April 30th -- Nehemiah 5 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%205&version=NLT)
Nehemiah defends the oppressed
*Note, I'm not gonna' keep up the first person, because I find it bothersome to write in. I'll just summarize but not in first person, more as if I were a news reporter reporting his stories.
People begin to cry out in protest against their fellow Jews, explaining that they have big families and not enough food, or that they have mortgaged everything just to get any food at all. Some were even selling their children into slavery for money to live, because that was all they had left to offer for money. Nehemiah is outraged by this, and tells the nobles/officials what they are doing by charging interest on borrowed money. He calls a public meeting to deal with the issue. At the meeting Nehemiah says that even as they do all they can to redeem people who have been sold to foreigners, they are selling them right back into slavery, and asks how often, then, they must be redeemed, to which they have no answer. He told them what they did was not right, and that they must stop charging interest, and also help them restore what they lost as well as pay back the interest they received from them. They said they would do so, and the priests were brought to make them swear to it. Nehemiah said that God may take their property if they did not do as they had said, and they did do as promised. Nehemiah was governor for twelve years - the whole reign of Artaxerxes - and during all that time not him or his officials took from their official food allowance. The rulers before had taken advantage of the people, but Nehemiah feared God so he did not. He would not buy land and worked to rebuild the wall with his servants. He didn't ask for anything, though he gave much away to others. He wouldn't claim the governor's allowance because of the burden the people bore. He asked that he be remembered and blessed by God for what he did.
Nehemiah could have had all he wanted because he was in power, but he didn't take it. Why? He realized that "with great power comes great responsibility". Oh, no, sorry, wait, that was Peter Parker. Haha. No, but actually, Nehemiah picked up on that way sooner. He recognized that just because he had power didn't mean he had to use much less abuse it. The government/those in power before him? Well, they abused it to the max. Their people begged for mercy because they were barely surviving, but the ruling authority paid no heed. Nehemiah, on the other hand, wouldn't even take what was rightfully his because he knew if he did not, it could lighten the load for his people.
We are sometimes placed in positions of authority. Maybe we babysit, or we're in charge of a team at work, or we're the boss at work, or maybe we're just the leader of a group project at school. Any sort of authority counts. So how do we use it? Do we use it wisely, for the betterment of those we have authority over in that area, of do we abuse it and exploit it for our own purposes? That doesn't even necessarily taking things from those we're put in charge of, but it could be something so simple as giving one group member a bit of extra work just so you have a bit less to do because your show's on that night. We need to work to be like Nehemiah. It's easy - VERY easy - to abuse power. We see it happening all the time all over the world. So many problems could be solved if power/authority weren't abused. There are more ways that power is abused than just those that perhaps come to mind. Power is abused in the cases of rape. Power is abused in the cases of household abuse. Power is abused in the cases of child labour. Power is abused when groups are discriminated against in a club by a manager because they don't like their gender/culture/ethnicity/religion. Power is constantly being abused everywhere. So many people desire it, yet so many abuse it when they have it/get it. If we could all just be a little more like Nehemiah, and use it for others not our self, the world would be heading to be a better place.
That's all for tonight! God bless! Shalom!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
April 29th
April 29th -- Nehemiah 2 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%202&version=NLT)
Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem ; Nehemiah inspects Jerusalem's wall
*Again, we've skipped quite some time since yesterday's passage. Also, we're now reading from Nehemiah, which is written in first-person, so self-reflective words are in reference to Nehemiah.
In the twelth year of King Artaxerxes' reign I was serving him wine, but had never looked sad in his presence before so he asked me what was wrong. I was scared, but I answered saying "Long live the king" then explained that of course I was sad - my ancestors' city is in ruins. The king asked me how he could help. I said that he could send me with servants to help rebuild the city. After hearing how long I would be gone and when I would return, the king agreed. I also asked, then, for letters to governors so I would have safe passage, as well as a letter for Asaph, manager of the king's forest, so I could get lumber. The king granted me these because of God. Upon reaching governors, I gave them the letters. The king had also sent with me army officers and horsemen for protection. The Ammonite official, though, was displeased when he heard someone had come to help Israel's people.
I arrived in Jerusalem, and three days later I went out in the night with only a few others. I hadn't shared the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took only one donkey, which I rode. After dark, I went out to inspect the broken walls and gates. I went to the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but my donkey couldn't make it through the rubble, so I instead went up the Kidron valley and inspected the wall before returning. The city officials did not know about this. I hadn't spoken to anyone in administration, yet. Now, though, I approached them and explained that we were in danger as Jerusalem is in ruins, so we needed to rebuild the wall! I also told them about everything with the king and how gracious God had been towards me. They all then agreed that we should rebuild the wall, and began the good work. When the Ammonite officials heard our plans, though, they scoffed, asking if we were rebelling against the king. I told them that God would help us rebuild his city, because we are His servants, and they have no claim to Jerusalem.
