason is that you do not understand what is really important. God is what matters, not us. Life is not about us, it is about Him. In 1,000 years what will it matter how much praise you received from men? However, in 1,000 years it will matter how much you have pleased God and received His praise. Let's look at life with eternal perspective. Let's go for God's praise and not men's praise.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 17-18 and John 13:1-20.
In chapters 15 and 16 we finish reading about Asa's life. He trusted the Lord for a long time, and he made some wonderful reforms to drive out the idolatry from the land. However, his heart did not remain fully loyal to the Lord. He ended up depending on Syria and on doctors, instead of depending on God. It is into this context that Hanani speaks to Asa and reminds Him of a great truth. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him." (v.9) God wanted Asa to know that he had not forgotten him or overlooked him. He was very willing to show Himself strong in any situation in which a person would be loyal to Him. Do you realize that today? God is running to you to help you, if your heart is loyal to Him. What a truth! The God of the universe is not busy with other things. He is looking for loyal people to bless every day. I pray that all of us will live by this realization with a heart that is loyal to Him.
Then, in John 12 we read about Jesus as He speaks of His coming crucifixion. The people don't know why He needs to be crucified, but they understand what He is saying to them. Some are blinded by unbelief. They will not allow themselves to believe such a drastic thing as the Savior dying for our sins. Others believe, but they are scared of what others will say. John makes this observation, " for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." (v.43) What an indictment! Are you more concerned about receiving the praise of men than God's praise? Why would you be that way? The only reason is that you do not understand what is really important. God is what matters, not us. Life is not about us, it is about Him. In 1,000 years what will it matter how much praise you received from men? However, in 1,000 years it will matter how much you have pleased God and received His praise. Let's look at life with eternal perspective. Let's go for God's praise and not men's praise.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 17-18 and John 13:1-20.