June 8, 2006 - II Chronicles 30-31 and John 18:1-18
Each time I read about Hezekiah I am amazed that we do not hear more about him in church these days. It is remarkable what he was able to accomplish as the king of Judah. Of course, it was God's power working through him, but he had to allow himself to be greatly used by God. How about you? Are you willing to be used by God to influence other people for righteousness? That is what God wants for all of us.
In chapter 30 Hezekiah leads the people to celebrate the Passover for the first time in a long time. It is his effort to spiritually reunite God's people. Some of the people in the Northern Kingdom rebuff his efforts, but people from both Israel and Judah come together to seek the Lord. (v.11,12) This is a wonderful testimony after years of division. God is in the business of bringing people together, and He wants us to be in that business, too. When they came together in unity, there such a great joy that they did not want it to end. (v.23,26) Isn't it great when God sends a revival? We all should desire to live in revival all the time.
In chapter 31 we read about how Hezekiah led them to contribute the tithes to continually support the priests and the Levites in the full time ministry. (v.4) The people responded by gladly bringing a huge heap of offering, so that they had to build storage rooms in the Temple. There was more than enough for the ministry to continue. That is God's will for us today. We would never have a shortage if everyone gave their tithes and offerings as God directs. All of this happened, because Hezekiah was willing to serve the Lord with all of his heart. (v.21) God saw his heart, and God prospered him. He will do the same thing for us today, as we seek Him completely.
John 18 tells us about Jesus' arrest in the garden. It is not a pretty scene. There is Judas betraying Him. There is Peter cutting off the ear of the priest's servant, and then, denying Jesus. However, we can see two things clearly. Jesus was not afraid. He went forward with God's will, even though He knew everything that was going to happen to Him. (v.4) I am glad I do not know everything that will happen to me. I am glad Jesus gives me the grace to walk with Him one step at a time, and I know He will take care of what comes. However, Peter was afraid. He took the sword to defend himself. He denied that he was a disciple of Jesus. His fear kept him from doing God's will. The same will be true for us. If we are fearful, we will fail. However, perfect love casts out the fear. If we love Jesus, which means we know Him well and trust Him, He will guard our hearts from paralyzing fear. Who are you like today, Hezekiah or Peter? It all depends on your relationship with Jesus. Jesus wants to give you His peace in the midst of the trials of life. He wants to give you strength, but you must look to Him, instead of looking to your fearful flesh.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 32-33 and John 18:19-40.
In chapter 30 Hezekiah leads the people to celebrate the Passover for the first time in a long time. It is his effort to spiritually reunite God's people. Some of the people in the Northern Kingdom rebuff his efforts, but people from both Israel and Judah come together to seek the Lord. (v.11,12) This is a wonderful testimony after years of division. God is in the business of bringing people together, and He wants us to be in that business, too. When they came together in unity, there such a great joy that they did not want it to end. (v.23,26) Isn't it great when God sends a revival? We all should desire to live in revival all the time.
In chapter 31 we read about how Hezekiah led them to contribute the tithes to continually support the priests and the Levites in the full time ministry. (v.4) The people responded by gladly bringing a huge heap of offering, so that they had to build storage rooms in the Temple. There was more than enough for the ministry to continue. That is God's will for us today. We would never have a shortage if everyone gave their tithes and offerings as God directs. All of this happened, because Hezekiah was willing to serve the Lord with all of his heart. (v.21) God saw his heart, and God prospered him. He will do the same thing for us today, as we seek Him completely.
John 18 tells us about Jesus' arrest in the garden. It is not a pretty scene. There is Judas betraying Him. There is Peter cutting off the ear of the priest's servant, and then, denying Jesus. However, we can see two things clearly. Jesus was not afraid. He went forward with God's will, even though He knew everything that was going to happen to Him. (v.4) I am glad I do not know everything that will happen to me. I am glad Jesus gives me the grace to walk with Him one step at a time, and I know He will take care of what comes. However, Peter was afraid. He took the sword to defend himself. He denied that he was a disciple of Jesus. His fear kept him from doing God's will. The same will be true for us. If we are fearful, we will fail. However, perfect love casts out the fear. If we love Jesus, which means we know Him well and trust Him, He will guard our hearts from paralyzing fear. Who are you like today, Hezekiah or Peter? It all depends on your relationship with Jesus. Jesus wants to give you His peace in the midst of the trials of life. He wants to give you strength, but you must look to Him, instead of looking to your fearful flesh.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 32-33 and John 18:19-40.