When we are working for God, He shows us favor. He does not care what earthly obstacles may stand in the way, as He will move them out of the way if it is in His will. He called Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah approached the king, risking death, and asked if he could do this. Not only did he ask permission, but also for letters and to be able to take lumber from his forest. He could have been killed on the spot, but he trusted God, because He knew God had put that on his heart. We need to be like that. We have to understand that yes, sometimes, we're reluctant to do what we know God wants us to, but when we do, He will be with us. He will move the obstacles - a king and lack of materials or way to visit, in Nehemiah's case - out of our way so we can proceed forward in His name for His good purpose and His glory. You may look at something and be disheartened, because you feel it's impossible, just like Nehemiah was disheartened over the city of his ancestors being in ruins, but like God moved those barriers for Nehemiah, He will for us too. Nothing is impossible for Him, so why would He let an obstacle we can't overcome on our own stand in the way of us bringing Him glory? He won't. Also, why would he assign us a task/job/calling if we can't accomplish it no matter what? He won't, because He has a plan for us, and it's one we need to do for Him, and that only we can do, so He wants to make sure we can. God never leaves us to overcome problems when the problems are only keeping us from bringing him glory. He will instead come alongside us and help us over, or simply remove that problem entirely. We are always in His favor and under His blessing when we are walking His path for His purpose. Never give up on that - have faith He is with you always.
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem ; Nehemiah inspects Jerusalem's wall
*Again, we've skipped quite some time since yesterday's passage. Also, we're now reading from Nehemiah, which is written in first-person, so self-reflective words are in reference to Nehemiah.
In the twelth year of King Artaxerxes' reign I was serving him wine, but had never looked sad in his presence before so he asked me what was wrong. I was scared, but I answered saying "Long live the king" then explained that of course I was sad - my ancestors' city is in ruins. The king asked me how he could help. I said that he could send me with servants to help rebuild the city. After hearing how long I would be gone and when I would return, the king agreed. I also asked, then, for letters to governors so I would have safe passage, as well as a letter for Asaph, manager of the king's forest, so I could get lumber. The king granted me these because of God. Upon reaching governors, I gave them the letters. The king had also sent with me army officers and horsemen for protection. The Ammonite official, though, was displeased when he heard someone had come to help Israel's people.
I arrived in Jerusalem, and three days later I went out in the night with only a few others. I hadn't shared the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took only one donkey, which I rode. After dark, I went out to inspect the broken walls and gates. I went to the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but my donkey couldn't make it through the rubble, so I instead went up the Kidron valley and inspected the wall before returning. The city officials did not know about this. I hadn't spoken to anyone in administration, yet. Now, though, I approached them and explained that we were in danger as Jerusalem is in ruins, so we needed to rebuild the wall! I also told them about everything with the king and how gracious God had been towards me. They all then agreed that we should rebuild the wall, and began the good work. When the Ammonite officials heard our plans, though, they scoffed, asking if we were rebelling against the king. I told them that God would help us rebuild his city, because we are His servants, and they have no claim to Jerusalem.
When we are working for God, He shows us favor. He does not care what earthly obstacles may stand in the way, as He will move them out of the way if it is in His will. He called Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah approached the king, risking death, and asked if he could do this. Not only did he ask permission, but also for letters and to be able to take lumber from his forest. He could have been killed on the spot, but he trusted God, because He knew God had put that on his heart. We need to be like that. We have to understand that yes, sometimes, we're reluctant to do what we know God wants us to, but when we do, He will be with us. He will move the obstacles - a king and lack of materials or way to visit, in Nehemiah's case - out of our way so we can proceed forward in His name for His good purpose and His glory. You may look at something and be disheartened, because you feel it's impossible, just like Nehemiah was disheartened over the city of his ancestors being in ruins, but like God moved those barriers for Nehemiah, He will for us too. Nothing is impossible for Him, so why would He let an obstacle we can't overcome on our own stand in the way of us bringing Him glory? He won't. Also, why would he assign us a task/job/calling if we can't accomplish it no matter what? He won't, because He has a plan for us, and it's one we need to do for Him, and that only we can do, so He wants to make sure we can. God never leaves us to overcome problems when the problems are only keeping us from bringing him glory. He will instead come alongside us and help us over, or simply remove that problem entirely. We are always in His favor and under His blessing when we are walking His path for His purpose. Never give up on that - have faith He is with you always.
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
April 28th
April 28th -- Ezra 3:7-13 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra%203:7-13&version=NLT)
The people begin to rebuild the temple
*Note, this is wayyyyy later than the last passage. A whole other exile has happened between then and now.
The people hire masons and carpenters and bought many cedar logs. They began constructing the temple in midspring during the second year after their return to Jerusalem from exile. The work force was made of everyone who had come back from exile. Any Levites there who were twenty or older were put in charge of overseeing rebuilding the Lord's Temple. When the foundations were completed for the temple, the priests put on their robes and took their special places and began playing their trumpets, while the Levites clashed their cymbals. This was all to praise God, and they sang "He is so good! / His faithful love for Israel endures forever!" All the people gave a shout to praise God because the foundation was laid for the Temple. The older people, however, wept when they saw the foundation. Everyone else was shouting, so the shouts and weeping mingled and could be heard far in the distance.
