The issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols was very controversial in the church at Corinth.  There were many idol temples and people who were in the church had come from backgrounds where they participated in the worship of these idols and the demons behind them.  Some were very sensitive in their consciences because of what God had delivered them from.  They believed that they were participating in the worship of demons if they ate the meat.  Others  had learned through study of God’s word that these idols were really nothing at all and that the sacrifice did not mean anything.  As believers, they were free to eat the meat and simply give thanks to God for providing it.

This conflict was causing division and some in the church to stumble.  Paul wrote clearly to help them with this problem as he had done to the Romans.  (Romans 13-14)  Paul warned everyone to flee from idolatry.  God is jealous and wants all our worship!  (1st Corinthians 10:14, 22)  When we partake of holy communion, we partake of the ‘cup of thanksgiving’ and participate in the blood of Jesus Christ.  When we eat the bread we partake of the body of Christ.  As believers, we become one with Christ and with all true believers through the sacrifice of Christ given for us.  (1st Corinthians 10:15-17)

“”Everything is permissible”–but not everything is beneficial.  “Everything is permissible”–but not everything is constructive.  Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1st Corinthians 10:23-24)  When we are part of the body of Christ, we must be mindful of those who may be sensitive in this area of eating meat sacrificed to idols.  We may have liberty to eat, but it may be harmful to our brothers and sisters who came out of this kind of idolatry.  We should limit our liberty to help them grow in faith.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God–even as I try to please everybody in every way.  For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.  Follow my example as I follow Christ.” (1st Corinthians 10:31-11:1)  Winning people to Jesus Christ for God’s glory is our single focus!

The Chronicles are filled with records of the kings of Israel and Judah.  Each record usually begins with a note about the age of the king when he took office and a general comment about whether he did good or evil.  Manasseh was only 12 years old when he began his reign and Josiah was only 8 years old.  Manasseh did evil and Josiah did what was right and good.

Manasseh was the son of a good king, Hezekiah.  Manasseh was born to king Hezekiah later in his life after God miraculously spared his life and gave him 15 more years.  Hezekiah had torn down the idol temples and humbly tried to walk with the Lord but Manasseh undid much of his father’s reform and took the nation away from God.  He worshiped the starry host of heaven and even offered his children to these worthless idols.  (2nd Chronicles 33:3-6)

God tried to speak to Manasseh but because he refused to listen, he was taken in captivity to Babylon.  Manasseh did cry out to the Lord there and God had mercy on him.  He was restored to Jerusalem where he removed some of the idols he had erected and tried to restore the Lord’s altar.  He failed to teach his own sons. One of them, Amnon, succeeded his father and did evil without repentance.

Josiah was one of the youngest kings and one of the best.  He sought the Lord early in his reign and purged Jerusalem of idols and images.  (2nd Chronicles 34:3-7)  He set out to repair the temple, collecting funds to pay the workers and do the repairs.  While repairing the temple, the priest Hilkiah, found the Book of the Law that had been lost and neglected.  When Josiah heard the word of God, he humbled himself and sought prophetic help.  Huldah, the prophetess, told the king of the anger of God aroused because of the unfaithfulness of his people and their disobedience to His commands.  Josiah led the people to renew their covenant with the Lord.

These two kings took opposite paths.  Their youth was not the main factor in their walk with God.  Their heart to follow God and obey His word determined God’s verdict concerning their lives.  What will He write about us?

Greetings on this first Sunday in May!  May brings the fullness of new life back to the earth and trees.  Gardens are growing and the crops are beginning to cover the ground in fields.  Planting of seeds and plants is done with the expectation of resurrection and the hope of a harvest.  I trust you are with God’s people today giving extravagant worship to the Lord of Heaven and Earth who abundantly bestows these blessings on all people.

As I reflect on the readings of this past week, I again remember the cleansing of the temple by King Hezekiah as he began his reign.  He sent the priests and Levites to consecrate the temple and themselves for service to the Lord.  This process took 16 days as they removed idolatrous articles and re-consecrated and restored the sacred utensils that King Ahaz had removed in his wickedness.  The idolatrous articles were taken to the Kidron valley and burned there.  This is the place that in Scripture is likened to Hell.

After the cleansing of the temple and the offering of sacrifices by the leadership, there was great joy and rejoicing.  God had enabled them to quickly be restored and His favor was evident among the priests and leaders.  Hezekiah then invited all Israel and Judah to come to Jerusalem for the Passover.  Hezekiah encouraged the people to return to the Lord and that the Lord would restore their children who had been taken captive.  People came from all over and brought offerings and sacrifices.  They celebrated the festival for seven days and then, because they were so blessed, celebrated for seven more days!  (2nd Chronicles 30:21-23)  The priests stood and blessed the people and God answered with more blessing!

After this revival of the Passover by Hezekiah, the people went home, tore down their idols and smashed their sacred stones.  They took actions of faith because of the grace of God.  They brought tithes and offerings and blessed the Lord to such an extent that there was an abundance for God’s house and the storerooms were full!  (2nd Chronicles 31:6-10)

Revival here had two notable effects: removal of idols and consecration to the Lord by the priests and people, and extravagant giving by God through the grace of passover and by the people in response to this grace!  I pray your Sunday was filled with both!

