REVDANS

February 17: 2 Chronicles 19

The Father’s Discipline

We often have had the impression that reproof and correction are signs of displeasure and desire to inflict pain. God never treats his children in disgust. He always seeks to reprove and correct because He loves us and wants what is best for us.

After Jehoshaphat returns from the disastrous battle in chapter 18 of 2 Chronicles, he is challenged by God’s prophet. The words are very direct and convicting.

“Then Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned safely to his house in Jerusalem. And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Therefore the wrath of the LORD is upon you. Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.”” (2 Chronicles 19:1-3, NKJV, emphasis mine)

God saw the desire that Jehoshaphat had to seek the LORD. This challenge was meant to warn Jehoshaphat not to continue his compromise and alliance with those who do evil. No good can come from throwing in our lot with the wicked. When God disciplines us, we should receive it as God’s desire to help us grow and prosper.

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “MY SON, DO NOT DESPISE THE CHASTENING OF THE LORD, NOR BE DISCOURAGED WHEN YOU ARE REBUKED BY HIM; FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CHASTENS, AND SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”” (Hebrews 12:5-6, NKJV, emphasis theirs)

When we are disciplined and receive it in the proper spirit, we experience beneficial results.

“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11, NKJV)

We see here that Jehoshaphat responded well to the word of the LORD from Jehu. He did not react as his father had, who imprisoned the prophet sent to reprove him. Instead, Jehoshaphat focused on being a faithful king to the LORD and for the people.

He set about to reform the judicial system.

“And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” (2 Chronicles 19:5-7, KJV)

Our judicial system needs this kind of reform. Jehoshaphat also involved the religious leaders, Levites and priests, in these reforms. He gave them a solemn charge.

“Then he charged them saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and wholeheartedly.” (2 Chronicles 19:9, NAS95)

Fair…Just…Impartial…Equitable. When a judicial system does not consider that God is just and that He loves justice, it is certain to go awry. Where there is no fear of the LORD, judges and officials may think that they are answerable only to themselves. Sadly, they do not realize that there is a higher authority to which all of us must answer someday. Society will not flourish where some are given harsh sentences and others let go for the same offences. It cannot flourish when lawlessness goes unchecked. It cannot prosper when the law is dispensed unevenly and with impure motives. It cannot succeed where decisions are politically or financially motivated. Jehoshaphat’s final charge is very appropriate for our day.

“And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the upright!”” (2 Chronicles 19:11, ESV, emphasis mine)

1. Pray that justice will prevail in our judicial system.
2. Pray that God will bring strong conviction on those in the judicial arena who act unjustly and pronounce unjust sentences.
3. Pray that God will raise up those who seek to curb lawlessness.
4. Pray for those whose job is to uphold that law and stand in harm’s way doing so.
5. Pray that God will uphold and strengthen those who seek to dispense justice and that they will have the courage to do what is right.
6. Pray that God will lead more Christians to be involved in our judicial system at all levels.
7. Pray that we will receive reproof and correction in ways that will be beneficial to our walk with God.

February 16: 2 Chronicles 18

Speaking Truth to Power

You have no doubt heard this spoken in our day by politicians and pundits. This concept is described in Wikipedia:

Speaking truth to power is a non-violent political tactic, employed by dissidents against the received wisdom or propaganda of governments they regard as oppressive, authoritarian or an ideocracy. The phrase originated with a pamphlet, Speak Truth to Power: a Quaker Search for an Alternative to Violence, published by the American Friends Service Committee in 1955.

The prophets of the Old Testament were responsible to speak truth to power. Whether it was the prophet Elijah telling King Ahab that there would be no rain at the Word of the LORD, or the prophet Nathan telling King David that he was the man who had sinned, or Jeremiah telling the king of Judah to do justice and righteousness, we see examples of prophets speaking truth to power. That was their job!