They rebuilt the temple. It was not as glorious as Solomon's before it was, (hence why the elders wept - they knew it would not be as beautiful as the one they had known before), but it was a Temple all the same and God saw their hearts for wanting to rebuild it. For some reason, this reminds me of the constant battle we face with sin. Every time we give in and sin, it's like our "temple" for God is knocked down. When we repent, then, we rebuild it. However, we recognize that that "temple" isn't as good as the one before it, because it's surrounded by rubble of the "temples" before that have fallen. God, though, looks at it and sees merely a "temple". He doesn't care if it has the same number of decorations, or if it's a bit dusty from the rubble around it. What He cares about is the fact that you bothered to rebuild that "temple". Like the Israelites, you didn't have it be knocked down and just go "Oh, well, too far gone to be helped. No point in trying." Like the Israelites, we need to pick ourselves up and fix it - or rebuild it if need be. Each time we sin, we take a "brick" off our "temple wall" and each time we truly repent, we put one back on. When we're living for God, those "bricks" just pile higher and make those "walls" taller. The taller the "walls" are, the harder it is to take a "brick" down. The longer you go without sinning, and the longer you resist temptation, the easier it is to do so. You stop taking so many "bricks" off, because you don't want to undo all you just did - instead you work on just piling them higher. So, even when your "temple" seems like it may not ever make it back to where it started, never give up - just keep trying. God knows your heart, and He will bless you when it is right with Him.
That's all! God bless! Shalom!
The people begin to rebuild the temple
*Note, this is wayyyyy later than the last passage. A whole other exile has happened between then and now.
The people hire masons and carpenters and bought many cedar logs. They began constructing the temple in midspring during the second year after their return to Jerusalem from exile. The work force was made of everyone who had come back from exile. Any Levites there who were twenty or older were put in charge of overseeing rebuilding the Lord's Temple. When the foundations were completed for the temple, the priests put on their robes and took their special places and began playing their trumpets, while the Levites clashed their cymbals. This was all to praise God, and they sang "He is so good! / His faithful love for Israel endures forever!" All the people gave a shout to praise God because the foundation was laid for the Temple. The older people, however, wept when they saw the foundation. Everyone else was shouting, so the shouts and weeping mingled and could be heard far in the distance.
They rebuilt the temple. It was not as glorious as Solomon's before it was, (hence why the elders wept - they knew it would not be as beautiful as the one they had known before), but it was a Temple all the same and God saw their hearts for wanting to rebuild it. For some reason, this reminds me of the constant battle we face with sin. Every time we give in and sin, it's like our "temple" for God is knocked down. When we repent, then, we rebuild it. However, we recognize that that "temple" isn't as good as the one before it, because it's surrounded by rubble of the "temples" before that have fallen. God, though, looks at it and sees merely a "temple". He doesn't care if it has the same number of decorations, or if it's a bit dusty from the rubble around it. What He cares about is the fact that you bothered to rebuild that "temple". Like the Israelites, you didn't have it be knocked down and just go "Oh, well, too far gone to be helped. No point in trying." Like the Israelites, we need to pick ourselves up and fix it - or rebuild it if need be. Each time we sin, we take a "brick" off our "temple wall" and each time we truly repent, we put one back on. When we're living for God, those "bricks" just pile higher and make those "walls" taller. The taller the "walls" are, the harder it is to take a "brick" down. The longer you go without sinning, and the longer you resist temptation, the easier it is to do so. You stop taking so many "bricks" off, because you don't want to undo all you just did - instead you work on just piling them higher. So, even when your "temple" seems like it may not ever make it back to where it started, never give up - just keep trying. God knows your heart, and He will bless you when it is right with Him.
That's all! God bless! Shalom!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
April 27th
April 27th -- 2 Kings 22:1-23:3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2022:1-23:3&version=NLT)
Josiah rules in Judah ; Hilkiah discovers God's law ; Josiah's religious reforms
Josiah was eight when he became king, and he ruled for thirty one years in Jerusalem. He followed God and did what was pleasing to Him, following David's example (David was an ancestor). In his eighteenth year in power, he sent some men to the high priest of the Lord's temple and tell him to count the money that the gatekeepers collected from people at the temple. He said to then have that money entrusted to those in charge of the Temple's restoration, so that those restoring the temple can be paid with it. He says workers will need to be hired and supplies will need to be bought. He also says that the construction supervisors don't need to keep track of the money they get, because they're honest and trustworthy men.
