Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read
slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God,
thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for
you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Proverbs 29:13
Proverbs 29:13
Understanding to grow in
Here we see the focus of Chronicles: God’s promise to David will only be fulfilled in a king who remains righteous and retains a concern to build the temple and so promote true worship (1 Chro 17v11-14). The problem in Judah is that whenever kings start to show promise, they fall. Ahaziah’s mother destroyed the whole royal family (22v10-12). However, David’s line continued because Joash was hidden for six years by his aunt, the wife of Jehoida the priest. In the seventh year, Jehoida then covenanted with some commanders to gather the Levites and family heads in order to crown Joash. Jehoida also made a covenant that the king and people would be the LORD’s, and true worship was restored with rejoicing. It showed that joy and praise should accompany godly rule and will supremely in Christ’s kingdom. Initially Joash did “right” as king and used the people’s taxes to have the temple repaired (see notes on 2 Kgs 12v1-16). And so we read “as long as Jehoiada lived, burnt offerings were presented continually.” But Judah needed a faithful king not just a faithful priest, because after Jehoida died, Joash listened to Judah’s officials, and “abandoned the temple,” turning again to idolatry. The people then refused to listen to God's prophets, even stoning Zechariah to death. So God had Aram invade and defeat Judah despite being outnumbered. Judah's leaders were killed and Joash assassinated by the very people who led him astray. Putting our lot in with the wicked never pays. Not only does it bring down God’s judgement, but often ends in disloyalty and betrayal. As you read note how Joash reformed Israel.
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.