Kings and ChroniCles - The greaT Tragedy

Thrive title page

dr matthew jacoby

thrive
MAY-JUL 2012

Matthew is a Teaching Pastor at Barrabool Hills Baptist Church in Geelong, Victoria. He has a Degree in theology and a Bachelor of Letters, with honours in Philosophy. He completed a Ph.D. in Theology/Philosophy. His musical abilities are also well renowned as the founding member of the psalmist group, Sons of Korah. Matthews central passion is for communicating the Word of God. His desire is to learn what it means to live life by the Spirit of God, to learn to listen to God constantly and to be a transparent and honest witness to the faithfulness of God. He and his lovely wife Kate have three children: Sophia, Jeremiah and Ivy. Weekend Reflections written by Deborah Lynn.

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Thrive i s Th title page

thrive
MAY-JUL 2012
In this edition of Thrive we will be working through

issUe

Kings and ChroniCles - The Great Tragedy

the turbulent history of the Kings of Israel and Judah as recorded in the books of Kings and Chronicles. We will be looking at a series of amazing stories including the lives of the prophets Elijah and Elisha and Kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah. There is so much to learn from the various strands and patterns in this narrative. I am confident that you will find new significance in some otherwise obscure stories. I encourage you to join me again for this journey. MJ

The people plan 1 Chronicles 1-9

Tuesday

1 MAY

The two books of Chronicles cover the same period of history as the second book of Samuel and the two books of Kings (1000BC600BC roughly). However, the context and focus is different. Chronicles was written after the exile and the writer focuses exclusively on the southern Kingdom of Judah, which was all that was left of the twelve tribes. We will see how this difference of perspective works as we read Chronicles and Kings together. The first nine chapters of Chronicles are made up of genealogical information. The space that this is given in the text highlights something very important. The people of God are an inextricable part of the plan of God. It is not just that they are the ones who implement the plan, though that is an important part of it. The people are the plan. Gods desire is to establish a unified and redeemed family of man on a restored earth. This means that community is the aim of what God is doing as well as being the means by which He does that. Being part of a redeemed community is a central part of Gods plan for you. We dont become a part of a church community just to keep ourselves encouraged and accountable though that is part of it. We dont even join a church community so as to find the right context to serve God, though that is part of it too. We become part of a church community because the worshipping community is the very thing that God is wanting to bring about. We are called to herald the future in this sense. Look over 1 Chronicles 1-9 Think about how you can contribute to your church.

Wednesday

2 MAY

MaKing WaY For god 1 Chronicles 13 & 15

My plan here is to lead you selectively through Chronicles since it doubles up on the history recorded in 2 Samuel and the books of Kings. Here in 1 Chronicles 13 and 15 we have an expanded version of the account of the return of the Ark to Jerusalem. Here we see how the context of the Chronicler enhances the significance of this story. The issue after the exile when Chronicles was written was with the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of the temple ministries. Not everyone was authorised to carry the Ark of Gods presence; only the Levites were sanctified to do this. No one else was permitted to have such direct contact with Gods presence. The post-exilic community in Judea wanted to see the glory of God restored to His people. Hence their priority would have to be the rebuilding of the temple and its ministries. As you read this account reflect on the fact that you have been sanctified in Christ to carry Gods presence not just on your shoulders in symbolic form but in your heart. As Christians we are called to be bearers of the presence of God. Your role is to carry the presence of God into every situation in life and impart His love and blessings. The most important first step toward being who God has called you to be is to prioritise time in your daily schedule to make space for God to inhabit your life. Like the post-exilic Jews, God is calling you to make a place in your life for Him to reconnect with you. This is your mission: Freely receive and then freely give. Read 1 Chronicles 13 and 15 Spend some time seeking God.

a Bigger VieW 1 Chronicles 22

Thursday

3 MAY

The extension of Davids love for God was his desire to build a temple for God. Up to this point the shrine that symbolised Gods presence amongst His people was the simple tent structure that Moses had built in the desert. The tent-tabernacle was designed to be mobile since at this time the Israelites were nomads. The building of the temple would therefore signal the final symbolic step in the occupation of the land. David was conscious of this and he wanted to build a solid temple to signify this permanence. It was the expression of Davids desire for God to remain with His people in the land. However, David was not the one to build the temple. God was leaving this last step to Solomon. It is important to recognise that what we achieve in this life is always incomplete. We always depend on the next generation to finish what we begin. Conversely, what we are called to do in this life is simply to continue the work of the Kingdom that others began before us. Every act of service that you render to God is one step in a long sequence. God has prepared a role for you in His plan and He has others who will come after you to pick up where you left off. It is sobering to realise this. It means that we should always strive to honour the work of the previous generation and to prepare for the next generation. This perspective will help you take a bigger view of where you fit into Gods plan.

Read 1 Chronicles 22 Ask God to show you more clearly what your role is in His plan.

Friday

4 MAY

ToUChsTone 1 Chronicles 23-24

David was a man steeped in the Scriptures, in the Torah. He understood that if the generations of his descendents after him were to remain in the land under Gods rule and protection they would have to walk in His ways. God had made it very clear in the Torah that His peoples ability to remain in His blessing depended on their willingness to remain faithful to Him. So David worked hard to set up a centralised worship system to which the people could return again and again to celebrate Gods mercy and dedicate themselves to Him. It is very important for us all to have something like this, a centralised meeting place, a touchstone, where we can publicly acknowledge God and align ourselves with Him; where we can reconnect with His mission and re-examine our lives by His call upon us. As Christians the best time to do this is during our weekly public worship meetings. Before anything is said or done it is an important gesture in itself just to front up to these. It keeps us connected with something bigger than ourselves. It allows us to recognise ourselves as part of Gods family and it is an important public gesture of our association with God. Regularity is important. If you just turn up once in a while you miss the point of why a centralised meeting point is so important. It is by making it a regular part of life that you tap into the real benefit of what church meetings can provide.

Read 1 Chronicles 23-24 Ask God to speak to you this weekend at church.

reflection
This week we read in 1 Chronicles 22:19 Davids urging to the leaders of Israel to devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. If they did this, they would be ready to do all that God had planned for them. As Matt said, God has a role for each of us to perform in His plan too. If we devote our heart and soul to seeking God, we too will be ready and able to step up into all that God has for us to do. As we proceed through Kings and Chronicles in this issue of Thrive we will see how often something comes in to tempt and distract Gods people from this singleness of heart. Prayerfully consider this weekend what it is that often distracts you. What tempts your heart away from its devotion to God? Are there changes you need to make in your life so your heart is ready and you are available to serve God? Read Psalm 119:1-24 and pray for Gods strength as you seek Him always.

5/6 May

Monday

7 MAY

MUsiC & FaiTh 1 Chronicles 25

Music was to be an important part of the centralised worship system that David would set up. As a musician himself David knew how effective music can be in grabbing the attention of our hearts. Music is a universal language of the soul. There are few things that have such direct access to our emotions as music and it is a wonderful thing to experience music that brings the heart of God into your own heart. David knew that music would help to capture the hearts of the people and he wanted to use music for this purpose. He had used music to express his feelings and desires to God as many of the Psalms show. He had used music to soothe the tormented Saul (1 Samuel 16:14ff). He saw music as a gift of God to be used to lead our hearts to God. Some people think that music is manipulative and just stirs up the emotions in a shallow way. This may be the case if a true desire to give oneself over to God is lacking. But when I desire to find that place of surrender I find great help in music. In these times I want my heart to be manipulated just as I want my osteopath to manipulate by back to free my movement. I encourage you to use music to let your heart be captivated by the things of God. If you play an instrument, worship God with it regularly. Listen to music that leads your heart to God. Worship God with music.

Read 1 Chronicles 25 Listen to some music today that edifies your heart.

The TeMple 1 Chronicles 28 & 29

Tuesday

8 MAY

The temple in Jerusalem is often referred to as Solomons temple because Solomon was the one who had it built. However, the temple was designed by David and much of the preparation for the temple was made by David. In this sense it was Davids temple. But the Chronicler recognises here that it was the Holy Spirit who put the plans for the temple in Davids mind (1 Chronicles 28:12). Davids desire to build the temple was in agreement with the desire of God to dwell amongst His people and the temple was the physical manifestation of this agreement. The temple was seen as the place where Gods favour met the worshipping community. It would become like a portal to heaven through which Gods blessings would flow out onto His people. But it was not the temple as such that acted as the open door for Gods blessings. It was the agreement that the temple symbolised, that is, the agreement between Gods desire to dwell with His people and His peoples desire to worship their God. When we yield ourselves to God we bring ourselves into alignment with the God who gave Himself to us in Christ. The meeting place where we encounter God is the meeting of our desires with Gods. When this meeting occurs then our very hearts become temples of the Holy Spirit. To know God is to yield yourself to His will. To yield yourself to Gods will is also to open your life to His blessings.

Read 1 Chronicles 28 & 29 Yield yourself to God today.

Wednesday

9 MAY

The plaCe oF Worship 2 Chronicles 5

The place of the temple in Israel is an important theme for the writer of Chronicles. At the time when Chronicles was written, after the return from exile, the major issue was that of the rebuilding of the temple. The prophet Haggai rebuked the returned Jews for neglecting the building of the temple. Here in chapter 5 the Chronicler, with similar concerns, highlights the fact that it was the building of the temple that prepared the way for the glory of God to dwell in Jerusalem, something that the returned exiles longed to see. It was not that the temple itself was some kind of talisman. It was what the temple stood for that was important. The temple was a symbol of Gods willingness to connect with His people in favour as they connected with Him through worship, that is, through sacrifice. The burnt offerings that were offered in the temple were symbols of the real meaning of worship which is the offering of oneself to God. The temple brought the people to the place of worship and itself declared the meaning of worship. It was in this context that they saw the glory of God and it is in this same context that we also will see the glory of God. Worship is the starting point for everything. Yield yourself to God today and you will meet God as He seeks you. Let Him fill you with His love and glory so that you can become a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Read 2 Chronicles 5 Yield yourself to God again today.

praYer oF soloMon 2 Chronicles 6

Thursday

10 MAY

Solomons prayer at the dedication of the temple is one of the greatest intercessory prayers recorded in Scripture and the importance of the occasion serves to highlight the significance of the prayer. The temple was the symbol of Gods open way. God had opened over Israel a window to heaven and upon them He would bestow His favour. From this time on when Jewish people prayed, wherever that may be, they would pray facing the temple. This was not because it was some kind of good luck charm, but as a gesture of appeal to the mercy of God that was symbolised in the temple. We do the same thing when we pray in Jesus name. This is not a magic formula but an appeal to the mercy of God that was manifest in Jesus. God answers prayer. It is easy to lose confidence in this and lower our expectations of God. If you start to lose confidence in Gods willingness to answer prayer you will inevitably pray less. But in fact there are few things that God wants us to be more confident of. He wants us to believe in His willingness to answer prayer. If God doesnt give you what you ask for it is only because He has a better idea and He only always wants the best for us and those we pray for. God says to you today: What is it that you want me to do for you?

Read 2 Chronicles 6 Pray for the things that most concern you.