Hilkiah, the high priest, then finds the Book of the Law in the Temple. He gave it to the court secretary, Shaphan, who read it and then gave it to the king. He tells the king that the officials have turned over the money as they were to, and also that Hilkiah gave him the scroll he brought and then reads it to the king. When the king hears what it says, he tears his clothes in despair. He tells a bunch of people (read the passage if you wish to know who) to go to the Temple and speak to God on behalf of him and all of Judah. He tells them to ask about the words in the scroll, explaining that God's anger is burning against them because their ancestors did not obey the words in the scroll - they haven't been doing all it says to do. The people he asked went to Huldah, the prophet, and spoke with her. She tells them that God has spoken, and they must tell the king that God has said that the city will face disaster and everything written in the scroll will happen because the people abandoned Him and worshipped pagan gods, so his anger burns against them. She then adds, though, they are to tell the king that God says that concerning what he has just heard, God knows that when he heard what was said against the city, he was sorry and humbled, tearing his clothes in despair and wept in repentance, so God has heard him and the disaster will not come until you have died and been buried in peace. The men take the message back to the king.
The king then summons the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. They go up to the temple with the priests and prophets and all the people, from least to greatest. The king then read them the entire Book of the Covenant. The king then takes his place of authority, beside the pillar, and renewed the covenant in the Lord's presence. He pledges to keep the Lord's commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. By doing that he confirmed everything in the covenant and the people also pledged themselves to the covenant.
This, I think, is yet another good example of how although God must act as judge, He is also merciful. He recognized how truly repentant Josiah was, and He rewarded him for that. However, it's also interesting that the punishment would have been due to sins of the generations before them. In the Bible, consequences of sins could affect generations to come. I think it may still work like that (I'm not sure, and there's a lot of debate on the matter... but I guess in this case better safe than sorry?). If it does, well, we need to watch our actions. Would you want your grandkids to suffer consequences for your mistakes? Doubt it.
Also, I just like that Josiah trusts the men with the money, no questions asked. I really honestly like that. The fact that there was so much trust back then is just beautiful. Our society has become so deceitful (among other things) and it's frustrating. I know I am someone who very openly trusts, and only don't when I am given reason not to. However, it seems most people don't trust anyone fully, much less most people at all. I mean, look at stores - we have alarms to catch people stealing, and the saddest part is, they're only there because it happens. Our society lacks the same level of trust... and I wish it did not.
Well, that will be all for this evening! God bless! Shalom!
Josiah rules in Judah ; Hilkiah discovers God's law ; Josiah's religious reforms
Josiah was eight when he became king, and he ruled for thirty one years in Jerusalem. He followed God and did what was pleasing to Him, following David's example (David was an ancestor). In his eighteenth year in power, he sent some men to the high priest of the Lord's temple and tell him to count the money that the gatekeepers collected from people at the temple. He said to then have that money entrusted to those in charge of the Temple's restoration, so that those restoring the temple can be paid with it. He says workers will need to be hired and supplies will need to be bought. He also says that the construction supervisors don't need to keep track of the money they get, because they're honest and trustworthy men.
Hilkiah, the high priest, then finds the Book of the Law in the Temple. He gave it to the court secretary, Shaphan, who read it and then gave it to the king. He tells the king that the officials have turned over the money as they were to, and also that Hilkiah gave him the scroll he brought and then reads it to the king. When the king hears what it says, he tears his clothes in despair. He tells a bunch of people (read the passage if you wish to know who) to go to the Temple and speak to God on behalf of him and all of Judah. He tells them to ask about the words in the scroll, explaining that God's anger is burning against them because their ancestors did not obey the words in the scroll - they haven't been doing all it says to do. The people he asked went to Huldah, the prophet, and spoke with her. She tells them that God has spoken, and they must tell the king that God has said that the city will face disaster and everything written in the scroll will happen because the people abandoned Him and worshipped pagan gods, so his anger burns against them. She then adds, though, they are to tell the king that God says that concerning what he has just heard, God knows that when he heard what was said against the city, he was sorry and humbled, tearing his clothes in despair and wept in repentance, so God has heard him and the disaster will not come until you have died and been buried in peace. The men take the message back to the king.
The king then summons the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. They go up to the temple with the priests and prophets and all the people, from least to greatest. The king then read them the entire Book of the Covenant. The king then takes his place of authority, beside the pillar, and renewed the covenant in the Lord's presence. He pledges to keep the Lord's commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. By doing that he confirmed everything in the covenant and the people also pledged themselves to the covenant.
This, I think, is yet another good example of how although God must act as judge, He is also merciful. He recognized how truly repentant Josiah was, and He rewarded him for that. However, it's also interesting that the punishment would have been due to sins of the generations before them. In the Bible, consequences of sins could affect generations to come. I think it may still work like that (I'm not sure, and there's a lot of debate on the matter... but I guess in this case better safe than sorry?). If it does, well, we need to watch our actions. Would you want your grandkids to suffer consequences for your mistakes? Doubt it.
Also, I just like that Josiah trusts the men with the money, no questions asked. I really honestly like that. The fact that there was so much trust back then is just beautiful. Our society has become so deceitful (among other things) and it's frustrating. I know I am someone who very openly trusts, and only don't when I am given reason not to. However, it seems most people don't trust anyone fully, much less most people at all. I mean, look at stores - we have alarms to catch people stealing, and the saddest part is, they're only there because it happens. Our society lacks the same level of trust... and I wish it did not.