When we come to 2 Chronicles 18, we are confronted with two kings who are talking about an alliance to go to war together. The Chronicler notes that Jehoshaphat has already compromised his position, arranging for his son to marry Ahab’s daughter. Thus he allied himself and Judah with one of the most wicked kings to ever rule, King Ahab of Israel. Ahab was eager to impress Jehoshaphat by slaughtering many sheep and oxen for him and his companions, inducing him to go up against Ramoth-gilead in battle.

It’s interesting that the way we are presented with Jehoshaphat’s response implies that Jehoshaphat had already decided to go with Ahab into battle. But as an added assurance, he asks Ahab to seek a word from the LORD. Ahab is able to assemble four hundred prophets (we are not told if they were prophets of God or prophets of Baal). They are all in agreement that God will give the kings a victory. The partyline is established, and everyone is in agreement. But it seems that Jehoshaphat finds their words less than convincing. He asks if there is another prophet with whom they may inquire of the LORD.

Ahab’s reluctance is voiced by his response. Yes, but I hate him because he never gives me a positive word. Jehoshaphat tells him not to talk like that. So, the prophet Michaiah is summoned and while they wait, one of the prophets decides to provide a visual lesson for the kings as they sit in their regal array. He uses horns to show how the LORD will gore and rout the enemy. It was impressive.

Now, before Michaiah is allowed into the kings’ presence, he is pulled aside and prepared for the encounter. He is strongly encouraged to go along with the partyline. Michaiah quips back that he will only speak what God tells him. Then, something strange takes place. In mocking fashion, Michaiah repeats the partyline message. The king, recognizing something is amiss, makes an unbelievable request. He asks Michaiah for the truth. And the prophet gives him just that. He tells Ahab that he will suffer a disastrous defeat. He even tells Ahab what these prophets are doing to persuade him into battle.

“Now therefore look, Jehovah has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets. Jehovah has declared calamity for you.”” (2 Chronicles 18:22, UASV+)

How did they receive the prophet’s truth to power? Zedekiah slapped him and taunted him. King Ahab ordered that he be imprisoned and given bread and water. And, ignoring the truth of Michaiah’s words, they rush off to do battle. In the end, Ahab, who was trying to hide himself as a common soldier, was struck by a random arrow in a vulnerable place (note: this is NOT an accident; this is the hand of God). Ahab died at sunset. Ahab had convinced Jehoshaphat to wear his royal robes into battle. Now, the king of Aram had instructed his forces to focus on eliminating Ahab. They pursued Jehoshaphat, mistakenly thinking he was Ahab. Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life with the help of the LORD.

“When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.” (2 Chronicles 18:31, WEB)

There are so many takeaways in this passage.

1. It is never wise to ally oneself with evildoers.
2. Powerful people use their position and their resources to seek to impress and intimidate the rank and file (and even other powerful people).
3. There will always be advisors who are only interested in giving powerful people what they want to hear.
4. These advisors will put pressure on anyone they think will oppose their advice to toe the line and agree with them.
5. The person of integrity, the man or woman of God, will not bow to the pressure of the world, but will speak the truth (in love).
6. Those who speak truth to power should be ready to accept the ridicule and rejection of those who do not want the truth; they want approval.
7. Those who speak truth to power should be ready to face the consequences that may come from those who disapprove.
8. God even helps those who entangle themselves in a bad situation, if they are willing to cry out to Him for help.

February 15: 2 Chronicles 17

What Does God’s Blessing Look Like!

THE REASON FOR GOD’S BLESSING

“And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act as Israel did.” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4, NASB)

THE SOURCE OF THE BLESSING

“So the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah gave tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. He took great pride in the ways of the LORD, and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:5-6, NASB)

THE SECURING OF THE BLESSING

Jehoshaphat sent officials with Levites throughout the land to instruct the people.