Friday

11 MAY

Yes! 2 Chronicles 7

Solomon wanted to know that God was willing to answer the prayers of His people. This is the main concern of his address to God in the last chapter. If God was a God who would answer prayer then everything would be alright, they could step into the future with peace and assurance that God would forever uphold them. Here in Chapter 7 we see Gods response: Fire came from heaven and consumed the sacrifices. In other words the answer was YES. It could not have been a stronger yes. But the yes has a context. God is not the genie in the lamp. He is God and He has an absolute claim upon our lives. He calls us to live in His agenda for our lives. Our blessing and life is in the path of God. If we stray from that path we also forsake our life and blessings. This is evident in Jesus teaching about prayer. He addresses prayer in the context of remaining in Gods vine and the ultimate aim of bearing fruit for the Kingdom: If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Fathers glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:7, 8) Give your life over to God. This is worship (Romans 12:1). Prayer has its context within worship. Walk with God; let your desires be shaped by Him. If you need to be restored to His side, ask Him to restore you. This is a prayer that He will always answer.

Read 2 Chronicles 7 Ask God to restore you to His side today.

reflection
Solomon knew that his blessing and life was in the path of God. We saw this week that he was confident that God would hear and answer his prayers when he kept on this path. The Lord promised Solomon that my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers of the people. This is true for us also. When we remain in Christ we can have great confidence that God will hear us, answer our prayers and grant us His peace. Read John 15:1-17 along with Philippians 4:4-7. Pray today, submit yourself to God and as you do, seek His peace.

12/13 May

Monday

14 MAY

inFlUenCe 1 Kings 12:1-24

In a previous edition of Thrive we read through the lives of David and Solomon and we saw the demise of Solomon as he gave way to his personal ambitions. Here now we see the effect of this in the next generation. Solomon had worked his people hard to keep the machine of his grandiose empire going. Now we see the situation burst and a revolution take place. Jeroboam leads the northern tribes to independence from Judah so from here on the twelve united tribes over which David and Solomon ruled would become two Kingdoms, the southern Kingdom of Judah (into which Benjamin was subsumed) and the northern Kingdom of Israel (the other ten tribes). In a way, the division of the Kingdom of Solomon was the result of Solomons divided heart. He was a worshipper of God who was lured away by the pleasures of this world and the ambitions of the heart. Solomon did not walk in the way of wisdom to the end and so it is no surprise that his son, Rehoboam, displays the very opposite of the wisdom that Solomon had at the start of his reign. It goes to show how incredibly significant our present choices are for the next generation. The priorities that we adopt are the priorities that will be impressed upon all those in our line of influence.

Read 1 Kings 12:1-24 What legacy would you like to leave for the next generation?

The eneMYs sCheMes 1 Kings 12:25-33

Tuesday

15 MAY

The prophet Ahijah had told Jeroboam that the LORD was giving him the ten northern tribes because of Solomons sin. But though Jeroboam would be used by God in this way he was not a man of faith. Once he had succeeded in leading the ten northern tribes to independence he would not trust in God to keep his position. The main threat to his authority over Israel was the likelihood that the people would keep going down to Jerusalem in Judah to worship at the great temple of Solomon. So he took things into his own hands and his tactic would lead Israel into an apostasy from which they would not recover. He established an alternate worship cult using two golden calves as the centre of his new cult. It was a smart move politically because it was very intuitive for the people in these times to worship something they could see and touch. We must always bear in mind that there is a continual battle for our souls. We have a spiritual enemy, Satan, who is constantly trying to secure our allegiance to his rebellion. He wants us to live independently of God, to devise our own goals and live out our own agendas. As Jeroboam sought to prevent people from visiting the temple of God, so Satan wants above anything to keep us from the place of worship, that is, from yielding ourselves to God. Do not be unaware of his schemes and be always vigilant about countering his temptations.

Read 1 Kings 12:25-33 Worship God.

Wednesday

16 MAY

responsiBiliTY 1 Kings 13

No sooner did Jeroboam set up his rival cult than God sent a prophet to denounce his acts. Here then we have the entrance of a very important factor that will now appear with high frequency in the narratives. It is the presence of the voice of God correcting His wayward people through His prophets. At this point the writer of Kings narrates a strange story to underline something about the nature of the prophetic office. There were many who claimed to be prophets in those days but the true prophet of Yahweh was distinguished by his ability to demonstrate his authority (as the man of God does here) and by his accountability to God. The prophet must be distinguished by strict obedience to the voice of God. The prophetic calling was a high calling and great responsibility went with this. This man of God disobeyed the command of God. He was tricked by a false prophet but he never inquired of God to discern this. And so he died. It seems harsh for such a trivial crime but the author wants to underline what comes with prophetic authority. You should never covet spiritual authority but only ever take on what you are ready in God to receive. The more responsibility God gives you the more accountability He wants from you. This responsibility is not an onerous, burdensome thing if it is given by God. In fact it is a great joy to be drawn into such close accountability to God. We should desire this. When you desire accountability you are in the right place to be entrusted with influence and authority. Read 1 Kings 13 Ask God to draw you into closer accountability to Him.

Willingness To reCeiVe 1 Kings 14:1-20

Thursday

17 MAY

When God sent a prophet to speak to Jeroboam the first time, as we saw in the last chapter, Jeroboam would not receive his message. He received his healing but not his message. Now we read that Jeroboams son has fallen ill and he seeks a prophet to heal him. But though he wants healing from God he does not want to receive Gods correction. He wants God to bless him as he seeks his own agenda. It is highly probable that God wants to address something in your life, something that is harmful to you and others and grieves Him. We are always very quick to ask God for things that we want but how willing are you to receive from God what He wants to give you? God wants you to receive what He is saying, He wants to restore you and set you free. God does not want to bless your journey of flight from Him. So often we pray for God to bless our lives when we have not given our lives over to Him. God is certainly wanting to speak into your life now. Are you willing to receive His message no matter what that means? Are you willing to put everything on the table for God to take charge of? Are you willing for Him to change anything He wants in your life? The extent to which you are willing to do this is the extent to which you are willing to receive God as God.

Read 1 Kings 14:1-20 Yield yourself to Gods authority and ask Him to address what He wants to address in your life.

Friday

18 MAY

perspeCTiVes 1 Kings 14:21-31 & 2 Chronicles 12

As you read these parallel accounts of the reign of Rehoboam, son of Solomon, note how the differing perspectives of the narrators cause them to highlight different things in the text. Kings was written during the exile of Judah and here the main question that the book answers is, how did we get here? So the writer highlights the things that led to the demise of Israel. The narrator of Chronicles wrote for the benefit of the post-exilic community who had been restored to Jerusalem but who were wondering whether God was still with them. So the Chronicler highlights Gods willingness to forgive and restore His people following their rebellion. There are times when we need a wakeup call to see our grievous propensity to forget God and ignore His claim upon us. But there are other times when, having realised this, we need to know that God is always willing to forgive and restore those who have strayed from Him, no matter where they have been and what they have done. As you read these parallel accounts think about which one speaks to you most poignantly. We cannot know the transforming and restorative power of God unless we are willing for Him to highlight our areas of dysfunction and waywardness.

Read 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 12 Open your heart to hear what God is saying to you.

reflection
Whether it is a sudden wake up call or a gentle reassurance, it is the goodness of God that He comes to us. As we see through the two different approaches of the authors of Kings and Chronicles, God will work in our life in various ways as He needs to. In Psalm 32 when David stayed in his sin he says he felt Gods hand heavy upon him. This is another example of Gods willingness to show us our sin so we can return to Him for restoration. Read this Psalm and recall a time when God shook you up and another time when He reminded you of His forgiveness and gently restored you. Thank God for His willingness to come to you and speak His word into your life.

19/20 May

Monday

21 MAY

FaiThFUlness 1 Kings 15 & 2 Chronicles 13

According to the writer of Kings, Abijah was not fully devoted to God, at least not like David who is upheld throughout the book of Kings as the exemplary man of God. The Chronicler however focuses on a moment in Abijahs life when he did rely on God. Given the assessment in Kings, Abijahs view of his own devotion is somewhat exaggerated. But despite his spiritual conceit Abijah did trust in God and it seems that God was eager to demonstrate to His people His willingness to uphold them if they turned to Him in faith, however faltering that faith might be. God wants to demonstrate His faithfulness to you but the faithfulness of God can only be seen in times when we trust God and especially when the stakes are high, as was the case in the battle between Abijah and Jeroboam. Outside of these sorts of moments God is still faithful but we tend not to be sensible of that. It is like turning a torch on in the middle of the day. The light of the torch shines but you dont see it. It is only when it gets dark that you notice the light of the torch. God wants you to see the light of His faithfulness but you need to be prepared to stake everything on Him precisely when the stakes are high. Are you willing for God to lead you into situations where faith will become necessary and where you will see His faithfulness more clearly? No matter how you have failed God will show you His faithfulness if you trust Him.

Read 1 Kings 15 & 2 Chronicles 13 What do you need to trust God for today?

rising FaiTh 2 Chronicles 14

Tuesday

22 MAY

The Story of Asa, King of Judah, is for me one of the most moving stories amongst those of the Kings of Israel and Judah. Asa had some experience, from the episode narrated in the previous chapter, of Gods faithfulness to those who trust Him. Perhaps it was this episode that made an indelible impression on the young Asa to compel him to lead his people as he did in his early years. Asa was a man of faith and to men of faith God wants to give the opportunity to allow that faith to be exercised. So it was that the Cushites drew up against Judah to make war. It is here that Asas faith rises like steam from a pot of water that has been placed on the heat. And Gods hand is quick to meet Asas prayer, for God delights in showing faithfulness to the faithful. When you next face a trying situation, and perhaps you are facing one now, allow this situation to bring your faith to boiling point. See this situation as an opportunity to see the faithfulness of God. Because, as I said yesterday, it is only when things get dark that we can see the light of a torch. The light may have always been there but it is the darkness that allows us to see it. Let situations of hardship become the moments in which you encounter God in ways you could not otherwise do so with such definiteness and clarity.

Read 2 Chronicles 14 Ask God to give you opportunities to trust Him more.

Wednesday

23 MAY

TesTiMonY 2 Chronicles 15

There are moments in life when you see things very clearly and in these moments you should do something to enshrine the moment and help you remember the insights and revelations. These clear moments have a way of receding as we get distracted and lost again in our inevitable inner conflicts. What was so vividly true and impacting starts to fade into the darkness of abstraction. What you felt and tasted so vividly in the moment of revelation begins to dissolve under the weight of encroaching selfish agendas. When a mountain climber traverses to a certain height he drives a bolt into the rock and connects his rope to it so that he can return to that same spot more easily if he falls. This is what Asa is doing here. He has seen Gods saving hand and he has heard the voice of God through the prophet. Now he makes a covenant with God and records this covenant as a testimony for himself and his people. He also repairs the temple. I would encourage you to do the same in these moments. Make a covenant with God asking Him to do whatever it may take to get you back to that point if you should fall away. Journal your insights and revelations. Write down your commitments and prayers. Give yourself something to clasp onto in the future.