Well, that will be all for this evening! God bless! Shalom!
Friday, April 26, 2013
April 26th
April 26th -- 2 Kings 11 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2011&version=NLT)
Queen Athaliah rules Judah ; Revolt against Athaliah ; The death of Athaliah ; Jehoiada's religious reforms
So Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, learns of Ahaziah's death and begins to destroy the royal family. Ahaziah's sister, though, takes Ahaziah's baby son and hid him so he would not be murdered with the other children. She left him with his nurse and Joash, who remained hidden in the Temple of the Lord for six years, while Athaliah rules the land.
In Athaliah's seventh year of reigning, the priest Jehoiada summons the army (basically) to the Lord's Temple. He makes a pact with them and makes them swear an oath of loyalty, then shows them the king's son who had been hidden there while growing up. Jehoiada then gives them instructions. He says that from those who are working/on duty on the Sabbath, a third must guard the palace itself, another third have to guard the Sur Gate, and the final third have to stand guard behind the palace guard. The two groups off duty that day need to guard the king at the Lord's Temple, forming a bodyguard, keeping weapons on hand, and killing any who try and get through. Everything was done as Jehoiada had ordered. Jehoiada then brought out Joash, putting the crown on his head, giving him a copy of God's laws, and then anointing him and proclaiming him king. Everyone clapped and shouted.
When Athaliah hears all this noise, she hurries to the temple to see what the fuss is. When she arrives, she sees Joash, the new king, just crowned, standing in his place of authority. Commanders and trumpeters surrounded him and people rejoiced. When Athaliah sees this, she tears her robes and begins shouting about treason. Jehoiada orders anyone who tries to help her killed, but says she cannot be killed in the Temple, so she is escorted outside and then killed.
Jehoiada then makes a covenant between God and the king and the people, that they would be the Lord's people. He also makes a covenant between the king and people. All the people go to Baal's temple and tear it down, smashing the altars and idols, and even killing the priest, Mattan, in front of the altars. Jehoiada goes and stations guards at the Temple of the Lord. Everyone then escorts the king, Joash, to the palace, where he takes his seat on the royal throne. People rejoiced because Athalia was dead and Joash, though only seven, was king.
This story rather made me think of Solomon. Nobody died in Solomon's case or anything, but like Solomon, Joash was VERY young when put on the throne. I mean, a seven-year-old ruling the kingdom? That's a grade 1 or 2 kid ruling a land..... and people thought Mia Thermopolis was too young! (Princess Diaries reference for anyone who didn't get that...) But anyways, back on track - Joash is just another young person God was using for His glory. I ran chapel in my high school today, and my friend and I were talking about sharing your faith with younger children. So many people tend to just think that it's not important, and that they'll figure it out when they grow up. What would have happened, may I ask, if that had been the case with Joash, or Solomon? When they took over the country, they would suddenly have all they needed - why rely on God, then? There's the danger that this could have been the case.... if they had not grown up learning about God. However, they grew up learning about God, so they already knew of him, which allowed their faith to grow even while in power, instead of being stopped by false ideas that they did not need him anymore, for example. So never discredit the value of younger children knowing God. God uses ALL who are willing, children included, to work for His glory - not just the adults or the elderly. We need to train up young children in faith. It's even commanded in the Bible. In Deuteronomy 6, for example, verse 6 and a bit of 7 it says "6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children." We need to be bringing people up to know God, and teaching the young about Him - it's important.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Queen Athaliah rules Judah ; Revolt against Athaliah ; The death of Athaliah ; Jehoiada's religious reforms
So Athaliah, Ahaziah's mother, learns of Ahaziah's death and begins to destroy the royal family. Ahaziah's sister, though, takes Ahaziah's baby son and hid him so he would not be murdered with the other children. She left him with his nurse and Joash, who remained hidden in the Temple of the Lord for six years, while Athaliah rules the land.
In Athaliah's seventh year of reigning, the priest Jehoiada summons the army (basically) to the Lord's Temple. He makes a pact with them and makes them swear an oath of loyalty, then shows them the king's son who had been hidden there while growing up. Jehoiada then gives them instructions. He says that from those who are working/on duty on the Sabbath, a third must guard the palace itself, another third have to guard the Sur Gate, and the final third have to stand guard behind the palace guard. The two groups off duty that day need to guard the king at the Lord's Temple, forming a bodyguard, keeping weapons on hand, and killing any who try and get through. Everything was done as Jehoiada had ordered. Jehoiada then brought out Joash, putting the crown on his head, giving him a copy of God's laws, and then anointing him and proclaiming him king. Everyone clapped and shouted.
When Athaliah hears all this noise, she hurries to the temple to see what the fuss is. When she arrives, she sees Joash, the new king, just crowned, standing in his place of authority. Commanders and trumpeters surrounded him and people rejoiced. When Athaliah sees this, she tears her robes and begins shouting about treason. Jehoiada orders anyone who tries to help her killed, but says she cannot be killed in the Temple, so she is escorted outside and then killed.