“They taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; and they went throughout the cities of Judah and taught among the people.” (2 Chronicles 17:9, NASB)

““This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.” (Joshua 1:8, NASB)

THE RESULT OF THE BLESSING

“Now the dread of the LORD was on all the kingdoms of the lands which were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.” (2 Chronicles 17:10, NASB)

THE MULTIPLICATION OF THE BLESSING

Even surrounding nations brought gifts and tribute to Jehoshaphat in large quantities.

“So Jehoshaphat grew greater and greater, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:12, NASB)

THE SECURITY PROVIDED BY THE BLESSING

“He had large supplies in the cities of Judah, and warriors, valiant mighty men, in Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 17:13, NASB)

The blessing of the LORD allowed Jehoshaphat to gather a sizable army to bolster the defense of the nation. It is noteworthy that one of the men, Amasiah, is singled out as one “who volunteered for the LORD.”

Bringing these threads together, we see that a blessing is a statement of good will and happiness that is said about another, as well as the condition that fulfills those good words. God’s original design in creation was for His creatures, including mankind, to experience prosperity, peace, and fulfillment, but that design was ruined when sin entered the world. Statements of blessing are a wish for God to restore His favor on others or a declaration of His inherent goodness. The ultimate blessing that God has given is the new life and forgiveness that comes through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The material blessings we enjoy from day to day are temporary, but the spiritual blessings available to us in Christ encompass time and eternity, as well as material and immaterial things. As the Psalmist said, “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God” (Psalm 146:5). – blessing, gotquestions.org

“The difference between the blessed person and the ungodly person is that the blessed person walks according to the course of heaven and not according to the course of this world.” 

R.C. Sproul

“It is a blessed privilege to work for Christ in this perishing world.” 

Andrew Murray

“Stand in awe of Him, and be grateful for each and every thing that God has blessed you with.” 

Robert Woeger

February 14: 2 Chronicles 17:3-6

Over and Over and Over Again!

Anyone who reads through 2 Chronicles is bound to notice it. The repetition is so common that it becomes almost oblivious. But if we stop to take a closer look, we may begin to recognize a recurring pattern of failure that continues to be a problem throughout the history of Israel. That problem, I contend, is still with us.

“And Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the LORD his God, for he removed the foreign altars and high places, tore down the memorial stones, cut down the Asherim,” (2 Chronicles 14:2-3, NASB)

“And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals,” (2 Chronicles 17:3, NASB)

“He took great pride in the ways of the LORD, and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:6, NASB)

“Furthermore, he (Jehoram) made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to be unfaithful, and led Judah astray.” (2 Chronicles 21:11, NASB)

“Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king, that they would be the LORD’S people. And all the people went to the house of Baal and tore it down, and they broke in pieces his altars and his images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.” (2 Chronicles 23:16-17, NASB)

“But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Yet He sent prophets to them to bring them back to the LORD; and they testified against them, but they would not listen.” (2 Chronicles 24:17-19, NASB)

So, I could go on tracing this back-and-forth struggle to deal with idolatry among Israel and Judah. Do you ever wonder why king after king who is serious about serving the LORD has to remove the idols and idol groves? If they were removed, how did they return? The return to God doesn’t last long.

Revival was a constant need because of the constant temptation to abandon faith in Yahweh and seek other gods to worship. Then revival would come when those idols were destroyed and abandoned, and they sought the true God with all their hearts.

This problem has not escaped mankind. The Apostle Paul confronts his readers with the same problem among the nations.

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” (Romans 1:21-25, NASB)

Revival is needed to deliver us from idolatry, so that we can challenge the culture to put away their idols. We cannot do that if we are clinging to our idols.

February 13: 2 Chronicles 16

Ending Well Is as Important as Beginning Well!

A number of high profile pastors and spiritual leaders have fallen prey to the temptations of pride and sin and have left the profession in disgrace. These former spiritual leaders are not the only ones to fail and fall, but they are the highly visible ones. Their examples remind us that it is good to start well. They, no doubt, spent years of dedication and sacrifice to arrive at such an elevated position, only to falter at the pinnacle of success. But finishing well is also important. The journey is not complete until we cross the finish line. Asa fits into this category of starting well/finishing badly.