Read 2 Chronicles 15 Write down your commitment and prayer to God.

spiriTUal giFTs 2 Chronicles 16

Thursday

24 MAY

Why would Asa not trust in God this time when God had demonstrated His faithfulness so clearly in the past? There is nothing rational about Asas decisions here but they are very natural. Our natural inclination in times of crisis is to immediately try to gain control of the situation. This is not always wrong. In most cases we should do something. There is no virtue in sinking into passive resignation. But times of crisis are also the most important times to stop and enquire of God. These junctures in life give us the opportunity to show in whose hands our life really is. They are moments when we can renew our commitment to trust in God. Asa had trusted in God but faith requires opportunities to renew its commitment, for the natural inclination of the human heart is to independence. The threat from Baasha provided this opportunity for Asa but it seems that his commitment had been worn away by the winds of time. He takes things into his own hands and has to compromise spiritually as a result. Where is your commitment lately? Are you ready to face trial? Be sure to always keep your faith alive through prayer and worship for you never know when you will be tested.

Read 2 Chronicles 16 Ask God to give you opportunities to renew your faith.

Friday

25 MAY

prodigal King 2 Chronicles 16

Why did Asa not cry out to God when he had that disease in his feet? You would have thought that his sheer agony and the failure of his physicians would have compelled him to turn to God whose power he had seen in the past. The answer is possibly very simple and one that most of us could empathise with. Asa had broken his covenant with God, he had imprisoned a prophet and he had oppressed some of his own people. He would have felt too ashamed to turn to God. He would have doubted Gods willingness to receive him back. The tragic irony of this situation however was that there was nothing that God would have wanted more than to help Asa and to be reconciled with His beloved son. The story of Asa could have been like the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15). Jesus told this story to show that no matter how far we stray and no matter what we do, God always desires reconciliation above all. Any parent should empathise with the heart of God here. If your children were lost the most important thing to you would not be their behaviour in their lostness. You would just want your kids back and at any cost. This is the heart of God for us always, no matter what we have done. He has paid the ultimate price in Christ to make a way for us to come home to Him. Gods will for us is no mystery. He just wants His kids back.

Read 2 Chronicles 16 again Give yourself to God today.

reflection
Yesterday we looked at the father heart of God, His longing to have His wayward children return to His side. Most, if not all of us, would have friends or family who have walked away from God. Perhaps even children who, although raised with a knowledge of the Lord, walked away to follow their own goals and life plans independent of God. These are very difficult situations and can be so discouraging when we have prayed for a long time. But as we have seen and will continue to see throughout Kings and Chronicles, God too longs for this reconciliation and we must never give up in praying for this. Read 1 John 5 and recall all those that need to return to God. Pray that He would open their eyes and that they would see His forgiveness waiting for them. Pray that their pride would be destroyed, their shame taken away and their faith restored.

26/27 May

Monday

28 MAY

esCalaTion 1 Kings 15:25-16:34

It is important to read 1 Kings 15:25 to the end of chapter 16 in one go to get what the writer is trying to highlight. What you see here is the snowball effect of corruption set in motion by Jeroboam. With each generation we see an escalation of rebellious momentum and the writer wants us to see that this is the legacy of Jeroboams choices. This section demonstrates more graphically than any part of Scripture the kind of legacy that our lives can have on subsequent generations. The judgement of cutting off family lines described here was a way of curbing generational sin in the royal dynasty (and only because this was the royal dynasty). It sounds harsh but the effects of the momentum of generational sin would have been harsher still. Baasha didnt really get this. He was the instrument by which Jeroboams family line was cut off but he then went and continued in the practices of Jeroboam, thus defeating the point of the judgement which was then justly transferred to him. And so his family was destroyed by Zimri. The sequence of assassinations in this period is indicative of the chaos in the northern Kingdom and the writer wants us to see this as the fruit of rebellion. He also wants us to see the downward spiral. Sin leads to more sin. It propagates itself exponentially. If you feed the monster of your dysfunctional desires it will grow and take over your life and its growth wont stop when you die. It will continue to grow bigger with each generation until someone decides to put it to death. Read 1 Kings 15:25-16:34 Reflect on what sins have dominated your family line and where you may be perpetuating this.

Where Blessing Falls 1 Kings 17

Tuesday

29 MAY

When the widow of Zarephath prepared a meal for Elijah from her last remaining morsel of food it was more than a mere gesture of hospitality. Elijah was a prophet who represented God in this case and it was he who, at Gods behest, directed the woman to give her last bit of food to him with the assurance that God would provide for her. By trusting in Elijahs words, the woman was trusting God and by hosting Elijah in this way she was opening her house to God. This was at a time, by the way, when Israel was rejecting God. The story is meant to be an indictment on faithless Israel. We are meant to see in this story the miraculous provision and favour that Israel was missing out on because of her lack of faith. Here we see a pagan widow responding in simple faith to God and Gods readiness to honour such faith. God is saying to us here: See how quick this widow was to trust me! See how willing she was to honour me through my prophet! See how she was blessed as a result! When dire need came to the widows house God was there with her, represented in this case by Elijah the prophet, and while the people of Israel wasted away in alienation from God this faithful woman saw the power of God working for her. Choose today to open your life to God. Yield your life to Him as this widow entrusted hers to Elijah. Do this and you will see Gods faithfulness and power in your life.

Read 1 Kings 17 Open your heart to God and entrust your life to Him.

Wednesday

30 MAY

no oTher gods 1 Kings 18

The idea of serving just one god in these times in the Ancient Near East would have been very counter-intuitive. This was a time when everyone believed in many gods and to feel secure you had to buy yourself spiritual insurance by satisfying the demands of all the gods. It was a way of covering all bases. But it was costly and exhausting because the various gods all required certain rituals and sacrifices. (At least this is what the people were told by the pagan prophets who maintained a good living as long as people continued to serve the gods that they were advocating.) The Israelites thought that they could just add their God to this line-up of gods but such a thing was not possible. God had revealed Himself to His people as the Almighty Creator of all things and the only real God. He has an absolute claim therefore on every person. If God does not have your total loyalty then He is not your God. We spend a lot of time, effort and resources on fulfilling various expectations and obligations that we think we must fulfil in life in order to feel secure. In one way or another we are conditioned to think that we must achieve or acquire certain things or attain certain levels of admiration and success. These obligations are burdensome to us and we are too quick to give in to them. This is essentially the same as the idolatry that burdened the Israelites. The only thing you have to do in life is to do Gods will.

Read 1 Kings 18 What obligations and expectations are governing your life? Throw off this yoke and give yourself to God.

Finding god 1 Kings 19:1-9

Thursday

31 MAY

We might have expected Elijahs great victory on Mount Carmel to have solved the problems in Israel and that Elijah could settle down and retire. The opposite happened. This event only served to stir things up. So now we find Elijah running for his life and he is fed up and discouraged. Gods remedy is marvellous. He leads this exhausted man on a forty day journey to a place called Horeb. What is so special about this place? Why so much trouble to get here? In fact this place represented something very important. This was Mount Sinai, where Moses had met with God and received the commandments. It was the holy ground where he earlier heard God in the burning bush. This was the place where Moses asked God, show me your glory and where God passed before him (Exodus 33-34). And it is here that Elijah would meet with God. What do you need when you feel exhausted and burdened by life? What do you need when you feel the deadness of discouragement? You need to meet God. Simple. You need a fresh encounter with God. In His presence you will be made alive again. As His Spirit fills you anew with His light and glory you will find strength and joy. His presence is like the blissful warmth of sunshine on a cold winter day. You know those moments when you feel you could just sit and soak in the sun for hours? That is what it is like to soak in Gods presence. It brings life, light and warmth to the soul. Read 1 Kings 19:1-9 Seek God and wait in His presence.

Friday

1 JUn

genTle Whisper 1 Kings 19:9-21

What God said to Elijah there at Horeb He says to you today. Like Elijah you may be exhausted and discouraged by life. Maybe things havent worked out as you thought they would. Maybe you are not where you thought you would be. Maybe you feel that everything is against you. Perhaps like Elijah you are hiding in a cave. God said to Elijah: Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by. Today God invites you to come to Him. Hundreds of years before Elijah came to Horeb, Moses, in the same place, in an equal state of discouragement, had said to God: If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here (Exodus 33:15). And in response God had caused His glory to pass by Moses. God says to Elijah here in 1 Kings 19 that He is going to do for him what He did for Moses. God shows Elijah that He is not a distant God, for He was not in the fire or the storm. Rather God came and whispered to Him. This is an expression of intimacy. God is closer to you than you think. He calls you out of your cave to present yourself to Him. I encourage you to find a place where you can spend some extended and concentrated time alone with God. Wait on Him, seek Him and worship Him. Tune your soul in to Him so that you will hear His gentle whisper from within. This will change your life.

Read 1 Kings 19:9-21 Plan when and where you can give some time to God.

reflection
This week as Matt considered the life of Elijah, we were encouraged to plan time to be with God. What better example do we have to follow in this than the Lord Jesus Himself. Read Mark 1:29-45. Relatively speaking, Jesus life on earth was short. He was constantly surrounded by all the sick and suffering, yet He found a solitary, quiet place where He could pray and then He spent the day preaching and healing. You may be very busy. Like Jesus, you may have many people relying on you, seeking you out and sometimes it is very hard to say not now. But if Jesus saw the value of time in prayer, how could we question the need to take time out to be with God? Through our prayer life, we declare our dependence upon God, seek His guidance and renew our strength. The Lord Jesus is our example. Follow in His footsteps today.

2/3 Jun

Monday

4 JUn

sTiCKing WiTh god 1 Kings 20

The events of 1 Kings 20 show that as long as Ahab did what God said things went well. Ahab should have learned from this but there came a point when he decided to follow his own course and make a treaty with the King of Aram rather than destroy him and subdue this cruel nation. His failure to do this would be costly for Israel who would soon have to engage in a bloody war with Aram for three whole years, all because of Ahabs failure to stick to Gods plan. Ahab is condemned by a prophet for his failure. This event foreshadows the downfall of the northern Kingdom of Israel. They could have prospered and endured as a nation if they had kept in step with God. But like Ahab they would stray off onto their own path and as a result they would fall. The moral of the story is simple. Things will go well with you if you stick with God. This doesnt mean that things will be easy or that you wont go through grief and hardship. It does mean that though your path may go through tough terrain, all things will work out for good for you. But it is not just about you. Only God knows what direction your life needs to go to ensure that many people may be blessed through you. So stay in tune with God. Walk closely with Him and you will be a blessing.

Read 1 Kings 20 Commit yourself to God and ask Him to make you a blessing.

MerCY 1 Kings 21

Tuesday

5 JUn

The story of Naboths murder is the climactic point in the accumulation of Ahabs evil deeds. The events described in this chapter epitomise the violation of all that was most sacred in the eyes of God. Possession of land was a crucial aspect of each Israelites inheritance of the promise of God. Justice and truthful testimony in trial are dominant notes in the law of God. And of course human life is the most sacred thing of all. Ahab trampled upon all these and what is worse is the way he did this. He was incited by his wife Jezebel, a Phoenician princess. He allowed her to go ahead with her evil plan in his name thus abdicating his responsibility as a King to an ardent pagan, who he should never have married in the first place. I find this story immensely comforting and I believe the writer of Kings wants this story to comfort his original hearers who a couple of hundred years later were languishing in exile because of their sins. The comfort in this story is in the ending. When Elijah confronts Ahab with his evil, Ahab showed great remorse and God responded with compassion and mercy and relented from immediate judgement. Ahab would not mend his way entirely but this account shows how ready and eager God is to show compassion and mercy the moment we recognise our faults. No matter how you have failed God is not only willing to forgive but eager to forgive.

