II Chronicles 15-16
Azariah, the son of Obed, meets Asa with a word from God. The prophet reminds the king that if he and his people turn away from God, as they have done in the past, God’s hand will not be there for them. However, if they remain faithful to their God and forsake their idols, He will remain faithful to them.
“But you, be strong and don’t lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”(15:7)
So Asa gets to work, making things “right” in the country. They have a ceremony, praising the Lord and all that He had done for them. Asa even removes his mother from the position of “Queen Mother” because she wants to maintain her idols. He then demolishes her idols.
As a result, there is no war in Judah for more than 30 years. God’s protection is strong.
In the 36th year of Asa’s reign, Baasha, king of Israel, comes up against Judah, and Asa makes a terrific mistake. He seeks help from the king of Aram, rather than from the Lord. With natural help, he turns back the foe, however, he is rebuked for the error.
Here we have one of my favorite verses in the Bible, and one which we should all take to heart.
“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”(16:9)
If you look around and listen to people talk, you will realize that very few people really trust in God with their whole heart. If we could just get this verse, how wonderful our lives would be. He is looking for those who really do believe Him.
I volunteer. I want to be one of those people. I love Him and I want his strong support!
John 12:27-50
Some choose light; others choose dark. Jesus reminds His followers that he didn’t come to judge the world. The world was judged already because of the sin of Adam. Jesus came to save the world from the judgment.
I think of it like this. It’s as if a boat has capsized and all are drowning. Jesus throws out a life raft for all to take who will. Some would rather stay in the water, but it’s their choice – not His.
The Word He has spoken has judged the people because they wouldn’t listen to it.
Today, there are people who want to know God, but on their own terms. They want to tell Him what the rules of the universe should be, rather than listening to His principles. They want to design their own plans and dreams – and then get Him to bless their pursuit of them.
Jesus is calling us all to a life of immense benefits and productivity. But He chooses the terms. The terms are that we love God with our whole heart – trusting in Him and living for Him. Then we love our neighbors as ourselves.
In our dreams and pursuits, we esteem others highly – and not just ourselves. We don’t lord it over others or take advantage of them
So God doesn’t bless our own dreams – unless they are from Him. The true blessing comes through knowing Him and walking with Him.
It’s a wonderful life! We just decide to walk in the light! His light.
