Take Two: 2 Chronicles 36, Proverbs 13

This final chapter of the book is a rapid fire of kings and regime changes. The kings in these final chapters are considered to be “generally” bad…and the results of their rule is that the wrath of God was unleashed…because they refused the correction of God and refused to humble themselves before Him (vv.15-16).

A couple of observations stand out to me. The kings chose to lead themselves rather than to yoke up under the Lord. As such, they were tossed about by the nations, specifically Egypt, Babylon, and Persia. [POINT: Apart from God there is no real strength...and real strength from God comes as we admit our weakness and rely upon His strength.]

Second, God’s compassion is evident in sending messengers/prophets who called the people back to God…but they refused (vv.15-16). Yes God gave the kingdom over into the hands of their enemies…but He reached out to His people repeatedly beforehand…and they refused. [POINT: God is often at work in obvious ways in our lives...but we often refuse to listen until it's too late. We then want to blame God as though He was unjust or uncaring.]

Third, in the economy of God, even the kings are to humble themselves before the prophets who speak for God (v. 12). This “king,” Zedekiah, rejected the prophet and the prophet’s instructions. As such, God rejected him. [POINT: It is difficult at times for powerful decision makers to humble themselves before God...and before God's man. Leadership and the ability to make decisions is a gift...a gift from God; however, if we rely on the gift more than the giver, our gift becomes a liability. Our strength becomes our downfall. God's leading does not always make sense...but God is still always God and true leaders in the kingdom sense...recognize this and humbly yield to God rather than rely on their experience, reputation, or gifting.]

Fourth and finally, God is still always God. Notice vv.17-21…all done to fulfill the Word of God. Then notice vv.22-23…in order to fulfill the Word of God. Hear this…God is always working out His plan, not ours. This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray in the model prayer, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.” God never chooses us over His purpose, promise, or plan. He chooses Himself, because He alone is perfect. Joy in our lives is directly tied to how closely we can find delight in the will of God for ourselves (See Psalm 37:4-5).

Proverbs 13:23 is the takeaway today. “Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but it is swept away by injustice.” [Often times, the greatest thing we can do for the poor, is look out for them and ensure that justice prevails. This is better, long-term, than alleviating the temporal needs. We should seek to meet temporal needs...but we should also pursue justice for them...allowing them to grow to work their own ground and produce fruit.]

OKAY: Another OT book completed! In light of the fact that I am about to embark on a study of the Book of Acts for Sunday mornings…I want to focus my devotional time there so we can remind ourselves of the context of the book over an over…as we begin our study together. Please Join me!

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 35, Proverbs 12

In this chapter, we are in the 18th year of the reign of Josiah…the year he reinstituted the Passover on a broad scale as was required by the Law. It was a massive feast and was monumental in the life of Judah/Israel.

The death of Josiah, and the circumstances surrounding it are difficult to grasp without help. Here is an explanation from the New American Commentary:

Josiah, who apparently was an ally of the Babylonians (or at least an opponent of the Assyrians), attempted to impede the march of Neco.

Neco’s movement into these areas has become clear since the publication of the Babylonian Chronicles. He was going to the aid of Assyria. The Babylonians had overrun the southern part of Assyria and pushed the Assyrians back from Haran. Fearing the advance of the Babylonians, Pharaoh Neco and the Egyptian army were on their way to assist the Assyrians. He may have succeeded, for the Assyrian-Egyptian forces were thwarted in their endeavor to retake Haran. But Josiah’s involvement in the incident led to his being wounded in battle and to his eventual death. The theological explanation offered by the Chronicler is in terms of Josiah’s refusal to accept the divine warning offered in an unusual way by the words of the pagan king Neco, who told Josiah that he had no quarrel with him personally but with the Babylonian king. Perhaps more important to the Chronicler than the word of a foreign king was the lack of any statement that Josiah had “sought the Lord” before engaging an enemy in battle.

Note: V.22 tells us that the Lord had spoken through the pagan king Neco, but that Josiah did not listen. He did not recognize this as the Word of God. Josiah relied on political calculation in determining alliances in this battle between Assyria and Babylon.

We should remember that the Lord’s ways are different than our ways…ALWAYS.

All in all, Josiah is remembered as a good king. He was killed in battle…a battle never intended for him to be engaged in.

NOTE: It is also true that there are a number of Christian “casualties” of battle today. They too suffer and some are destroyed in battles that were never theirs to fight. God is not unjust when people are harmed in these situations. He is just.

Proverbs 12:15 is the takeaway today. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.”