Read 1 Kings 21 Reflect on Gods grace and mercy to you and give Him thanks.

Wednesday

6 JUn

selF KnoWledge 1 Kings 22

This chapter narrates the end of Ahabs life. Ahab died in battle, a bad sign for an Israelite King. It meant that somehow he had come out from under Gods protection. How did this happen? It all began with Ahabs reluctance to receive some bad news about himself from God. It is something we all struggle with, though we are not always conscious of the struggle. There are things you resist knowing about yourself, things that God sees and things that even other people see, but things that you would rather not know. In the long run it is actually much easier to face up to this self knowledge because when you acknowledge and confess a harmful attitude God can set you free from it. We have already seen how willing God was to show mercy and grace to Ahab when he confessed his sin. Evidently there were other things that God was grieved about in Ahabs life and he wanted to confront Ahab with this but Ahab held off this revelation. He preferred to be surrounded by false prophets who told him what he wanted to hear. When the godly Jehoshaphat questioned him about this and asked whether there was a real prophet in Israel, Ahabs answer revealed his defensiveness: There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. How willing are you to know the worst about yourself? The willingness to face this is the first step toward growth and freedom. Read 1 Kings 22 Ask God to show you if there is anything in your life that grieves Him.

TransFerring WeighT 2 Chronicles 17, 19-20

Thursday

7 JUn

The writer of Chronicles builds a portrait of Jehoshaphat in contrast to Ahab. When they went into battle together Jehoshaphat was in royal garb and Ahab in disguise to prevent himself being targeted and yet it was Ahab who was randomly killed. When Jehoshaphat was in danger, by contrast, he called out to God and was saved. Because Jehoshaphat trusted in God he had nothing to fear in battle. When the Moabite-Ammonite alliance attacked him God assured him, in response to his earnest prayers for help, that the battle was no longer his concern. The moment he threw his life on God was the end of his worry. It was as if God had said: This problem is no longer your problem but mine to solve. This is what faith does. It places the burden of our lives on God. That is where our lives should be. We were never meant to carry the weight of our own lives. We were made to rest in the providence and protection of God and now the door is open to that place of refuge again. If you are burdened by worries it is a sign that you are carrying the weight of your own life. I encourage you to transfer that weight over to God. Cry out to Him and entrust your life and ways to Him. The moment you do this God says to you: This problem is now no longer your problem but mine to solve. He will show Himself faithful to you.

Read 2 Chronicles 17, 19-20 Entrust your life to God.

Friday

8 JUn

TUrning To god 1 Kings 22:512 Kings 1:18

Ahaziahs encounter with Elijah is meant to remind us of the earlier showdown on Mount Carmel when Elijah called down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18). God sent this fire from heaven on Mount Carmel to show Himself to be the true God in contrast with the false gods that the people were turning to. Now again we see an Israelite King, this time Ahaziah the son of Ahab, turning to idols instead of God. This grieves God not only because Ahaziah is rejecting Him but because Ahaziah is throwing his life to an oppressive lie. It is interesting to note that the god Ahaziah turns to is called Baal-Zebub, this became the name by which the Jews referred to Satan as we see in Mark 3:22. This connection helps us to polarise the issue here and see what all the fuss is about. If we are not trusting in God we are throwing our life out into a place where we inevitably become the victim of the mysterious forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Often we refrain from turning to God in times of trouble because we feel that we have displeased Him in some way. But the thing that grieves God the most is when we do not turn to Him in times of trouble. It grieves God to see His people throw their lives to the dogs like this but sometimes He lets us discover the consequences of our choices so that we will learn and turn back to Him.

Read 1 Kings 22:51 - 2 Kings 1:18 Lift up all your concerns to God in prayer.

reflection
As we read through the accounts of the Kings of the Old Testament, it is important that we remember to see the main point. The danger as we read these stories is to focus on the integrity of the good Kings as opposed to the evil Kings. Certainly this is evident but, more than this, the books of Kings and Chronicles show us the goodness of God. He alone remains good, faithful and merciful. He is working out His plans and any faith or integrity we see in the ruling Kings is because of the mercy of God. He is the hero of the story. Read Psalm 145 and as you do consider what this Psalm says about who God is. How have you seen this throughout Kings and Chronicles over the past week? How have you seen this in your own life?

9/10 Jun

Monday

11 JUn

elishas inheriTanCe 2 Kings 2

The account of Elijahs ascension into heaven and the passing of his mantle is a remarkable story. The final miracle performed by Elijah is that of the parting of the waters of the Jordan, a miracle that signified a connection with the Exodus. It was a demonstration of Elijahs authority in God that he should perform this miracle that Moses and Joshua had performed before him. It authorised him as the agent of God. That Elisha should then perform the same miracle after asking for a double portion of Elijahs spirit demonstrates that this authority had been transferred to Elisha. In this connection it is interesting to reflect on the conversation that Jesus had with His disciples on the night before He died (John 14-16). He explained to them that He was, like Elijah, going to be taken up into heaven. The disciples knew the story of Elijah and Elisha well and may have caught this connection. Jesus explained that because He was going to ascend to heaven they would receive the Holy Spirit, referred to by Paul as the Spirit of Christ. They would receive His Spirit in order that they may continue the work that He had begun and He promised them that because of this they would do even greater works than He (John 14:12). It is the same pattern between Elijah and Elisha who did greater things than his master because he inherited his masters spirit when Elijah ascended into heaven. But notice from this story how this happened to Elisha. It happened because Elisha refused to leave his masters side. Read 2 Kings 2 Commit yourself to walk with Jesus and not leave His side.

TesTiMonY oF FaiThFUlness 2 Kings 3

Tuesday

12 JUn

In this account we find Joram (or Jehoram) the King of Israel joining forces with the godly King Jehoshaphat of Judah to fight against the Moabites. The Kings are bound by a common ancestry and especially by a common divine calling. They are a divided Kingdom but both the northern and southern Kingdoms are Gods people. Here the contrast between the two Kings is manifest. The first thing that Jehoshaphat wants to do is to seek help from God. This has been a habit for him, he has lived by faith in God and this occasion will be no exception. Joram on the other hand has had no regard for God even though both Elijah and Elisha had ministered mainly in his territory. He had worshipped the Baals like his mother Jezebel and his father Ahab and his brother Ahaziah, who was King before him. When Elisha is called up at Jehoshaphats request he explains to Joram that he would not have considered even coming to him had it not been for Jehoshaphats presence in this situation. Today they would win this battle because of Jehoshaphats trust in God. Joram would see how God honours those who trust in Him. God loves to honour those who habitually trust in Him. He is eager to show them and those around them that He is faithful to the faithful. May your life be a testimony of Gods faithfulness to those around you as Jehoshaphats life was to Joram.

Read 2 Kings 3 What do you need to trust God for today?

Wednesday

13 JUn

seeds oF loVe 2 Kings 4:1-7

God specialises in multiplication. Jesus multiplied bread and fish to feed thousands of people and here Elisha multiplies oil for the widow. The same sort of miracle is at work wherever people do anything in Gods strength. Every battle that was fought by Israel in Gods cause saw the strength of men multiplied to the task. Many acts of love and care extended to people by the early church were magnified into miraculous healings. Ordinary words spoken by ordinary people throughout the history of the Church have become life giving declarations just as Ezekiels words were used to raise the dry bones (Ezekiel 37). God wants you to experience the miracle of multiplication. Multiplication however begins with something to multiply. It doesnt have to be much and it doesnt even have to be of the best quality. It just has to be something. A small act of love. A word of encouragement spoken in season. An ordinary testimony shared in sincerity. A help for someone in need. A prayer for someone who is sick. God takes these small regular acts of faith and changes the world. The Kingdom does not advance by the great deeds of man but by the great deed of God in multiplying the seeds that we plant in love.

Read 2 Kings 4:1-7 What seeds have you planted lately? What seeds can you plant today?

CoMpassion oF god 2 Kings 4:8-37

Thursday

14 JUn

For some reason I find this story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman intensely moving. It describes in a simple narrative the kind of tensions that beset the spiritual life. We receive, we lose, we are made glad, we are grieved. We rarely understand why things happen and we find ourselves beating down Gods door in confusion and grief saying, why would you give and then take away? That the afflicted Job was able to accept this is upheld in Scripture as one of the high points of faith in all of history (Job 1:21). It was not that Job didnt continue to suffer from the grief and confusion of his situation but that he accepted the mystery of Gods sovereignty as a mystery which he could not grasp. He was able to declare that God is still God even when everything crumbles around us. The Shunammite woman had made a place for God in her life when she built that room for Elisha and she was therefore able to approach the man of God boldly when her time of grief came. Her confused exclamation to Elisha was received with tender compassion by the prophet and here he expressed the heart of God. Just because God is sovereign and knows the reason for everything, does not mean He does not share our grief and feel intense compassion for us. Jesus wept with Mary and Martha for the deceased Lazarus even though He allowed Him to die by staying away from Bethany (John 11). Such is the empathy and tender compassion of our God.

Read 2 Kings 4:8-37 Seek God today.

Friday

15 JUn

sUrrendered liFe 2 Kings 4:38-44

As you read the story of Elisha it may strike you as being very reminiscent of Jesus ministry. Of course, chronologically, it is the other way around. When Jesus did what He did many people saw Him as operating in the spirit of Elijah just as Elisha had done. They saw in His ministry the kind of authority that Elijah and Elisha displayed. And this is what these miracles indicated to the Israelites in Elishas and in Jesus time. They were an indication of authority over the natural realm such as could only be given by God. They demonstrated also that nothing can stand in the way of the purposes of God. There is no obstacle that is not surmountable if we are walking in the will of God. It is one of the great comforts of living wholly in Gods agenda. Making life happen the way we want it to can be burdensome, frustrating, stressful and generally exhausting. But when we simply seek to live out Gods plan for us we can know that it is not up to us to make things happen. When you live life in God He makes things happen and you get to enjoy the ride. There is great rest for the soul in this. Let your prayer today be that of the psalmist in Psalm 62: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone.

Read 2 Kings 4:38-44 Pray Psalm 62.

reflection
Earlier this week we considered the stories of two people through whom God showed His love and compassion. Both the Shunammite woman and Job endured tragic situations and in both cases the Lord worked with great acts of compassion. The Shunammites son was restored to life and Jobs later life was blessed beyond what he had been given in his earlier years. Even when everything was crumbling around him, Job continued to declare that God was still God because he could trust in His mercy. James 5:7-20 is another passage which reminds us that God is full of compassion and mercy. Just as the Shunammite woman boldly approached Elisha, we can boldly approach God, confident that He will hear us and have compassion on us. Read this passage this weekend and pray to the Lord, starting from the place of understanding that God listens and desires to show us mercy. He is not complacent or vindictive so we can trust Him, even with those things over which we have struggled in prayer for a long time.

