GOOD MORNING SIBLINGS!
Today’s Readings are 2 Chronicles 13-17
Click here to read these passages on BibleGateway
Rabbit Trails
In 1 Kings 15:3 We were told that Abijah, son of Rehoboam, walked in all the sins of his father but today we see a fuller account of his time on the throne, with a different portion of them shared today which were certainly from a more nobler time in his life.
Interesting sidenote for people who like to know stuff: Abijah is Messiah’s Greaaaaaaaat great great (keep going) grandaddy. In about 24 generations, our Messiah will be born in this line. (the line of David, of course)
2 Chronicles 13:8-12 is my favorite part! Abijah stands on a mountain and calls out Jeroboam and Israel for their counterfeit religious system. (Make sure you read the notes on this post), telling them that it is utterly worthless compared to YHWH’s system and His people.
His diatribe ends with “Oh sons of Israel, do not fight against YHWH, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed.”
From there they go on to see this proven true. It is vital that we understand the concept of the world counterfeiting YHWH’s system. These are the times we live in.
In 2 Chronicles 13:22 We see mention of another book written by the prophet Iddo. There are a few books like this referenced in the Bible, some by the Messiah Himself, which we do not find in our Bibles today. However, some of them are available to read as extra-biblical resources and with them being referenced in the Bible itself, combined with the fact that they were once part of the cannon before agendas and institutions had them removed, it can certainly be beneficial to seek out reputable sources of these books to read when time permits. The key word is reputable. That is fairly simple with some of these books and notably more difficult with others. Unfortunately, Iddo is one of the books that has yet to be discovered. But remember that name because maybe they will find it in our lifetime!
An interesting note about Iddo, some believe this is the unnamed “Man of God” referenced in 1 Kings 13.
2 Chronicles 13:5 Covenant of salt – this is a figure of speech which, in context, means an everlasting covenant because salt is a preservative.
2 Chronicles 15:1 The Holy Spirit makes yet another appearance as it comes upon Azariah! 2 Chronicles 15:1-8 is a notable read! Notice the “shema”, the act of hearing and doing in Asa. He hears and he acts, obeys. We must have that same wisdom to read and obey in our time!
I saw a quote yesterday that read “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ~Maya Angelou
AMEN!
2 Chronicles 15:12 “And they entered into a covenant to seek YHWH, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul…”
A covenantal relationship with the Father, what a gift! If you’re covenanted, let me see an AMEN in the comments section today!
In chapter 16 we see Asa take a turn and begin relying on men rather than the Father, which brings punishment from the Father and from then on we see a bitterness take root in Asa towards YHWH. Even towards the end of his life, he refused to seek YHWH but sought help from men instead. That bitterness was unfounded, as the Father had been good to Him. The reproach shown to him by the Father could have been a blessing had Asa of taken it as earned discipline and learned from it. Instead, he hardened his heart and allowed bitterness to bloom. I hate to see people drop the ball in the end game like this.
May we finish strong!
Jehoshaphat spreads teaching of the Law(teachings of YHWH)~
Chapter 17 sees Jehoshaphat sending officials, accompanied by Levites, throughout Judah with the Book of the Law of YHWH to teach all of the people YHWH’s ways, commandments, and decrees.
The result?
And the fear of YHWH fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:10
Never underestimate the impact of one person when their hearts are set wholeheartedly on the Father!
Test everything, hold tight to what is good.~ 1 Thess 5:21
We are saved by Grace alone: Obedience is not the root of our salvation, it is the fruit!
May YHWH bless the reading of His Word!