June 9, 2006 - II Chronicles 32-33 and John 18:19-40
Most people have serious misconceptions about God and how He works. As we read these passages, think about the truths shown here about God's character and how He works. Then, think about how these truths should do away with these common misconceptions.
In chapter 32 we read about the attack of Assyria on Judah during the reign of the righteous king, Hezekiah. One misconception is that God will take away all of our problems if we are righteous. This is not true. He will give us the ability to overcome those trials in His strength, but He will allow the righteous to be tested by enemies from without like the Assyrians, and He will send tests to us Himself. (v.31) The problem is that most people think trials and tests are bad, but they are for our good. They are opportunities to win over Satan and to strengthen our faith.
In chapter 33 we read about the very evil king, Manasseh. He was a terribly immoral king, who led the people to idolatry and defiled the Temple. (v.9) Another misconception is that some people are just too evil for God to forgive. That is wrong. God forgave Manasseh when he turned to Him, and He will forgive anyone who turns to Him. (v.12-13) Don't listen to the lie of Satan that some people are too evil for God to help them. God's power of forgiveness and restoration is available to anyone who turns to Him in repentance and faith like Manasseh did.
In chapter 33 we read about Amon, Manasseh's son, too. Amon was very evil, and he transgressed more and more. He did not humble himself like his father. Amon is a reminder that children don't always learn from their parents. Many times they make the same mistakes their parents made, and they even take them to an extreme. That is why it is so important for parents to live holy lives before their children and to teach them God's Word in humility.
John 18 clears up a couple more misconceptions. The truth is that God can use people who mess up really badly in life and those who fail Him. Peter is a great example of this. He denied he knew Jesus, but later, Jesus used him to preach on Pentecost with great power. Not only was he forgiven, but Jesus did not hold a grudge against him and put him on the shelf. He used him in a mighty way. Then, there is Pilate. He was not a believer. However, when he examined Jesus, he knew He was not guilty. He made the righteous decision not to punish Him, at first. Some people think that unbelievers can't judge righteously in any way, but that is not the case. They can see God's truth enough to know right and wrong, and to know they need to turn to God. We need to share the Gospel with them, so they can know how to turn to Christ and be saved from their sins.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 34-36 and John 19:1-22.
In chapter 32 we read about the attack of Assyria on Judah during the reign of the righteous king, Hezekiah. One misconception is that God will take away all of our problems if we are righteous. This is not true. He will give us the ability to overcome those trials in His strength, but He will allow the righteous to be tested by enemies from without like the Assyrians, and He will send tests to us Himself. (v.31) The problem is that most people think trials and tests are bad, but they are for our good. They are opportunities to win over Satan and to strengthen our faith.
In chapter 33 we read about the very evil king, Manasseh. He was a terribly immoral king, who led the people to idolatry and defiled the Temple. (v.9) Another misconception is that some people are just too evil for God to forgive. That is wrong. God forgave Manasseh when he turned to Him, and He will forgive anyone who turns to Him. (v.12-13) Don't listen to the lie of Satan that some people are too evil for God to help them. God's power of forgiveness and restoration is available to anyone who turns to Him in repentance and faith like Manasseh did.
In chapter 33 we read about Amon, Manasseh's son, too. Amon was very evil, and he transgressed more and more. He did not humble himself like his father. Amon is a reminder that children don't always learn from their parents. Many times they make the same mistakes their parents made, and they even take them to an extreme. That is why it is so important for parents to live holy lives before their children and to teach them God's Word in humility.
John 18 clears up a couple more misconceptions. The truth is that God can use people who mess up really badly in life and those who fail Him. Peter is a great example of this. He denied he knew Jesus, but later, Jesus used him to preach on Pentecost with great power. Not only was he forgiven, but Jesus did not hold a grudge against him and put him on the shelf. He used him in a mighty way. Then, there is Pilate. He was not a believer. However, when he examined Jesus, he knew He was not guilty. He made the righteous decision not to punish Him, at first. Some people think that unbelievers can't judge righteously in any way, but that is not the case. They can see God's truth enough to know right and wrong, and to know they need to turn to God. We need to share the Gospel with them, so they can know how to turn to Christ and be saved from their sins.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 34-36 and John 19:1-22.