16/17 Jun

Monday

18 JUn

opporTUniTY KnoCKs 2 Kings 5

The healing of Naaman the Aramean is both a testimony to the open heart of God and also a reproach against Joram and the nation of Israel over which he was King. In a time when Israel was seeking the gods of foreigners we see a foreigner who realises that his own gods are impotent to help him and comes to seek the God of Israel. Naaman hears about the prophet Elisha from an Israelite girl who his armies had recently taken captive. The importance of this event is the way it anticipates Gods ultimate purpose for His people, a purpose that Joram was entirely oblivious to. When he received communication from the King of Aram seeking his help he saw it as an act of provocation. In fact it was God at work giving His people an opportunity to mediate blessing to those around them. God had told Abraham that his descendents would mediate the blessing of God to the nations of the world and here is an opportunity to enact this (Genesis 12:1-3). But the King of Israel missed his calling in contrast with the slave girl who saw the opportunity and took it. Like the King of Israel we can easily miss these kinds of opportunities unless we live in an awareness of the purposes of God for us. God constantly brings people into contact with you who He wants to bless. Stay in tune with Gods purposes and you will see His power working through you to bless many people.

Read 2 Kings 5 Ask God to make you aware of opportunities to bless people today.

seeing 2 Kings 6:1-23

Tuesday

19 JUn

Elisha could see things that other people couldnt. He was able to see possibilities that others would not consider, as when he made an axe-head float. He was able to see where the Arameans were going to encamp and he was able to see the heavenly hosts that had drawn up to protect him against the Arameans. The account of Elisha opening the eyes of his servant to see the heavenly army suggests that it was a deficiency not to see the angelic host rather than a remarkable capacity to be able to see it. The way Elisha prays for his servant suggests that his servants eyes were closed and needed to be opened. Could we really be this blind? What heavenly realities surround us even now without our being aware of it? The fact that we cannot see the activity in the spiritual realm does not mean it is not there. It simply means that we are not able to see it for some reason. There is every indication from Scripture that there is much more going on around us in this respect than we might imagine. What difference would it make to you if you were aware of it? It reminds me that life is bigger and more significant than I could imagine. It reminds me that I am part of a vast heavenly reality now and that one day I will see that reality. In the meantime I am called to live in a reality that I cannot always see. I walk by faith and not by sight and one day I will see what my faith was holding onto.

Read 2 Kings 6:1-23 Ask God to make you more aware of the bigger picture that envelops you.

Wednesday

20 JUn

praYer 2 Kings 6:24-7:20

The city of Samaria, capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel, was in a terrible predicament. They were besieged by the Arameans and Joram son of Ahab the King blamed Elisha for this. It is possible that the Arameans were still chasing Elisha and this is why they had besieged the city and perhaps Joram was frustrated by Elishas inactivity. Whatever the case it was not until Joram expressed his frustration to Elisha that things changed. God responded to Elisha who was responding to the anguish of Joram. It sounds as if Joram had not asked Elisha to do anything up to this point and this would make sense since Joram was not in the habit of seeking God. Joram, according to the writer of Kings, observed the cult of Jeroboam (2 Kings 3:3). The communication from Joram to Elisha was far from being a request. In fact it is really an expression of anger. But it was close enough to a request for God, who wanted to show His people how readily He would save them if they just trusted in Him. And save them He did. If Joram can find some favour with God then, believe me, so can you. You dont need to utter some great and articulate prayer to be heard by God. A simple cry for help will do. It is Gods desire to answer our prayers. He wants us to pray, in fact, prayer was His idea in the first place. So dont ever hold back from praying whatever predicament you might be in. Make every difficult circumstance an opportunity to declare your trust in God through prayer. Read 2 Kings 6:24-7:20 Pray for all that concerns you.

in gods hands 2 Kings 8

Thursday

21 JUn

The Shunammite woman again becomes the focus of the story. While the land is in tumult with war and famine this one woman enjoys Gods favour and care. She has already experienced two remarkable miracles and now she is saved from the famine and has her land restored by divine providence when she returns from the land of the Philistines. She has become the picture of what Israel could be enjoying but is not. In contrast with the rest of the nation that was caught up in idolatry and ignoring the warnings of the prophets, she opened her house and her heart to Gods prophet and therefore also to God and here we see how God is faithful to her. It is as though the writer includes these accounts to say: the whole of Israel too could be enjoying Gods goodness if only they would open their hearts to Him as this woman did. She is held up here as an example of what happens when you entrust your life to God. When you see it like this objectively it seems like madness to not follow the example of this Shunammite woman. But we rarely do see it objectively. We tend rather to react to situations automatically in ways that disregard God. We try to make things happen in our own strength and anxiously try to push solutions through. How about turning to God this time? How about opening your situation up to Him? Let the burden of your life rest in Gods hands as it was with the Shunammite woman.

Read 2 Kings 8 Do what Philippians 4:6 says to do.

neXT issUe

The propheTs - Oracles of the Eighth Century

thrive
MJ

AUG-OCT 2012

In the next edition of Thrive we will be journeying through the writings of the prophets who ministered during the eighth century BC (800-700 BC roughly). We will be reading through Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah and most of Isaiah. The oracles of the prophets are not only fascinating and profound but they give us a more intimate expression of the heart of God than anywhere else in the Old Testament. It is a must-read for those who want to know God more deeply and will be a rewarding read for those who take the journey. Join me in the next edition of Thrive as we read through the eighth century prophets.

Yes, you can now purchase Thrive for most eBook readers.
We provide 2 versions; one for Kindle users and another for most other eBook readers. Simply visit 5iveonline.com and purchase your digital version of Thrive. You can also subscribe to an eBook edition of Thrive. See our website for details.

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Friday

22 JUn

inFlUenCe 2 Chronicles 21

Jehoshaphat was a godly King who worked hard to ensure that the people of Judah and Benjamin worshipped Yahweh and no other. His children were brought up to fear God and were witness to Gods goodness and protection. It is strange then that Jehoshaphats son Jehoram should go headlong into idolatry and murder as he did. The answer to this apparent anomaly however is that he married a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel who inevitably led him astray. The evil of the northern Kingdom had now leaked into the south and it is at this time that God is going to put an end to the infection as we shall see. It might seem strange that such a godly legacy could be overcome by the bad influence of one person. But it goes to show how powerfully influential we are as individuals and the kind of impact, for better or for worse, that we can have on peoples lives. We often grossly underestimate the effect we can have on others. Our words and example however can change the course of the lives of others, particularly those close to us. This is why it is so important to live intentionally to bless and encourage others in the way they should go. If we lack this intentionality and focus only on the immediate personal effects of our actions we will inevitably do damage rather than good. It is like driving a car through a crowd of people with your eyes closed. God made us to be able to influence each other for good. Read 2 Chronicles 21 Reflect on how you influence those around you.

reflection
As we considered the demise of Judah under Jehorams rule, Matt encouraged us to consider how powerful our influence is over others. Jehorams wife drew him into idolatry and away from trust in the Lord alone. Sadly, when Jehoram passed away, 2 Chronicles 21:20 tells us it was to no ones regret. What a tragedy. No-one felt as though they had lost something of importance when Jehoram died. Yesterday, as you considered your own circle of influence, what conclusions did you come to? Do people consider you someone who offers blessing and encouragement? Do you help those around you to stay strong in their walk with God? Would your godly influence be missed? Read Romans 12 and determine to bring God glory by being a powerful influence for good.

23/24 Jun

Monday

25 JUn

legaCY 2 Chronicles 22

The queen mother was often able to exercise considerable power in the politics of Israel. It is not an uncommon feature of the politics of this time more broadly. Here we see the continuing destructive legacy of the bad marriage of Ahab to Jezebel. Athaliah, Jezebels daughter, exercised a controlling influence over both her husband Joram and her son Ahaziah. When Ahaziah was killed Athaliah killed off all his potential successors to ensure she could hold on to power. And so it came to this, the lowest point in the history of the southern Kingdom of Judah up to this point. They are being ruled by the pagan daughter of Jezebel. Ahabs marriage to Jezebel would have been a political marriage used to secure a good alliance with the Phoenicians who Israel had been dependent upon for trade income since the time of Solomon. Solomons ambition for greatness was expensive and to feed the political machine he built he needed a big income which the Phoenicians helped him to secure. But when Solomon built his Kingdom on this alliance he was creating a relationship of dependence that would come back to bite his people and this is what we see with Jezebel and her daughter. Yet again we are reminded to think about the legacy we will leave to posterity. The things that you become dependent upon will inevitably become strongholds down through your family line. It may be that you have inherited some negative tendencies. However you can choose to cut off these patterns. Make that choice today. Read 2 Chronicles 22 Recognise and confess to God any negative family patterns you see yourself repeating. Ask God to set you free from these.

harsh MeasUres 2 Kings 9

Tuesday

26 JUn

A harsh situation calls for a harsh measure. In many parts of the biblical history we see that God is compelled to deal with sin as though it were a kind of malignant cancerous growth. And so it is here. The destructive influence of Ahab and Jezebels family had to be stopped. This was not just any family. This was the nations ruling dynasty. God is going to cut out the cancer to save the nation and he is going to use Jehu to do this. We saw the same thing happening on a broader scale when the Israelites were commanded to destroy all the inhabitants of Canaan. It seems horrific and indeed it is. But what is most horrific in Gods eyes is the evil that necessitates the judgement. God would not deal with sin like this if it did not have the effect of curbing the evil. A harsh measure is only taken when the consequences of not taking it would work out even harsher. What applied to Israel as a whole, Jesus applies to us. He says that it is better to cut off a hand than it is to use that same hand to sin (Mark 9:43). He was being deliberately shocking to get a point across. We need to recognise that it is better to suffer any serious injury than to have free reign to sin. The consequences of sin are far worse than the consequences of any chastisement that we might experience for it. Would you be willing to ask God to do whatever it takes to keep you on the right path?

Read 2 Kings 9 Pray for Gods correction.

Wednesday

27 JUn

sUCCess? 2 Kings 10

As I said yesterday, there are times when harsh measures are unfortunately necessary because of a harsh situation. When it came to harsh measures Jehu was just the man for the job and certainly if God had a physical face we would have seen it wince when He chose this man to execute His purpose. Jehu was called by God for a nasty task but Jehu seemed to like it a bit too much. God had one purpose for all this bloodshed and in His sovereignty that purpose was fulfilled. But Jehu was working out his own purpose. For him it was all about securing power and he could do this all the while feeling smug about his divine calling. He made great displays of godliness but this was just a cover to justify his own motives in all the killing. Yes, Jehu served Gods purpose but he himself was far from being a man after Gods heart like David was. He served God in spite of himself and his own poweragenda was well hidden under the great display of religious zeal. It is a powerful lesson about separating our spiritual state from or spiritual assignment. Just because God gives you success in ministry does not mean you are in a good place spiritually. Just because Gods purposes are being fulfilled through you does not mean that your heart is in the right place.