Jehoiada then makes a covenant between God and the king and the people, that they would be the Lord's people. He also makes a covenant between the king and people. All the people go to Baal's temple and tear it down, smashing the altars and idols, and even killing the priest, Mattan, in front of the altars. Jehoiada goes and stations guards at the Temple of the Lord. Everyone then escorts the king, Joash, to the palace, where he takes his seat on the royal throne. People rejoiced because Athalia was dead and Joash, though only seven, was king.
This story rather made me think of Solomon. Nobody died in Solomon's case or anything, but like Solomon, Joash was VERY young when put on the throne. I mean, a seven-year-old ruling the kingdom? That's a grade 1 or 2 kid ruling a land..... and people thought Mia Thermopolis was too young! (Princess Diaries reference for anyone who didn't get that...) But anyways, back on track - Joash is just another young person God was using for His glory. I ran chapel in my high school today, and my friend and I were talking about sharing your faith with younger children. So many people tend to just think that it's not important, and that they'll figure it out when they grow up. What would have happened, may I ask, if that had been the case with Joash, or Solomon? When they took over the country, they would suddenly have all they needed - why rely on God, then? There's the danger that this could have been the case.... if they had not grown up learning about God. However, they grew up learning about God, so they already knew of him, which allowed their faith to grow even while in power, instead of being stopped by false ideas that they did not need him anymore, for example. So never discredit the value of younger children knowing God. God uses ALL who are willing, children included, to work for His glory - not just the adults or the elderly. We need to train up young children in faith. It's even commanded in the Bible. In Deuteronomy 6, for example, verse 6 and a bit of 7 it says "6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children." We need to be bringing people up to know God, and teaching the young about Him - it's important.
Well, that shall be all! God bless! Shalom!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
April 25th
April 25th -- 2 Kings 5 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%205&version=NLT)
The healing of Naaman ; The greed of Gehazi
Aram's king greatly admired Namaan, the commander of his army, as through him God had given Aram great victories, but Namaan suffered from leprosy. Raiders from Aram invaded Israel, and one of the women taken captive was given to Namaan's wife as a maid, and this girl mentions a prophet in Samaria who would heal Namaan. Namaan tells the king what he heard, and the King tells him to go, saying he will give him a letter of introduction to bring. When Israel's king reads the letter he tears his clothes, thinking that Aram's king must just be picking a fight as he cannot heal any man of leprosy. Elisha, though, hears about this and sends a message to the king saying to send Namaan to him and he will learn there is a real prophet in Israel. Namaan goes to Elisha's and waits at the door, but Elisha sends a messenger saying that Namaan is to go and wash in the Jordan River seven times and then his skin will be restored/he will be healed. Namaan got mad, though, thinking he would have a hand waved over his as Elisha called on the Lord and then he would be healed. He reasons the water in the rivers are all the same so why should he not wash in those rivers. He gets mad and leaves. His officers, though, finally convince him to do as he had been told, and he was, indeed, healed. They then all return to Elisha, telling him they know no there is no other God except God. Namaan offers a gift, and Elisha, even when it is insisted he take it, refuses to. Namaan then asks that he may load two mules with earth from there and bring it back with him. He says he will not offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other God ever again. He also asks the he be pardoned for bowing, too, when the king leans on him for support to bow to worship the god Rimmon. Elisha tells him to go in peace and he does so.
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, though, thinks that Elisha should not have turned down the gifts, so he goes after Namaan. Gehazi lies upon finding Namaan, saying Elisha told him to ask for 75 pounds of silver and 2 sets of clothing to be given to two prophets from Ephraim who just arrived. Namaan insists he take twice that much silver. When Gehazi gets back, he takes the gifts from the men sent to bring them, and hides it all in the house. Elisha returns and asks where he's been and Gehazi lies, saying nowhere. Elijah then explains that he was there in spirit when it all happened. Elisha says that because of what he has done, he and his descendants will suffer from leprosy forever. When Gehazi leaves the room, his skin is already as white as snow.
Like Gehazi, we sometimes deliberately sin and then we try and hide it, or cover it up so it looks like we didn't do anything. Gehazi took gifts from Namaan when he should not have, and he hid them when he got back, hoping Elisha would not find out. However, Elisha had been there in spirit, so he knew all of it, including that Gehazi had lied to him. This just caused a bad end for Gehazi. Sometimes, though, we're a lot like him. We sin deliberately, justifying to our self it's okay, or just because we want to do it, and then we try and hide it/cover the evidence we did it. We may not have an Elijah who's there in spirit, but we have God who's with us always in spirit. We may be able to hide our sins from earthly eyes by, say, deleting our internet history, or making sure that the TV goes off before our parents see what we were watching, or simply making sure that the movie we know we shouldn't watch but did goes back where it came from so it looks like it never left - maybe wipe off the fingerprints to be safe. See? We somehow think, sometimes, that it's all okay so long as we hide it. NOT TRUE. For one, that doesn't make that sin go away - it makes it instead easier to keep sinning in secret. For another point, God sees it all. We can NEVER hide ANYTHING from Him. Also, like Elisha punished Gehazi, God will punish us for our sins. BUT, we should repent and own up to them instead of trying to hide them. God is also merciful, and if you go to Him with a truly repent-filled heart, He will likely just forget it happened and move on - no punishment and no questions asked. So don't be like Gehazi and try and hide your sins when you give in to temptations - own up to them and ask for that forgiveness.