We find the story of his last days in 2 Chronicles 16. The events of chapter 15 happen during the 15^th year of Asa’s reign. The last verse in chapter 15 (verse 19) informs us that there was peace for 20 years. Then in year 36, Baasha, king of Israel, decided to cut off the access his people had to Judah. He was planning to expand his domain. Asa sees trouble brewing and takes out the treasures from the house of the LORD and even his own house to acquire the help of Benhadad, king of Syria, to take down Baasha. This move was successful in stopping Baasha from his plans for expansion, but at great cost to Judah and the spiritual condition of Asa and the people.

Hanani the seer confronts Asa for his lack of trust by failing to rely on the LORD for help instead of sending for Benhadad.

“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: “Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the LORD your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand. Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”” (2 Chronicles 16:7-9, NKJV)`

Asa responded in a rage by throwing Hanani in prison. He also oppressed some of his people. Three years later he suffers from a disease in his feet which became very serious. We are told that even though the disease was very painful, he did not seek the LORD; he only sought the help of physicians. After two years of suffering, he died. Since the Chronicler mentions that the heart of Asa was perfect all his days, we may infer that his end did not bring eternal damnation. However, it left a black spot on his reign.

It leaves us wondering where the younger Asa who valiantly encouraged the people to seek the LORD,who cried out to God for help, and who relied on the LORD to deliver him went. It also reminds us that it is easy to slip back into the flesh and stop trusting God. We need to be constantly vigilant to seek the LORD, and not slip and fall at the end.

February 12: 2 Chronicles 15:8-19

Revival Results in Renewed Spiritual Commitment

The test of REVIVAL is not what kind of emotional responses are produced, how many strange signs and wonders are on display, how many people can be assembled in one place, under one tent, in one huge arena, or how much press coverage it can garner. Revival is not about numbers; it is about heart. When the hearts of many turn to the LORD in deep repentance and soul-searching, they become very serious about what it means to follow the LORD. They seek to devote themselves to His worship, His service, and His kingdom. Asa took the message of Azariah to heart.

Revival leads to reformation. REFORMATION is the process of bringing religious practices and beliefs back into line with the word of God. The Old Testament portrays Israel as requiring reformation at several points in her history. God’s people continue to need to review their beliefs and practices in the light of God’s word.

Asa led the initiative to reform the nation.

“And when Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and removed the abominable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities which he had taken in the mountains of Ephraim; and he restored the altar of the LORD that was before the vestibule of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 15:8, NKJV)

Idolatry was the besetting sin of Israel and the point at which all reforms had to begin by removing the idols and turning back to the true God.

He called for a gathering of worship and commitment.

“Then he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those who dwelt with them from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon, for they came over to him in great numbers from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. So they gathered together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.” (2 Chronicles 15:9-10, NKJV, emphasis mine)

He led a covenant renewal and solemn commitment.

“And they offered to the LORD at that time seven hundred bulls and seven thousand sheep from the spoil they had brought. Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;” (2 Chronicles 15:11-12, NKJV)

Covenant is a contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith is always thus translated. Berith is derived from a root which means “to cut,” and hence a covenant is a “cutting,” with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Genesis 15; Jeremiah 34:18, Jeremiah 34:19). – Easton’s Bible Dictionary

• This covenant was deliberately connected with these past covenants (to seek the LORD God of their fathers).
• This covenant was supported by the threat of punishment (whoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel was to be put to death) and with a public oath (they took an oath before the LORD with a loud voice).
• This covenant was made with all their heart and with all their soul. It was not a half-hearted or half-way covenant that no one could be held accountable to.
  • David Guzik
• This covenant has been superseded by the New Covenant, outlined in the New Testament. “When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is about to disappear.” (Hebrews 8:13, NASB)

He dealt with sin within his own household.