Read 2 Kings 10 Ask God to test your heart and make it true.

prioriTies 2 Kings 11-12 & 2 Chron. 24

Thursday

28 JUn

The temple was the symbol of Gods special relationship with His people and His rule over them. When a King expended significant resources on the reparation of the temple it was a sign that Gods rule was being cherished. If this priority was demoted then naturally the temple fell into neglect. Both Jehoram and Ahaziah had other priorities, which included the maintenance of the temple of Baal which Jezebel and her daughter Athaliah (Jehorams wife and Ahaziahs mother) had so cherished. When Joash became King under the influence of the godly priest Jehoiada the first thing they did was destroy the temple of Baal and repair the temple and re-establish its services. Here is a good indicator we can apply to our lives to measure our spiritual health. There are things that take us away from God and things that lead us to God. The things that take us away from God may not be overtly bad in and of themselves but if they take priority over our relationship with God then they are every bit as harmful as the temple of Baal in Judah. The most important thing, I believe, that keeps us close, accountable and dependent on God is simply time seeking, worshipping and praying to God. When this time starts to get crowded out it is a sure sign that other priorities are taking over. These might be good and valid things like work and family but remember if you prioritise time with God you will be a better person in both those contexts. Put God first and see how much better life works. Read 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 24 Ask God to take a hold of you and draw you closer to Him.

Friday

29 JUn

BeTTer WiTh god 2 Kings 13

It is amazing to see, at times like those portrayed at this point in the biblical narrative, the desire of God to bless His people. In contrast to this we see His peoples stubborn refusal to remain faithful to Him. But in the moment they cry out to Him, He saves them again to show them His willingness to bless them. Does it make any difference? Do they mend their ways and devote themselves to God? No, they dont. (See 13:4-6.) It seems to be so intensely counter-intuitive for us to trust in God alone that straying from God is as natural as eating and sleeping. Yet there is no reason in it. Experience told Israel and it tells us that things go better with God. Its not a guarantee of wealth, health and prosperity but it is guaranteed that you will go better whatever your circumstances may be. And yet this isnt really the point of trusting God. It is not a pragmatic choice but a relational necessity. To live independently of God is to live in conflict with God. It robs God of the prerogative to be God to us. We also deprive ourselves of our fundamental defining relationship. To trust God is to rest in His love and above all we need to know Gods love. God loves you and calls you to draw near to Him and trust Him for everything that concerns you most.

Read 2 Kings 13 Reflect on Gods love for you.

reflection
As Matt said yesterday we have seen all throughout Kings and Chronicles the peoples stubborn refusal to remain faithful to God. It is tragic to see that the heart of the law has been abandoned. What we are witnessing are the promised consequences for those who forget that the Lord is God and there is no other. Read and consider the challenge of Deuteronomy 4:32-40 and Mark 12:28-34. Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God.

30 Jun/1 JuL

Monday

2 JUL

Willing To lisTen? 2 Chronicles 25

Whenever we succeed in something there always arises the temptation to use our success as an identity builder. We are prone to start to trust in our own ability and strength to get us through life. When Amaziah won the battle against Seir he took this victory to heart as a personal victory rather than seeing it as a demonstration of the faithfulness of God. The practice of capturing the images of the gods of a conquered nation was common in the Ancient Near East. The idols were used as battle trophies and even as good luck charms since it was thought that these gods were now subservient to the conquering nation. This battle went to Amaziahs head so much that he decided to declare war on Israel, a foolish move since Israel was far superior in military strength. The text says that God had worked this, in other words, God gave Amaziah up to his own pride. He had tried to speak to Amaziah about his sin but Amaziah had refused to hear this. And so God would let Amaziah reap the consequences of his own foolishness. God is always ready to correct us when we head toward a big mistake. Whether we are willing to listen to God however is another matter. Often we hurtle toward a situation in anger or pride and we sense we are about to do something wrong but our passions overwhelm us. If, however, you make yourself stop and listen to God in these times you will be well on your way to establishing a life saving habit. Read 2 Chronicles 25 Ask God if there is anything He needs to correct in your attitudes.

pride & hUMiliTY 2 Chronicles 26

Tuesday

3 JUL

The long and stable reign of Uzziah (also called Azariah) of Judah will serve as a contrast with the tumultuous events in the northern Kingdom. Uzziahs reign follows a similar pattern to that of Solomon. He was devoted to God in his early years and as a result he had a long and prosperous reign. He became very powerful but, like Solomon and his father Amaziah, his power went to his head. As the text says: his pride led to his downfall. His simple desire to serve God was hijacked by a sense of spiritual superiority. There is only a certain amount of success that we can responsibly steward before it becomes too great a temptation. That God should give us success does not make Him responsible for when we become proud. It is always our choice. However in His mercy God often withholds success from us until we are able to bear it faithfully. To know God and to be filled with His Spirit is immensely empowering and indeed God wants to empower us for His mission. But if you feel that God is withholding from you it may be because there is still some pride you need to deal with in order to be able to steward what He wants to give you. I have known the feeling of empowerment that comes from an encounter with God but I have also experienced the pride that feeds on these experiences. It makes me immensely frustrated with myself but I always channel my frustration into a plea for help from God and the cultivation of a genuine hunger for the freedom of humility. Read 2 Chronicles 26 Ask God to lead you to greater humility.

Wednesday

4 JUL

The deCline 2 Kings 14:23-15:31

Things are beginning to deteriorate at a more rapid rate at this point in the history of the Kings of Israel. We see here a series of very short reigns and one assassination after another. It is a story that is often seen repeated throughout history. There have been many great empires that could not be defeated from without but which were destroyed by the chaos within. The internal chaos in Israel was the fruit of her spiritual demise. And this was happening at a time when they needed more than ever to remain strong and connected with God their divine protector. For it is at this point that the great dark cloud of the Assyrian empire starts to loom over the land. The Assyrians were a cruel and powerful empire and no small nation like Israel would be able to resist their advance. They would need supernatural protection right now but they didnt have it. They had turned away from God and despite His continued gestures of goodness designed to draw them back they stubbornly refused. So God gave them over to their own foolishness. First we see internal chaos and next we will see external disaster. In the light of this story reflect on your own internal state. Do you feel at peace with God or do you sense turmoil and unrest within? If it is the latter, then it is time to do business with God. Ask God to reveal where your inner conflict lies. Submit your desires to God and find rest and peace in Him again. Read 2 Kings 14:23-15:31 Do what I have suggested.

redeeMaBle 2 Kings 15:32-16:20 & 2 Chronicles 27-28

Thursday

5 JUL

The year that Ahaz ascended to the throne in Judah was the same year that Isaiah begins his ministry. This is perhaps an indication that things are heating up. It was at this time that we also see the rapid demise of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Both north and south are in a critical condition and the prognosis that Isaiah gives is that Israel will fall to Assyria because of her sins. Judah however will stand for a while longer thanks largely to Hezekiah as we shall see. It is important to see how at this time both Kingdoms are in a similar state. It helps us to see that restoration is always possible no matter how critical the situation. It all depends on our willingness to place ourselves in the hands of God. Ahaz plunged Judah into the same level of spiritual degradation from which Israel suffered at this time. His sins were greater than any recorded in Judah up to this time and it might even be said that worse things were happening in Judah during his reign than in Israel. But because his son Hezekiah would throw the nation into Gods hands again Judah would not, remarkably, fall to the Assyrians as Israel did. It goes to prove that you are never beyond restoration no matter how impossible your situation is or how dysfunctional you are. You just need to put yourself in Gods hands and let Him lead you through transformation.

Read 2 Kings 15:32-16:20 and 2 Chronicles 27-28 Surrender yourself to God.

Friday

6 JUL

eXile oF israel 2 Kings 17

We come now to one of the most tragic events recorded in the biblical history. It is the destruction and exile of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Israel consisted of ten tribes and after this event only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (they became known as Judah or Jews) would survive as the last remaining remnant of the covenant people of Abraham and Moses. This chapter provides the explanation for why this happened. The explanation was poignant when it was written because the books of Kings were written after Judah also went to exile. So the question that was on the minds of the original audience of this narrative was: How did this happen? How is it that we find ourselves cast away from Gods presence like this? The answer to the Jews is given here for it was the same issue as with Israel. She did not listen to God. God does not cast us off when we sin, rather, He seeks to restore us. However if we do not respond to His call to restoration, if we persistently turn away from His appeals, then nothing more can be done and He will let us taste the consequences of our choice. There will be times in your life when you will find yourself feeling alienated from God. You may seek for a while and still feel that Gods face is turned away from you. If you find yourself in this situation ask yourself this question: What was the last thing God said to me? What was He trying to address in my life that I was unwilling to yield to Him? Read 2 Kings 17 Ask God to show you what He wants to address in your life.

reflection
This week Matt introduced us to Isaiah and his prophetic ministry. Read the beginning of his message in Isaiah 1. Isaiah describes how far the people had strayed from God. The exile was imminent and there is great urgency in Isaiahs words in verse 17: Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Yet in the midst of this darkness, we also see Gods mercy in the beautiful words of verse 18, Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. All that was required of the people was a willing and obedient heart. God would take care of the rest. Revelation 7:9-17 picks up on this theme and the multitudes around the throne of the Lamb are dressed in robes, made white by the blood of the Lamb. Read this passage also and rejoice in the mercy of God, which never fails.

7/8 JuL

Monday

9 JUL

WhY idolaTorY? 2 Kings 17

I want to reflect some more on the tragic event of the destruction and exile of the northern Kingdom of Israel. 2 Kings 17 explains why this happened. God had brought Israel out of Egypt to live in His blessing but they just could not tear themselves away from their idols. And so they would go back into captivity. In the light of this event the question begs: Why did they feel so compelled to worship the gods of the nations and even to sacrifice their children to them? It is not that they lacked demonstrations of Gods presence with them. They had both Elijah and Elisha in their midst calling them back to God, not to mention the other prophets like Isaiah, Amos and Hosea. The ministry of these prophets and that of Jesus demonstrates that all the proof in the world will not change this propensity. The idolatry which snared the people was really just a means by which they sought to keep control of their world. They just could not bring themselves to let go of their own lives and trust God. They wanted a means of security that they could see and control to some extent and the idols provided this for them, at least, so they thought. They were too afraid to let go of their false securities and no doubt this fear was cultivated within them by a demonic agency working through their pagan rituals and occultism. The moral of the story is simple. Trust in God alone, however counter-intuitive this may feel. Give your life over to Him and trust Him in all things.

Read 2 Kings 17 again Recommit yourself to God today.