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 34, Proverbs 11

Josiah’s reign was one of renewal and revival in Judah. He assumed the throne at 8 years old and began to seek after God personally eight years later. After four years of learning, understanding and applying God’s Word, Josiah began to destroy the idols, false altars, and those who facilitated their practice.

He then ordered the rebuilding the Temple which was in disrepair. (NOTE: Don’t miss the “order” here. First was repentance for sin…then the building of the Temple…the restoration of prominence of the Temple. The order is significant. You cannot simply “add” religion to an unrepentant life and expect the blessing of God. You must first forsake that which is unholy…repentance.)

In the midst of the rebuilding, the Law of Moses was discovered. It was taken to the king and read in his presence. In hearing the reading of the Law, the king realized that though great reform had taken place…there was much more to be done. He was humbled and repentant…realizing that his kingdom was still under judgment for the sins of previous generation (vv.18-21).

NOTE: THIS IS A KEY STATEMENT. Some stop too soon in the sanctification process. They walk with God for several years…and then start to turn their attention to the sins of others. This is NOT the calling of God on our lives. Our calling is to continually search within ourselves…applying the Word of God to our lives…and continually repenting of that which is in opposition to God. When we think we have “arrived,” we demonstrate just how far away we truly are!

Josiah had nothing but good stated about his character and conduct…and yet he tore his clothes. Why? Because the Word of God searches deeper than we can ever imagine.

Josiah inquired of the Lord about how to turn the nation around. God’s Word was that the nation would experience His judgment (v.28), but that Josiah would die in peace…not yet having seen the fullest measure of God’s wrath. How could God say such a thing? Simply…because He sees and knows all. He knew that the revival would be short-lived. He knew the conditions of the hearts of the people. He knows the end from the beginning.

Josiah made a covenant promise to God and spoke not just for himself, but for the kingdom he reigned over. He kept his promise…and so did the Lord (vv.31-33).

APPLIED: What is necessary for you? Have you arrived in your sanctification? Do you seek to become more like Christ…passionately pursuing the holiness of God? Or…have you gotten pretty comfortable? Do sermons leave you with more information…but less transformation? If so…could it be more about the receptivity of your heart than the content of the message?

Proverbs 11:1 is the takeaway today. “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” [God sees and judges the secret sins in our lives. Those sins that no one else can see...He sees clearly.]

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 33, Proverbs 10

We find the stories of Manasseh and Amon in this chapter. Manasseh reigned a long time in Judah (55 years) (v.1), but was an idolater. He promptly “undid” most of his father’s reforms and restored idolatry to a prominent and accepted practice in the kingdom. God raised up the Assyrians who took Manasseh prisoner.

In his captivity, Manasseh repented and cried out to God. His prayer was moving to God…who then showed mercy to Manasseh (vv.10-13). In light of the mercy of God, Manasseh believed in God and went about the work of reform…in that he sought to remove the idols from the land.

REFLECTION: The “judgment” side of me wondered as I read this…why God gave him another chance. After all, he set up idols in the Lord’s House. Why did God allow him so many years? The point though is not my measure of justice, but God’s measure of mercy. It is markedly easier for us as a people to become self-righteous and feel as though someone should “have the book thrown at them” for certain sins. However, God saved all of us from sin the same way…and we were all equally undeserving. Yes Manasseh’s sin was significant…but so is God’s grace.

Manasseh was followed by his son Amon who was so wicked that his own servants killed him (v.24).

NOTE: Perhaps you have seen a cycle of actions in the texts we have read. The people follow God and are blessed. They then become self-consumed, sin against God and are judged. In the midst of their judgment, they call out to God and, in repentance, bring about reforms. They then experience the blessing of God.

This pattern is prominent throughout the OT…particularly in Judges. It may be though…that it is prominent in the NT…and in our era as well. Faithfulness to God…requires intentionality. It requires making decisions daily to honor God and to not go back on our decision. Diligence is not recommended…it is REQUIRED.

Proverbs 10:4 is the takeaway today. “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 32, Proverbs 9

In this chapter we see the encounter of Hezekiah and Sennacherib of Assyria. From the encounter, I think we can draw some principles of what to do in times of uncertainty and crisis.

First, note that Hezekiah took wise, tactical steps to take away Assyria’s military advantage. The destruction of the wells removed water supply from Assyria and it made the benefit of a long-term siege less attractive. He then rebuilt the walls and added fortifications.

NOTE: some think it is unspiritual to think tactically or to make strategic decisions. They are wrong and the biblical example is against them. Being smart is not the same as demonstrating a lack of faith. Faith and wisdom are not in conflict.