That will be all for this fine evening/night! God bless! Shalom!
The healing of Naaman ; The greed of Gehazi
Aram's king greatly admired Namaan, the commander of his army, as through him God had given Aram great victories, but Namaan suffered from leprosy. Raiders from Aram invaded Israel, and one of the women taken captive was given to Namaan's wife as a maid, and this girl mentions a prophet in Samaria who would heal Namaan. Namaan tells the king what he heard, and the King tells him to go, saying he will give him a letter of introduction to bring. When Israel's king reads the letter he tears his clothes, thinking that Aram's king must just be picking a fight as he cannot heal any man of leprosy. Elisha, though, hears about this and sends a message to the king saying to send Namaan to him and he will learn there is a real prophet in Israel. Namaan goes to Elisha's and waits at the door, but Elisha sends a messenger saying that Namaan is to go and wash in the Jordan River seven times and then his skin will be restored/he will be healed. Namaan got mad, though, thinking he would have a hand waved over his as Elisha called on the Lord and then he would be healed. He reasons the water in the rivers are all the same so why should he not wash in those rivers. He gets mad and leaves. His officers, though, finally convince him to do as he had been told, and he was, indeed, healed. They then all return to Elisha, telling him they know no there is no other God except God. Namaan offers a gift, and Elisha, even when it is insisted he take it, refuses to. Namaan then asks that he may load two mules with earth from there and bring it back with him. He says he will not offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other God ever again. He also asks the he be pardoned for bowing, too, when the king leans on him for support to bow to worship the god Rimmon. Elisha tells him to go in peace and he does so.
Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, though, thinks that Elisha should not have turned down the gifts, so he goes after Namaan. Gehazi lies upon finding Namaan, saying Elisha told him to ask for 75 pounds of silver and 2 sets of clothing to be given to two prophets from Ephraim who just arrived. Namaan insists he take twice that much silver. When Gehazi gets back, he takes the gifts from the men sent to bring them, and hides it all in the house. Elisha returns and asks where he's been and Gehazi lies, saying nowhere. Elijah then explains that he was there in spirit when it all happened. Elisha says that because of what he has done, he and his descendants will suffer from leprosy forever. When Gehazi leaves the room, his skin is already as white as snow.
Like Gehazi, we sometimes deliberately sin and then we try and hide it, or cover it up so it looks like we didn't do anything. Gehazi took gifts from Namaan when he should not have, and he hid them when he got back, hoping Elisha would not find out. However, Elisha had been there in spirit, so he knew all of it, including that Gehazi had lied to him. This just caused a bad end for Gehazi. Sometimes, though, we're a lot like him. We sin deliberately, justifying to our self it's okay, or just because we want to do it, and then we try and hide it/cover the evidence we did it. We may not have an Elijah who's there in spirit, but we have God who's with us always in spirit. We may be able to hide our sins from earthly eyes by, say, deleting our internet history, or making sure that the TV goes off before our parents see what we were watching, or simply making sure that the movie we know we shouldn't watch but did goes back where it came from so it looks like it never left - maybe wipe off the fingerprints to be safe. See? We somehow think, sometimes, that it's all okay so long as we hide it. NOT TRUE. For one, that doesn't make that sin go away - it makes it instead easier to keep sinning in secret. For another point, God sees it all. We can NEVER hide ANYTHING from Him. Also, like Elisha punished Gehazi, God will punish us for our sins. BUT, we should repent and own up to them instead of trying to hide them. God is also merciful, and if you go to Him with a truly repent-filled heart, He will likely just forget it happened and move on - no punishment and no questions asked. So don't be like Gehazi and try and hide your sins when you give in to temptations - own up to them and ask for that forgiveness.
That will be all for this fine evening/night! God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
April 24th
April 24th -- 2 Kings 2:13-25 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%202:13-25&version=NLT)
Elijah take into heaven (end of this section) ; Elisha's first miracles
(I accidentally included verse 13 in yesterday's so let's just pretend I didn't...)
So Elisha, after Elijah is taken up into heaven, picks up Elijah's cloak, which had been left there, and returns to the Jordan River. He strikes the water with it, crying out "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" and the water parts, allowing him to pass through on dry land. When the prophets who had been there saw this, they said Elijah's spirit rests now on Elisha. They go over to him and bow, saying that if he but said the word, they'd send fifty of their best men to look for Elijah. Elisha tries to say no, but the men become persistent, and Elisha finally says yes. The men search for three days and find nothing. Elijah, still at Jericho when they returned, asked if he had not told them not to go.