Worship 2 Chronicles 29

Tuesday

10 JUL

For the writer of Kings the greatest of all the Kings of Judah is Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:5). He towers over all others in his unswerving devotion to God. The writer of Chronicles presents Hezekiah as the reformer of worship and gives far more detail on these reforms than does the writer of Kings. There was an obvious reason for the Chroniclers interest in this aspect of Hezekiahs rule. The book of Chronicles was written after the exile when the main issue for the people was prioritising the building of the temple. The returned exiles were struggling to establish themselves in the land. They had plenty to concern themselves with, but the Chronicler wants to show them from history that prioritising worship makes everything fall into place and brings great blessing. When Hezekiah began to rule in Judah the northern Kingdom of Israel was in her final years; their fall to the Assyrians was imminent. Judah would face the same threat but instead of being crushed she managed to ward off the threat and prosper during this period. The difference? According to the Chronicler it is simply worship. By reforming the worship practices Hezekiah reoriented his people toward God so that when the time of trial came they were able to stand in faith. It is a powerful lesson. Storms will come into your life and you need to be ready to stand firm in God. Regularly worshipping God is the best way to bring yourself to where you need to be. Worship is the gesture of commitment and surrender to God. Worship God and you will be ready for anything. Read 2 Chronicles 29 Worship God.

Wednesday

11 JUL

inViTaTion 2 Chronicles 30 & 31

Hezekiah was truly a worshipper of God and it was worship, according to the Chronicler, that prepared him to stand firm when the storm came (in the form of Assyria). He worked hard at reestablishing the worship services in the temple and this naturally included the celebration of the Passover. The Passover had not been celebrated for some time and yet it signified the very thing that unified all the twelve tribes of Israel and gave them their identity: They were a people redeemed by Yahweh. It was natural then that Hezekiah should send invitations to the northern tribes in Israel even though they were a separate and mostly a rival Kingdom. But Hezekiah was not interested in competing with others. He wanted to worship with others. The timing of Hezekiahs invitation to the northern tribes could not have been more poignant. Israel was about to fall to the Assyrians because of her disregard of God. Judgement was approaching this nation and her idolatrous King, Hoshea, would bring this to a speedy and disastrous conclusion. So Hezekiah appealed directly to the people of the north and called them to come down and join their revival in Jerusalem and be saved from the approaching judgement. It is a moving gesture. Today the same appeal is made wherever Christians gather: Let us come together and unite to worship God so that we can hide ourselves in Him and be revived and restored. Today God appeals to you: Come to me now, without delay, before it is too late. Find yourself in the posture of worship. There is rest and hope for you in God. Read 2 Chronicles 30 & 31 Reach out to God and wait on Him.

BreaKing Ties 2 Kings 18:1-16

Thursday

12 JUL

The policy of the Assyrians was to force small nation states under their control so that they could milk them of their wealth. Under Ahaz, Judah had been submissive to Assyria. But when Hezekiah dedicated the nation to God he severed all ties in the belief that he and his people should only ever be bound to God and no other. When the Assyrians returned to punish Hezekiah he gave way at first and not surprisingly because the Assyrians were a terrifying military force. But providentially Assyria was not able to respond for some time which is what gave Hezekiah the time and resources he needed for his reforms that we have read about in Chronicles. In the time of Jesus many Jews felt that they needed to do what Hezekiah did and break the yoke of the Romans. But Jesus had come to upgrade their understanding. The political struggles of the past were just the outer manifestation of a spiritual struggle. Jesus was calling His people to be spiritually free and He taught them that they could attain this freedom even if they were slaves (and many early Christians were slaves). The ties that we must break are not political but spiritual ties that inhibit our freedom to serve God. Many people tie themselves into relationships that tyrannise their hearts and lead them away from God. This might be a relationship with people who exercise a consistently bad influence. It might be a tie to a burdensome mortgage that dictates our life direction. Whatever it is we must remember to guard our freedom to serve God and Him alone. Read 2 Kings 18:1-16 What ties do you need to break in your life to free yourself to serve God?

Friday

13 JUL

a TiMe For FaiTh 2 Kings 18:17-19:8

I explained yesterday that Hezekiah broke ties with Assyria as part of his resolution to serve God and God alone. Hoshea, the last King of Israel, had paid taxes (called tribute) for a while to Assyria but had also decided to rebel. Hoshea however was not relying on Gods protection but on that of Egypt. In the end Egypt did not save him. Hezekiah however trusted in God. At first his faith took a stumble when the Assyrians under Sennacherib ploughed into Judah angrier and stronger than ever. Hezekiah paid an exorbitant tribute to keep him away. But it seems that God wanted to give Hezekiah another chance to exercise his faith and so, perhaps by divine providence, Sennacherib would not accept Hezekiahs offer of peace. So in 2 Kings 18 we find the Assyrian army at the walls of Jerusalem and we can only imagine how terrifying this must have been. The Assyrians were not an empire to trifle with. They made great exhibitions of cruelty to their victims to drive fear into the nations. Imagine sitting in your home with your children around you knowing that a cruel and merciless army was poised outside to inflict unimaginable suffering on you and your loved ones. The Assyrians wanted the Jews to feel this fear. Never was there a moment of tension like this for a godly King like Hezekiah. But he was ready for it. He had dedicated his life to God and so this problem was not his but Gods. Is your life in Gods hands? Are you ready to face anything? Read 2 Kings 18:17-19:8 Dedicate yourself to God.

reflection
Hezekiah was ready. He broke down after receiving news of the Assyrians but he went to the temple of the Lord (2 Kings 19:1). As Matt has shown us this past week, Hezekiah went to great lengths to re-establish the temple and its worship practices. The temple was the representation of the presence of God among His people and Hezekiahs actions show his dedication to God and God alone. At this time of great crisis, it is straight to God that Hezekiah runs. He knows that God is near and in control. He goes to the temple and seeks out Isaiah the prophet, so he can hear the word of God. Hezekiah had his heart oriented towards God, so he was prepared. Well see this again in tomorrows reading. The Christian life requires us to orientate our heart to God each day and every moment. Read 2 Kings 18:1-7 again and then find a verse from elsewhere in the Bible that helps you to focus your heart on God. Save it on your phone or write it down in a prominent place and read it often.

14/15 JuL

Monday

16 JUL

deliVeranCe 2 Kings 19:9-37

In the midst of the siege of Jerusalem the Assyrians were providentially distracted by the approach of the Egyptian army (Tirhakah of Cush), thus giving Hezekiah some breathing space. But Sennacherib left a large army to maintain the siege promising to break into the city when he returned. He wrote to Hezekiah a letter that ridiculed his faith in God and proudly asserted his power even over God. As soon as Hezekiah read this he went, letter in hand, straight up to the temple and laid it out before the Lord. Sennacheribs words had provoked Hezekiah to faith. There was nothing else for it now than for God to turn up and do something. Gods response to Hezekiah is spectacular. Isaiah announces that God was about to act and act God did. That very night the whole Assyrian army was destroyed in an event that became so well known it was soon being told in Egypt where the Greek historian Herodotus heard about it and added it to his histories (albeit in a slightly confused form). There is also an anomaly in the Assyrian records, which can be seen today in the British Museum. These records celebrate the destruction of Lachish in Judah as though it was the target of this campaign, when in fact Lachish was only a fort city protecting Jerusalem. The Assyrians were not going to report a failure hence they focused on the only success they had in Judah. God acted for Hezekiah. This is not a myth, it is the real history of the actual work of a real God. And the same God is with you. Read 2 Kings 19:9-37 Reflect on Gods presence with you.

gods plans are BesT 2 Kings 20

Tuesday

17 JUL

It is a remarkable thing that Hezekiah should have been given an extra fifteen years to live. At this time, long life was seen as an indication of Gods favour and God wanted Hezekiah and everyone else to see that He was indeed ready to honour Hezekiahs devotion. The next generation of the faithful however would have wished that Gods original timing for Hezekiahs death would have applied because it was in this last fifteen years that Manasseh was born. Before Hezekiah died he received the unfortunate news that one day the wealth of Judah would be plundered by the Babylonians (a rising force in the ancient world at the time). It would be his son Manasseh who would lead the nation to this demise. It leaves us to wonder how such a godless son could be born to such a godly father. But we need to remember that Manasseh was not around during the reforms and during the remarkable deliverance from Assyria. He was brought up in the comfort and security of the later years of Hezekiah. It seems that at this time Hezekiah was starting to become a little too enraptured by his own success as is evident in his boasts to the Babylonian envoys. So while Hezekiah did not turn away from God at this time his faith was certainly not as vital as it was in his earlier years. Again it looks like Gods original timing for Hezekiahs death was good. It is a subtle lesson that we should always be willing for God to trump our prayers with His better plans.

Read 2 Kings 20 Ask God to lead you firmly in His plans for your life.

Wednesday

18 JUL

Manassehs legaCY 2 Kings 21

Manasseh was the most evil and godless King to have arisen in Israel or Judah. He took the nation to new depths of spiritual degradation including outright occultism of every kind and even child sacrifice. He killed many godly men during his reign including, tradition tells us, the prophet Isaiah who he had sawn in two. It is said that the streets of Jerusalem flowed with blood under Manassehs reign. Both the writers of Kings and Chronicles record Manassehs evil but there is a significant omission in the book of Kings. The Chronicler records Manassehs remarkable turnaround toward the end of his life. The writer of Kings omits this because to him the damage was done. The fact that Manasseh himself repented of his evil did not change the effects of his reign. Manasseh may have died a saved man but he had corrupted his people so deeply that they would soon fall from Gods protection completely. God is always ready to forgive us, that is assured. But we should not take the grace of God as an excuse to take waywardness lightly. Yes God will receive you back if you fall away from Him but the damage that is done when you are walking away from God will be significant and God will often let these consequences remain so that we take our waywardness seriously. One season away from God can do irreparable damage to you and others. It is something that cannot be risked. Too many Christians tolerate their own seasons of complacency as though it were no matter. It does matter, a lot. You cannot afford a moment without God. Read 2 Kings 21 Are you tolerating complacency and waywardness in your life? Submit yourself to God.

MerCY For Manasseh 2 Chronicles 33

Thursday

19 JUL

Manassehs evil went to such an extent that it is said he and his people became even worse than the nation around them. This is the lowest spiritual point for Judah. Never had there been a King who did more evil than Manasseh. In response to Manassehs evil God sent in the Assyrians who took Manasseh prisoner. The Assyrians were a merciless people and used every kind of torture on their victims to instil fear on the nations. Manasseh would have suffered unimaginable torments in his captivity and it is here in his desperation that he turns to God. Manasseh no doubt had a seed of faith planted in him in his early years by his father Hezekiah. No matter how far the child of a believer strays, the seeds of truth planted in their lives will remain as a witness within them always calling them back. It was at this time that the seed planted in Manassehs life sprang up. But what can be expected for such a man as this? How heartfelt could this cry be? Was it not his torments that drove him to this? Indeed it was but it led to what, for me, is one of the most remarkable verses in the Bible: And when he prayed to Him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea. It amazes me that God was so moved by this man and could not resist but to save him. How merciful is our God! Whenever I doubt that God will receive me I think of Manasseh and I say to myself, if Manasseh can find mercy with God then so can I.

Read 2 Chronicles 33 Reflect on the great mercy of God.

