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 29:15
Proverbs 29:15
Understanding to grow in
The lesson is clear: "Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God" (27v6). He did even better than his dad. His problem was that he couldn’t ensure that the people did the same. Instead they “continued their corrupt practices,” showing the need of a king who could actually change the hearts of his people. King Ahaz couldn't have been more different. He was the antithesis of the king God’s people needed, not only following the idolatry of the kings of Israel, but sacrificing his sons like the Canaanite nations! And, because kings influence people we read “Judah had forsaken the LORD” (27v6, 19). And so they experienced a sort of mini-exile, with 200,000 wives and children taken to Samaria. But in mercy God intervened through his prophet Oded, telling Israel to send the people back as God was angry at them for their sin too. This anger was no doubt at Israel’s idolatry, but may also have been at her slaughtering Judah and her desire to enslave the people (see Lev 25v39-53). In response some Israelite leaders freed and cared for the captives, showing God is well able to move people to protect and provide for his people. Ahaz, however, looked to the Assyrian king rather than God for help against his enemies, sacrificed to idols in judging that was why he was defeated - rather than because of God’s anger. He also plundered and shut the temple, setting up altars and high places to false gods throughout the land. Likewise, in the face of advancing false religions and worldviews those in the church can be tempted to somehow incorporate them into their worship as if they have power. As you read consider the sins of Ahaz and the people. 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.