One day, a town leader went to visit Elisha, telling him that their was a problem because the surroundings are pleasant, but the water was bad and the land was unproductive. Elisha tells them to bring him a new bowl with salt in it, and when they bring it, he goes to the spring that supplies the town and threw the salt into it. He said "This is what the Lord says: I have purified this water. It will no longer cause death or infertility." The water remained pure after that, as Elisha said. Elisha then leaves Jericho for Bethel. As he does this, a group of boys from the town mock him, shouting "Go away, baldy!" Elisha turns, looks at them, and curses them in the name of the Lord. Two bears then came from the woods and mauled 42 of them. Elisha than goes from there to Mount Carmel, finally later returning to Samaria.
I think what jumps out to me in this is the fact that Elisha's just getting started in being a missionary for God, but God's already working miracles through him. God doesn't set a timeline on us. He doesn't say "Oh, looks like it's been _ years since they've been converted to Christianity - guess I can start stepping up their place in My ministry a bit!" Instead, He looks at our hearts and says "They have a willing heart. They have only believed for a week, but I can use them just how they are, because they really want to be used to bring people to Me." So never think you haven't been saved long enough to make any difference. Your length of time as a believer has no effect on how well you can be used for God. God doesn't wait to begin His work in us when we ask Him in. He's like a house renovator, but different in a way. When you get your house renovated, you normally have many meeting with the renovator and look over pictures done by computer of what each room will look like when it's done. You know exactly what you're getting into before you sign up, and the renovator runs everything by you before doing it. God's like the renovator who can see that you want your house changed, so He comes along and gives a brief description of how nice it will look when it's done. If you agree, He goes in and just starts working right away. He doesn't show you plans, or loads of computer-done pictures of finished products, nor does He consult you with every minute detail - He just does His work, and without hesitation. God knows exactly how He can best use us. Why would He wait to do that? When we truly want to be used for His kingdom, He won't wait. The question is not "When can I be used to glorify God", but rather " Am I willing to do what it may take to be used to glorify God?"
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
Elijah take into heaven (end of this section) ; Elisha's first miracles
(I accidentally included verse 13 in yesterday's so let's just pretend I didn't...)
So Elisha, after Elijah is taken up into heaven, picks up Elijah's cloak, which had been left there, and returns to the Jordan River. He strikes the water with it, crying out "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" and the water parts, allowing him to pass through on dry land. When the prophets who had been there saw this, they said Elijah's spirit rests now on Elisha. They go over to him and bow, saying that if he but said the word, they'd send fifty of their best men to look for Elijah. Elisha tries to say no, but the men become persistent, and Elisha finally says yes. The men search for three days and find nothing. Elijah, still at Jericho when they returned, asked if he had not told them not to go.
One day, a town leader went to visit Elisha, telling him that their was a problem because the surroundings are pleasant, but the water was bad and the land was unproductive. Elisha tells them to bring him a new bowl with salt in it, and when they bring it, he goes to the spring that supplies the town and threw the salt into it. He said "This is what the Lord says: I have purified this water. It will no longer cause death or infertility." The water remained pure after that, as Elisha said. Elisha then leaves Jericho for Bethel. As he does this, a group of boys from the town mock him, shouting "Go away, baldy!" Elisha turns, looks at them, and curses them in the name of the Lord. Two bears then came from the woods and mauled 42 of them. Elisha than goes from there to Mount Carmel, finally later returning to Samaria.
I think what jumps out to me in this is the fact that Elisha's just getting started in being a missionary for God, but God's already working miracles through him. God doesn't set a timeline on us. He doesn't say "Oh, looks like it's been _ years since they've been converted to Christianity - guess I can start stepping up their place in My ministry a bit!" Instead, He looks at our hearts and says "They have a willing heart. They have only believed for a week, but I can use them just how they are, because they really want to be used to bring people to Me." So never think you haven't been saved long enough to make any difference. Your length of time as a believer has no effect on how well you can be used for God. God doesn't wait to begin His work in us when we ask Him in. He's like a house renovator, but different in a way. When you get your house renovated, you normally have many meeting with the renovator and look over pictures done by computer of what each room will look like when it's done. You know exactly what you're getting into before you sign up, and the renovator runs everything by you before doing it. God's like the renovator who can see that you want your house changed, so He comes along and gives a brief description of how nice it will look when it's done. If you agree, He goes in and just starts working right away. He doesn't show you plans, or loads of computer-done pictures of finished products, nor does He consult you with every minute detail - He just does His work, and without hesitation. God knows exactly how He can best use us. Why would He wait to do that? When we truly want to be used for His kingdom, He won't wait. The question is not "When can I be used to glorify God", but rather " Am I willing to do what it may take to be used to glorify God?"
Well, that will be all! God bless! Shalom!
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