Friday

20 JUL

daniel generaTion 2 Kings 22-23:30

Josiahs role in biblical history is interesting. He is upheld as the most godly of Kings in a time when Judahs fall was inevitable. Idolatry had become so entrenched in the nation that there was nothing else for God to do than to give His people over to the nations whose gods they insisted on worshipping. But like Hezekiah, Josiah led great reforms in Israel re-establishing the temple worship and leading the people back to God. Certainly not everyone entered into this sincerely but certainly some did and this is where we discover the significance of Josiahs revival. It did not ward off the coming exile of Judah but it did raise up a godly generation of young people in whose hearts the seed of faith was firmly planted. Among this generation was Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel was a child of Josiahs revival and he took the faith of Josiah into exile with him. It was in the exile that the seed of faith planted in Daniels generation would spring to life and give birth to a faithful remnant. This remnant would build a strong faith community in Babylon, free from idolatry, who would return decades later to rebuild the city that had been destroyed because of the sins of their fathers. You can see Gods plan here in raising up Josiah at such a time as this and it is wonderful to see the divine wisdom and providence at work. You also have a role in Gods plan. It has been determined before you were born. Step into the role God has for you. Read 2 Kings 22-23:30 Ask God to lead you into the role He has prepared for you to play in His mission.

reflection
This weekend reflect further on the faith of Daniel as you read Daniel 1, 2:17-23, 9:1-19. Consider that Daniel was in a foreign, pagan land and not only that, he was there because his own people had abandoned the Lord. He was surrounded by idolatry and evil, but seeds of faith had been planted in his heart. What amazing strength Daniel was given to stand apart because he trusted in the Lord! His faith is firm and he is used by God. We will see more of the impact of Daniels faith in the coming week. Let Daniels faith and life spur you on to a deeper level of trust in God. Stand in the strength of the Lord, leaning wholly on Him.

21/22 JuL

Monday

23 JUL

The FlaMe 2 Kings 23:31-24:17 & Daniel 4

We come now to the final turbulent two decades before the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of Judah. It is a time of great rivalry between the powerful empires of Babylon in the north (originally a part of the Assyrian empire but had split off and grown more powerful than its predecessor) and Egypt in the south. In between was the tiny state of Judah surrounded by other small nations all in a panic to secure their survival in these turbulent times. Under Gods protection Judah was safe but she had forsaken her God and now the protection is lifted leaving Egypt and ultimately Babylon to engulf her like an avalanche. Jehoiakim tried to rebel against Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, but Nebuchadnezzar crushed his revolt and took Jehoiakim and others, including Daniel, back to Babylon. This was the first deportation of captives from Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar is the only foreign King recorded in the Bible to have turned wholly to Yahweh. A large section (Chapter 4) of the book of Daniel consists of the first hand testimony of Nebuchadnezzar relating his conversion. It is amazing to see how such a powerful King, whose military dominance we see portrayed in this chapter of Kings, is eventually subdued by one young faithful Jewish boy. So while the nation of Judah would be crushed in this period, the flame of Gods purpose would remain. It never goes out and we all have the opportunity to be its torch bearer as Daniel was. Read 2 Kings 23:31-24:17 & Daniel 4 Ask God to make you a Daniel in your everyday activities so that people will meet God through you.

lisTening To god 2 Kings 24:18-25:7 Jeremiah 27 & 37:1-10

Tuesday

24 JUL

Small nation states like Judah in these turbulent times had to make big gambles on which major power to align themselves with. They could not stand a chance on their own so they had to choose sides and in this time it was either Babylon or Egypt. Zedekiah was another puppet King installed by Nebuchadnezzar but was persuaded by the Egyptians to join an alliance against Babylon. The prophet Jeremiah instructed Zedekiah not to enter this alliance (Jeremiah 37:6-8) but Zedekiah had never listened to the word of God and wasnt about to heed Him now when it mattered the most. Zedekiah had a company of false prophets who told him what he wanted to hear and they would lead him to disaster (see Jeremiah 27). The more you ignore Gods word to you, the more you listen instead to the counsel of your own heart and mind, the less able you will be to hear Gods voice at all. Every time you ignore those promptings of Gods Spirit you harden your heart just that little bit more and you become more desensitised to His voice. There are lots of voices in this world telling you what you should do and how you should live. They load us up with goals and dreams that lead us in this and that direction. But in the end it is only the voice of God that can lead you to life. God is certainly speaking to you right now. Are you willing to stop and give yourself time to tune your heart to Him and listen?

Read 2 Kings 24:18-25:7, Jeremiah 27 & 37:1-10 Be still and reflect on what God might be saying to you.

Wednesday

25 JUL

aWaKening 2 Kings 25:1-26 & Jeremiah 39

The final blow to Judah was harsh and drawn out. For a year and a half the Babylonian army encamped around Jerusalem to starve the people out. Finally in 586BC they managed to breach the walls and untold carnage ensued. Those who were not killed were taken into captivity. This was the fulfilment of Moses warnings (Deuteronomy 28:15ff): If they abandoned God then God would give them a taste of what it is like to live in a cruel world without Him. Up to now God had shielded them from the results of their choices. But now He would no longer do this. They had chosen the way of the world and they would go the way of the world. Like all the other nations whose gods they had worshipped they would perish from the land. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed and a small remnant of the nation that Moses delivered went into slavery again. It was a moment of tragedy but also a moment of awakening. What happened to Judah was terrible but it did wake them up as a nation. Sometimes there is cause for using a defibrillator. It is a harsh measure involving an electric current that can leave serious burns on the chest of a dying victim. But at least it gets the heart going again. If my heart for God loses its beat then any measure is justified to bring me back to life. No matter what the tragedy that awakens us, it can never be more tragic than continuing to live without God.

Read 2 Kings 25:1-26 & Jeremiah 39 Ask God to do whatever it takes to restore you if you stray.

hope 2 Kings 25:27-30 & 2 Chronicles 36:15-23

Thursday

26 JUL

In the darkest moments of biblical history you will always be sure to find a light of hope glowing somewhere like a beacon of Gods faithfulness. We see this in the very last two verses of the book of Kings. Jehoiachin, Josiahs grandson who was earlier taken into captivity, is blessed in Babylon like Joseph in Egypt. It is Gods reminder that despite all their failings God had not abandoned His people. He was still with them and, like Joseph, would bring them through their trial and restore them again. The book of Chronicles, written after the exile, records the return. God had predicted these events and also declared that His people would be restored. The aim of this tragedy was not destruction but restoration. This was a time of purging for Judah. It was the necessary radiation therapy that would subdue the cancer of evil in the covenant community. God is always primarily concerned about restoration. While this age endures He never gives up on working with us for restoration. If God chastises you it is never to reject you but to lead you to repentance and restoration. He is the healer of your soul and He will do whatever it takes to bring your restoration about. If He appoints a time of trial He will also have appointed a time of deliverance. The two always go together. The God who leads you into the valley will lead you out the other side. That is always the way it works.

Read 2 Kings 25:27-30 & 2 Chronicles 36:15-23 Ask God to lead you on the path of restoration.

Friday

27 JUL

aFTer The Fall Jeremiah 40-43

As the Jewish captives were being led out of Jerusalem the Babylonian commander picked out Jeremiah. He had evidently heard about Jeremiahs predictions and felt compelled to set the prophet free. Before leaving, the commander appointed a proBabylonian Jew called Gedaliah to watch over the small band of peasants that remained in Judah to care for the land. There was soon a small uprising and Gedaliah was assassinated by a Jew called Ishmael. This uprising was in turn quashed internally but the damage was done. The remaining Jews fearing Babylonian reprisals for Gedaliahs death started fleeing to Egypt. En route they came across the sad, lone figure of Jeremiah who warned them not to flee to Egypt. He promised them that God would care for them in their own land if they stayed. God had made allowance for them to stay and care for the precious land and God would enable them to prosper here. However, they would not listen to Jeremiah, and not only did they flee to Egypt but they took Jeremiah with them. It is a sad end for this sad prophet. He would die in Egypt, back where Israel began. If they would have obeyed the word of God that he spoke to them this group of peasants would have prospered in the land of their forefathers. Instead they would flounder in Egypt. It is yet another tragedy caused by peoples refusal to listen to God. If there is one bit of advice I would offer, it is this: Always seek to hear and know what God is saying to you. You cannot afford not to listen to God. Read Jeremiah 40-43 Be still and reflect on what God is saying to you.

reflection
Despite the circumstances and the persecution, Jeremiah was a man who remained faithful to God and continued to proclaim His word to the people. All that God had spoken in the past had been proved true; however the people persisted in ignoring Gods words time and again. Even the small remnant we read about this week, in this midst of the prophesied exile, walked away from Gods command and fled to Egypt. Jeremiah urged the people to listen and obey God and this is the message we have seen continually throughout Kings and Chronicles. There was urgency in this message, for Jeremiah understood the terrible consequences for those who ignored God, both in their lifetime and into eternity. Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 and consider how can you be a part of Gods mission, encouraging those around you to turn to the Lord. Do you sense the urgency? Now is the time of Gods favour, now is the day of salvation. Pray that God would compel us all to be His faithful ambassadors as Jeremiah was.

28/29 JuL

Monday

30 JUL

The ChoiCe Proverbs 3:1-5

As I have mentioned, the writer of Kings wrote during the Babylonian exile after the destruction of Jerusalem. He compiled the history that you have read over the last three months to answer the question: How did we get here? The answer, to summarise, is that the people failed to entrust themselves to God. They always found themselves drawn into the lifestyles and pursuits of the nations around them. Solomon is seen by the writer as the man whose life typified that of the nation of Israel as a whole. He began with great potential, blessed and equipped by God, but he used his blessings and his abilities to do exactly what everyone else was doing in the ancient world. He was drawn into serving the ambitions that every King served in the Ancient Near East and the fact that he ended up worshipping their gods is just an indication of this. As a result of his independent ambitions Solomon ended up sabotaging the very Kingdom he sought to build. This is what happened, broadly speaking, to the nation of Israel as a whole and it is what happens to all those who take Gods blessings to use for their own agendas. God has blessed and equipped you. What will be the pattern of your life? Will you end up like Israel and Judah, ruined and alienated from God or will you live like Hezekiah and Josiah whose reigns had such a wonderful impact on the generations after them. The choice is yours.

Read Proverbs 3:1-5 Commit yourself to walk with God and trust Him today.

The VerdiCT Psalm 37:1-6

Tuesday

31 JUL

Throughout Kings and Chronicles you will have noticed that the life of each King is assessed and there are two possible verdicts. Either a King did what was right in the eyes of God or they did what was evil in the eyes of God. Those who did what was right were never perfect and some even fell away from God completely. But they are remembered for their primary legacy. They are remembered for the impact they had on the nation and the role they played in Gods purpose. Even if they strayed from God, yet if, even for a season, they served God, they were considered to have done what was right. This does not excuse their waywardness but rather it highlights the tragedy of it. You may remember a time when you felt that you were in a good place with God and being used by Him. Perhaps you are in that place now. Perhaps you are not. Today God is calling you to step up again into His calling for you. What will be the verdict of heaven over your life? Today you can choose to live for a good or bad verdict. Let it be said that you did what was right in the eyes of the LORD not turning aside to the right or to the left. Let it be recorded in Gods annals that you, trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. Let it be said of you that his heart was fully committed to the LORD. It is never too late to change the verdict. Commit yourself to God, trust in Him and THRIVE.

Read Psalm 37:1-6 Commit yourself to God again.

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