May 3, 2006 - I Kings 14-15 and Luke 22:21-46
I want to urge you to read through the accounts of the kings in a very thoughtful way. I can see where it might get redundant to some people, but don't let it cause you to miss the subtle things in the text. Ask the Lord to show you the applications of His Word for your life. Let me give you a few examples from today's passage.
In chapter 14 we read about the prophecy concerning Jeroboam's family and the death of his son. Why did these things happen? It was because of the sin of Jeroboam and his failure to repent, even when God convicted him of his sin. (v.9) God was bringing disaster on the family of Jeroboam because of his sin and its effects on his family. How has your life effected your family? In chapter 15 we are told that God continued to bless Judah "for David's sake", because he had been so obedient to the Lord. Jeroboam's' life effected one whole country in a negative way, while David's life effected the other country in a positive way. I pray that your life is having a positive influence on your family and that God is blessing your family, because of your righteous heart and actions.
In chapter 14 we read about the substitution of bronze shields for the gold shields, after Egypt had plundered Judah. What a sham! Rehoboam did not want to admit that the glory days were over, so he had cheap bronze shields brought out to imitate the real thing. They had to be polished continuously to make them shine, because they were not gold. The king was working to make a good outward impression, when the substance was gone. This is the story of many lives today. The spiritual gold is gone, but people try to make others think they are still spiritual by putting on a hypocritical face. The problem is that God sees the heart. Just repent, and let God restore the gold.
Also, did you notice all of the references to war? There was no peace. There was no "rest." This was result of the sin. Sin causes strife. Sin robs us of God's rest. If you do not have peace and rest in your life, and you are a Christian, there is a sin problem. Ask God to reveal the sin, so you can confess it and repent. Then, you can have the rest God desires for you, as you trust Him alone.
Luke 22 is full of subtle truths, too. Jesus says "woe" to Judas who betrayed Him, but He tells Peter that he would have second chance after he denied Him. (v.22,32) What is the difference? Again, Jesus was looking at the hearts. Judas was never a true believer, while Peter was a believer. Judas knowingly rebelled against Jesus, but Peter failed because of weakness. Jesus can see these things in our hearts. We can't fool Him.
He sees if we have the heart of a servant. (v.26) If we do have a servant's heart, He will exalt us to reign with Him. This should not make us proud, but it should make us even more humble. How can we reign in righteousness without being submitted to Him in humility? How can we do His will, if we don't watch and pray? If we fail to watch and pray, we will fall asleep when He really wants us to join Him. Don't miss what God has for you! Continue in prayerful watching every day. Then, join Him when you see Him working around you.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 16-18 and Luke 22:47-71.
In chapter 14 we read about the prophecy concerning Jeroboam's family and the death of his son. Why did these things happen? It was because of the sin of Jeroboam and his failure to repent, even when God convicted him of his sin. (v.9) God was bringing disaster on the family of Jeroboam because of his sin and its effects on his family. How has your life effected your family? In chapter 15 we are told that God continued to bless Judah "for David's sake", because he had been so obedient to the Lord. Jeroboam's' life effected one whole country in a negative way, while David's life effected the other country in a positive way. I pray that your life is having a positive influence on your family and that God is blessing your family, because of your righteous heart and actions.
In chapter 14 we read about the substitution of bronze shields for the gold shields, after Egypt had plundered Judah. What a sham! Rehoboam did not want to admit that the glory days were over, so he had cheap bronze shields brought out to imitate the real thing. They had to be polished continuously to make them shine, because they were not gold. The king was working to make a good outward impression, when the substance was gone. This is the story of many lives today. The spiritual gold is gone, but people try to make others think they are still spiritual by putting on a hypocritical face. The problem is that God sees the heart. Just repent, and let God restore the gold.
Also, did you notice all of the references to war? There was no peace. There was no "rest." This was result of the sin. Sin causes strife. Sin robs us of God's rest. If you do not have peace and rest in your life, and you are a Christian, there is a sin problem. Ask God to reveal the sin, so you can confess it and repent. Then, you can have the rest God desires for you, as you trust Him alone.
Luke 22 is full of subtle truths, too. Jesus says "woe" to Judas who betrayed Him, but He tells Peter that he would have second chance after he denied Him. (v.22,32) What is the difference? Again, Jesus was looking at the hearts. Judas was never a true believer, while Peter was a believer. Judas knowingly rebelled against Jesus, but Peter failed because of weakness. Jesus can see these things in our hearts. We can't fool Him.
He sees if we have the heart of a servant. (v.26) If we do have a servant's heart, He will exalt us to reign with Him. This should not make us proud, but it should make us even more humble. How can we reign in righteousness without being submitted to Him in humility? How can we do His will, if we don't watch and pray? If we fail to watch and pray, we will fall asleep when He really wants us to join Him. Don't miss what God has for you! Continue in prayerful watching every day. Then, join Him when you see Him working around you.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 16-18 and Luke 22:47-71.