Next, Hezekiah pointed the people to faith in God. He did not tell them to look to their fortifications or to his military might. He pointed them to God (v.7).

NOTE: Our hope must always be in God. God works through circumstances…but our circumstances do not save…God does.

This faith in God was tested almost immediately when the Assyrians sought to undermine it. They pointed to the insufficiency of the other gods of the lands they had conquered. They pointed to the irrational position of Hezekiah to destroy other “potentially” salvific gods and altars. They sought to undermine the spiritual foundation of the people.

NOTE: When the spiritual foundation erodes, the entire structure will come crashing soon.

Finally, Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out to God. (This is last in order but not last in priority). No victory is assured like the victory God brings for His own glory. What was on the line…was not the security of the people, but the Name of the Lord!

NOTE: Friend, when the church of Christ takes the conversation back there…and away from things like our structure, our comforts, our reputation, and our way of life…we will finally be in a place to win decisively and experience God’s blessing.

Hezekiah was not a perfect man (vv.24-26). He failed at times. God was gracious to him and used him to lead His people for His glory.

NOTE: You don’t have to be perfect to be used by God. You do have to be wise, dependent on God and continually point people to place their hope in Him…as you do.

Proverbs 9:5 is the takeaway today. “Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed.” Becoming wise is not about what you bring to the table (how old you are and how much you have seen and done in your career)…but what you take from the table prepared before you. WISDOM is seen in OBEDIENCE and TRUST, not chronology or earthly accomplishments.

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 31, Proverbs 8

Vv.20-21 are incredible! These verses at the end of the chapter summarize and affirm what we have read in the preceding sections. Hezekiah led the people…while seeking God with all of his heart…and he prospered.

A couple of observations from the chapter that stand out to me. First…Following the Passover celebration…reforms due to repentance continued (v.1). Repentance led to worship and worship led to repentance. I think this is key…especially as it applies to us…worshippers…today.

Occasionally…I meet people who seem as though they have stopped repenting. They seem to have it together…as if there was no more work God needed to do in their lives. They “worship” (or at least participate in a worship service) but there in not a response to the Word…at least not an outward response. Could it be that they have arrived at a place of sanctification or holiness? Could it be that they are really JUST FINE with God?

I have walked with God long enough now…that I would be afraid if I didn’t feel the need to repent after coming into His presence in worship. I prepare the sermons I preach and I am still convicted by the preaching of them! God is constantly doing a work in my life…and it would make me afraid if I could sit under the preaching of God’s Word…worship Him in song of adoration, or pray to Him…asking Him to search my heart…and there was nothing to address and forsake on my part. (I guess I just KNOW how messed up I am!)

When is the last time you heard the preaching of God’s Word and you felt the intense need to confess sin? If not last week…or yesterday…why not? Have you achieved a Holy state? Usually, God “nails” me for stuff I am not even speaking about. He comes through the “back door” and “Gibbs slaps” me in the head.

Back to the text…as an outflowing of this ongoing repentance…God blessed. Hezekiah continued to lead the people to give and serve sacrificially for God. They did so JOYFULLY! (vv.3-19). It seemed…that the more they gave for the glory of God…the more He gave to them as a stewardship. He seemed to continuously pour out blessing while they continued to glorify Him.

NOTE: Perhaps…God’s people are waiting to be blessed before they seek to glorify God? Could it be that we have forgotten that the greatest blessing has already occurred and that there is no better thing the Lord could do for us? I wonder though…could it be that we are simply negotiating with God about how we will glorify Him. Our response is not, “As you wish Lord”…but as “we’re comfortable Lord.” We will glorify Him by teaching a small group, cutting the grass, or working in the nursery…all of which are GREAT places of service that honor God…unless they substitute for “bearing witness of Him (Acts 1:8), or reconciling the Lost (2 Cor 5) or developing fully devoted disciples (Mt 28). We want to glorify Him in singing but not in giving obediently. We want to glorify Him by attending worship but not by loving our neighbors sacrifically. We (possibly) develop a “me-centric” theology that says that God is glorified by whatever makes us comfortable or happy when we DO THAT with all of our heart. Truthfully, God is most glorified when we respond by faith and trust Him in obedience to do the uncomfortable and difficult which He leads us to do.

Proverbs 8:35-36 is the takeaway today. Wisdom personified is speaking, “For he who finds me, finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. But he who sins against me injures himself; all those who hate me, love death.”