He had the courage to remove the Queen Mother, his grandmother, from her position because of her idolatry.

“He also removed Maacah, the mother of King Asa, from the position of queen mother, because she had made an abominable image as an Asherah, and Asa cut down her abominable image, crushed it, and burned it at the brook Kidron.” (2 Chronicles 15:16, NASB)

This revival, spurred on by the Word of the LORD, began a reformation of the nation that had far-reaching influence.

February 11: 2 Chronicles 15:1-7

Revival Is Especially Needed When Spiritual Life Is at a Low Point

The Spirit of God moved Azariah the prophet to go out to Asa after the great victory God had given and share both a word of encouragement and a word of challenge.

“Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him: “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” (2 Chronicles 15:1-2, NKJV)

The grace of the LORD is shown in His desire to “be found by you” for He wants to be found. The challenge is to “seek Him” or to “forsake Him.” He will forsake the one who forsakes Him but will reveal Himself to the diligent seeker.

Azariah then reminds Asa of the history of the people of Israel. The time to which Azariah refers is most likely the period of the judges. In that period of Israel’s history, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Now, if that sounds familiar, I suggest that this is becoming the catch phrase to describe this moment in our culture’s history.

The political, moral, and spiritual chaos that results from adopting this philosophy has been well documented in the book of Judges. Here is the cyclical downward spiral: 1) forsaking the LORD, 2) experiencing the dire consequences of sin, 3) crying out for deliverance, and 4) God, in His mercy, sending a deliver, who would restore peace until they forsook God again. Reading Judges reminds me of how harmful moral and spiritual failure is to a society.

The Failures of That Generation

“For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law;” (2 Chronicles 15:3, NKJV)

The first failure was the loss of the knowledge of God. They forsook Him and therefore, He forsook them. He was thus absent from their lives and their society. They had no moral or spiritual compass, so they made their own way without considering what was right or true. For some time now, our society has sought to remove God from the public life of its people. The tactics of our secular societal architects have been subtle and long range but are beginning to bear the fruit of confusion and chaos that we are witnessing today.

Another failure of the period was a lack of spiritual leadership. When the author of Judges describes the Levitical priests, he shows that they are spiritually bankrupt. The people are hungering for a word from the LORD and for spiritual worship, but that need goes largely unmet. In our day, we are facing a similar situation. The average age of pastors is around 60 years old. More pastors are staying in the ministry longer simply because there is no one to take their place. One of our pastors begged me to find someone to replace him. He has since had to step away from the pastorate for health reasons. When fewer young people are attending church and fewer still are pursuing ministry and current pastors are aging out, a crisis of spiritual leadership is brewing in our churches and culture.

The final failure the author mentions is that of lawlessness. “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” (Proverbs 29:18, NKJV)

We are living in an increasingly lawless society. Laws are ignored, even by the politicians who make and swear to uphold them. Laws are not enforced, and mobs roam the streets of major cities, unchecked by police, wreaking havoc. Laws are made so lenient that violent criminals are released without bail after committing those crimes. Sadly, when the law is enforced, it done so unjustly, harshly enforcing it for some and ignoring it for others. Again, when “every man does that which is right in his own eyes,” society will not flourish and may not survive.

The remedy for these failures is the same today as it was in their day.

“but when in their trouble they turned to the LORD God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found by them.” (2 Chronicles 15:4, NKJV)

The prophet goes on to remind Asa that those times were marked by “no peace” and “many disturbances” afflicting the people. This applied to the individual, the community, the cities, and even the nations crushing each other. He even reveals the source of these consequences: “for God troubled them with every kind of distress.” Even in our rebellion, God is still working to gain oir attention.

Azariah ended his message with a word of encouragement.

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!”” (2 Chronicles 15:7, NKJV)

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV)

Find here Dr. Tony Evans preaching on this passage: