II Chronicles 21-22
These kings just can’t seem to stay on track. Jehoshaphat has seen some terrific moments with God, yet in his last years, he allies with the king of Israel. The Word says, “He acted wickedly in so doing.”(20:35)
The high places had not been torn down, and when Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son takes the reigns, he reverts back to doing evil in God’s sight. He wants to be like the kings of Israel. (They must seem more sophisticated to him). The greatest abomination is that he marries the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, two of the most evil people in the Bible.
Jehoram slays all of his brothers so that he won’t have any competition. His days are numbered. He dies after eight years as king , departing “with no one’s regret.”(21:20)
Ahaziah, his son, rules in Jehoram’s place, but for only one year. He also walks in the counsel of Ahab and Jezebel, and is killed by Jehu.
So Athaliah, his mother takes over the kingdom. The daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, she is an incredibly wicked person. Athaliah kills every member of the royal family (including her own grandchildren).
Only one grandchild, Joash, is hidden from her sight so that he is safe during Athaliah’s reign.
When we look at Ahab and Jezebel we see the epitome of evil, and it’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to be like them. Yet the arrogance that goes with such evil, causes some to be swayed in that direction. Especially the young and foolish.
Today there are some incredibly evil people who project such confidence and sophistication, that they tend to lure others into their camp. There are those who want to look good to men, and they can be fooled.
When I look at Ahab and Jezebel, I see some of those influential people.
I pray that you and I won’t be fooled by such behavior. We will be those who are willing not to look so good to men, if that’s what it takes.
When my son was little, he had a Tee shirt that said: Any dead fish can float down stream. Go against the flow. I’ve always liked that concept, because unless we are willing to go against the flow, we will never be who God wants us to be.
It takes courage and determination to be willing to sometimes look foolish to the arrogant. But that’s our call. We are to please God rather than man.
As we are doing this, we are not alone. Of course, we have the Lord always with us. But also, there are many others just like you and me. Those who truly want their lives to be lived for Him.
John 14
There have been seasons in my life when I would read the next four chapters of John everyday. If you want to understand what it means to be a christian, this is a good place to start.
Jesus is preparing His disciples befroe he leaves. The dispensation is about to change, and He is giving them an introduction into the new life they are about to receive. It’s easier to understand when you have the Holy Spirit teaching you. (There must have been a lot of “huh’s?” that day).
There are so many powerful nuggets here.
- I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me. (V. 6)
- He who has seen me has seen the Father. (V. 9)
- He who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works shall he do; because I go to the Father. (V. 12)
- If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (V. 14)
- In that day, you will know that I am in you and you in Me, and I in you. (V.20)
- If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our abode with him. (V. 23)
- The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things.( V. 26)
It’s clear that Jesus is introducing something new to these people. They are about to enter into a new life of relationship with the Father, which mankind has not known up until now.
He will be living in them, teaching them. They will be the representatives of God Himself on the earth. They will pray and have their prayers answered.
These new people will even do the works of Jesus.
Christianity has been so watered down over the years that it’s hard for some to see what this is saying. I pray that you and I see it.
To be a true, believing Christian is the most powerful position on earth. Men may never even see the power or know what you are doing. But you know and God knows.
In your secret place, as you pray and speak the Words God gives you to speak, you are representing Him on the earth. As you speak with boldness, the heavens and the earth will shake. The demonic forces will have to flee, and angels will come upon the scene.
Our prayers and declarations will make things happen in the earth!