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 30, Proverbs 7

The courageous leadership of Hezekiah is seen in this chapter. He recognized that the Feast of the Passover had not been celebrated as it was prescribed in quite some time. Certainly with the divided kingdom, as well as the idolatrous practices of the former kings, the festival set aside to remember God’s deliverance was almost forgotten. Hezekiah led the leaders to embrace an alternative. They would invite the people to celebrate the Passover at the wrong time…but celebrate it all the same. Otherwise, it would be many months before the Passover could be observed.

APPLIED: Any time a leader makes a bold move that is different than “we’ve done it” before…he opens himself to criticism. The “safe play” is to simply keep the peace, continue the course and make small, subtle changes in direction. However…we serve a bold God! God did not incrementally address the sin problem…He sent His Son to die!

Hezekiah’s move was criticized by many (vv.5; 10-12). Still, some followed. Those that followed experienced the grace of God. In fact, the Chronicler notes the grace of God in the prayer of Hezekiah and the “heart” purification of the priests who served…even though they had not completed all of the Temple purification ritual (vv.15-20).

The contrition and yieldedness of the people led to a worthy response to God…and God’s response of blessing toward His people (v.27).

REFLECTION: God desires obedience. He desires total commitment. His character demands it. He is trustworthy…and it is required of His people to trust Him. Trust requires faith and faith is acting in light of the unknown with reliance on the character and promises of God. Faith is IRRATIONAL. It is, in many respects, lacking in logical and measured action. It is the “leap from the diving board” into the arms of the waiting parent in the pool. It is the obedient response of the “tithe offering” even before other checks are written. It is the surrendered life in light of the unknown. It is the faith commitment and the life adjustment to support it…that makes the task of missions and evangelism possible. Hezekiah demonstrated FAITH to do the right thing…even imperfectly…in response to the Holiness of God. Would we be that bold?

Proverbs 7:14 is the takeaway today. The adulteress speaks: “I was due to offer peace offerings; today I have paid my vows.” The adulteress claims that her upcoming sin is the blessing of God since she made an offering that day. POINT: You can dress sin up in all sorts of outfits. It’s still sin. God calls His people to be discerning. We evaluate right and wrong based on truth and not circumstances. This is principled decision-making. To say…”I have a right to act this way because I prayed about it”…even when doing so violates the Word of God…is akin to this severe warning to the naive sin in this chapter. Be DISCERNING and recognize sin when it appears.

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 29, Proverbs 6

“Everything is moving so quickly!” This is likely an observation made by those in Jerusalem in the first year of Hezekiah (v.36).

Hezekiah was a bright spot…a good king…one who sought to bring great reform among God’s people and return them to their roots.

Upon assuming the throne, Hezekiah did not hesitate. He saw that the current affairs of God’s people were far from what God had intended. He did not form a committee. He did not have a study group. He acted…as a leader…and led the people back to where God had designed for them to be.

In the years of idolatry, the people had slowly and continuously moved away from God’s design. The Temple was essentially shut down. The priests and Levites moved on. The people treated worship as an activity or annual event…not an essential part of daily LIFE. Hezekiah had a mission…to return the people to God’s purpose.

It is doubtful that the people truly realized how far they had drifted. They likely thought that they were doing fine and that the lull in relationship as well as the lack of blessing was part of a cycle. I am certain that they chose to blame the king’s administration for the problem…not realizing that they were the problem that opened the door for bad kings. [NOTE: This could be a contemporary news story!]

Hezekiah’s approach? Begin with the House of God. Clean it, cleanse it, reopen it and restore it. Bring in the priests and Levites and put them back to work. No national reform of any real significance can precede spiritual revival (vv.1-11; 15-19).

Next was the step of LEADERS initiating the repentance and sin offerings. As leaders, they were to be first…the king and the princes. On behalf of those they lead, they had to first come and confess the sins of their hearts….and of the people. [NOTE: No real revival occurs until genuine repentance among the leaders and spiritually mature occurs.]

Hezekiah then moved God back to the center of mainstream life in the kingdom. This is a role of leadership (vv.29-35).

APPLIED: I have found that critics and criticism are abundant. Repentance and responsibility is a bit more scarce. Show me a church that can observe deficiency but not be driven to its knees…I will show you a prototype of Jerusalem in the days before revival. In the same way, show me a church that stops observing what’s broken and pointing fingers at other who are responsible…and that is driven to its knees in brokenness and repentance…with a desire to return…and I will show you a place and a people God will use!

When it comes to finding fault…are you an observer…a critic…or a repentantly responsible intercessor?

Proverbs 6:25 is the takeaway. Regarding the personification of temptation and evil…”Do not desire her beauty in your heart, nor let her capture you with her eyelids.”

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 28, Proverbs 5

In this chapter we find the reign of Ahaz described. Ahaz was a wicked king wo committed some of the most heinous sins imaginable. He was an idolater, and he practiced child sacrifice. Because of his unfaithfulness to God…hundreds of thousands of his people suffered and many died.

God’s judgment against him did not turn his heart. This stands out in contrast from my perspective…since the threat of God’s judgment turned the hearts of idolatrous Israel (vv.9-15). They relented from their decision to imprison and enslave Judahites in Samaria…but Ahaz was unwilling to bend. He became all the more resolved in his actions against God.

What caught me though is a bit more subtle in the chapter. In v.9, God used a prophet of old to deliver his message in Israel. Remember…Israel is not walking with God. FOr a prophet of God…this was “enemy territory.” Yet…God stationed a prophet there in times of great difficulty to deliver His message at the right time.

APPLIED: We want our service to God to be comfortable…or rewarding. We want to be respected and appreciated. The task of this prophet was none of these. He was a “prophet of old”…meaning that he represented the way that things were supposed to be before the changes. He was a constant reminder of Israel’s sin. He was a thorn in the side of every person there…

I imagine he did not get any Christmas cards…no one even remembered his birthday. When he spoke, people rolled their eyes…checked their watches…and took notes of criticism if they listened at all. He preached for years to a hardened people…and no one would listen…and this pleased the Father.

He was not elected as a leader among the prophets…he had no church growth…his only boast was that he was on station for many years. Some had written off the prophet as ineffective…or maybe as the source of their woes. Still…he proclaimed the truth. Until the day that he delivered the warning of God…there was no fruit for his ministry…but then, God USED HIM mightily.

Question: Would you serve God for months, years, decades…with no fruit…no encouragement…no affirmation…no acceptance…from your fellow man? Would you do the thankless…long enough for God to use you?

Most people I know…do not exhibit the tenacity to persevere like this prophet. I wonder if I have that kind of sticking power. But he did…and God used him and was pleased.

Proverbs 5:21 is the takeaway today. “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths.”

Take Two: 2 Chronicles 27, Proverbs 4

There are few words written about the reign of Jotham but those written here are powerful.

First, he followed after the Lord according to the ways of Uzziah, except he did not enter into the Temple (a reference to the sin of Uzziah) (v.2). Jotham was a good king who sought to personally follow God and to lead the kingdom to do the same.

Second, in spite of the first observation, the people (as a whole) did not follow after Jotham. He set a course but the people did as they preferred (v.2)…acting corruptly. An opportunity for revival and widespread blessing was in their midst but they missed it…because they chose to pursue their own agenda rather than the one their king had established.

Third, Jotham, not the people of his kingdom, became mighty…because He chose to follow God (v.6). There were some residual benefits for the people but they left a lot of “blessing” on the table…because they chose to pursue pleasure over privileged duty and service.

John Maxwell says that “everything rises and falls on leadership.” While this is generally true…it is also true that not everyone pursues the course established by the leader. Sometimes they blame the leader for not being persuasive enough. Sometimes, they state that they did not know where the leader was going. There is a significant responsibility for the leader to communicate and to persuade…but even the best leaders throughout the ages (Moses, Jeremiah, Jotham, Jesus, Paul, etc.) have been unable to persuade people to follow them. Would anyone blame Jesus for being ineffective when the disciples slept in the Garden of Gethsemane…or when they abandoned and denied Him? Certainly not.

APPLIED: Moving forward to accomplish God’s agenda certainly requires a clear and compelling vision…but that is not all that is required. It also requires followers who are willing to trust the author of the vision (that is the Lord) and follow after the leader…even if there is a better way. I know personally, I have learned as much or more in my failures than in my successes. I have also learned that failed attempts are often far better than successfully tabling ideas.

Are you a leader…LEAD. If you’re a follower (by position or proclamation)…then follow. In a leadership class I teach to HS Students, I remind them that it is easy to criticize. That doesn’t require and skill at all. However, character demands that followers put “their back into it” when a leader sets a course. Doing so…almost always results in a better outcome…or at least a quicker failure…so learning can take place and adjustments can be made. Either way…it is better.

Proverbs 4: 27 is the takeaway today. Fix your eyes intently on the wise path that God reveals. “Do not turn to the right or the left; turn your foot from evil.”