In His Love, Pastor John

King Hezekiah was another godly king of Judah who did much to be commended for.  God blessed  him greatly with wealth and prosperity and gave him guidance through the prophet Isaiah.  The record of his life in these last few chapters of Chronicles tells of both the good and the bad.  One of the lessons of his life is that miracles and prosperity carry a hidden danger of pride which can cause one’s downfall.

Hezekiah saw some great miracles.  He began his rule by restoring the Temple of the Lord which had fallen into disrepair because of neglect. When finished, he and the people celebrated with a huge offering and God was pleased.   (2nd Chronicles 29:36)“Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for His people, because it was done so quickly.”

Hezekiah restored the Passover celebration and encouraged the people to give their tithes.  They obeyed and brought in such an abundance from their fields and flocks that the priests had plenty.  The Lord greatly blessed the people of God for their obedience.  This was another miracle brought about because of obedience and seeking to follow the Lord.

We often think that if God would bless us with finances, defeat all of our enemies, and give us long life, power and honor that we would be happy forever.  And God has told us that He will bless those who are obedient to Him.  He is looking for those whose heart is sold out to Him.  However, success and honor and material blessings sometimes turn our heart away from the Lord.  They expose hidden motives and pride that can cause trouble.  Our enemy Satan is always looking for ways to entice us into idolatry or rebellion.  Today’s reading has some interesting lessons.

King Uzziah came to the throne at sixteen years of age.  He had a godly mother who was from Jerusalem and a godly priest named Zechariah who taught him to fear the Lord.  Uzziah was a mighty warrior and military strategist who was made successful by seeking the Lord.  He designed weapons of war and had a well-trained army.  He became very famous and powerful as he relied on the Lord. (2nd Chronicles 26:4-5, 14-15)

However, when he became famous and powerful, pride led to his downfall.  He became unfaithful to the Lord.  He entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the sacred altar of incense.  Azariah the priest and eighty others begged him not to do this because he was not a Levite or priest.  As he was raging against the priests in the temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead.  (2nd Chronicles 26:19-21)  He had leprosy until the day he died.  There is no record of repentance or a humbling of his heart.

This sad story teaches us that we can be blessed by the Lord because of obedience and faith, but lose our soul through pride.  Pride focuses us on ourselves and our own greatness and accomplishments.  It takes us away from seeking the Lord and trusting in Him alone.  It is interesting that Uzziah’s pride moved him to want religious power that God had not granted him.  When confronted by godly priests, pride moved him to anger.  He thought that his success, power and position permitted him to do what he desired. He would listen to no correction.  He would not repent or ask the Lord for healing or mercy.  Take warning today from this blessed king!

At a person’s death, there is usually a time of reflection concerning the life that was lived.  Loved ones and friends gather to remember the good in the person.   The preacher usually looks for some sign of redemption in the life that was lived in order to bring comfort to those who are mourning.  But what can be said if a person dies, and no one regrets his death?   What if instead of mourning, their passing brings a celebration?  This is what is encountered in today’s reading!

Jehoram was the oldest of six sons of King Jehoshaphat.  When Jehoshaphat passed, he designated Jehoram as the heir to the kingdom.  Jehoram promptly executed his six brothers as well as other leaders who may have threatened him.  (2nd Chronicles 21:3-4)  Scripture states that Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel who were wicked.  One of the reasons was a wife who happened to be a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.  The ways of these kings was one of idolatry and false religion.  They rejected the law of the Lord and set up their own idolatrous religious system.

The consequences of Jehoram’s rebellion should stop and make us think.  We find Edom rebelling against Judah followed by Libnah and then the Philistines and Arabs.  War and strife are results of rebellion.  Enemies who would be silenced by the fear of the Lord that rests upon godly leaders, are suddenly emboldened when idolatry and wickedness is present.

God tried to warn Jehoram.  He allowed him grace because of a covenant that He had made with David, but warned him with a letter from the godly prophet Elijah.  Elijah spelled out Jehoram’s rebellion, murder of his innocent brothers, and idolatry. He  then plainly told him of the consequences.  Jehoram and his family would be struck with a heavy blow.  Jehoram would have a lingering disease of the bowels and die.  (2nd Chronicles 21:12-15)  In spite of the warning, Jehoram refused to repent and he suffered the consequences!

The record concludes with Jehoram’s gruesome death after two years of a lingering illness.  This man lived such a wicked life, that no one mourned his passing.  No one regretted his life ending so soon!  (2nd Chronicles 21:19-20)  One can even imagine that there was a celebration that this wicked man had finally got what was due him!  May this never be said of us!

Jehoshaphat was a good king who sought the Lord for most of his life.  God’s eyes are always watching for those whose hearts are sold out to Him and Jehoshaphat evidently learned to seek the Lord’s favor from his father Asa.  (2nd Chronicles 16:9)

Jehoshaphat did several things that helped bring the Lord’s favor.  In the third year of his reign, he sent out a teaching team of priests and Levites to all the towns of Judah.  These men taught the Law of the Lord to the people of Judah.  When God’s word is taught, it brings faith and a healthy fear of the Lord that brings God’s blessing.  We note that this ‘fear of the Lord’ fell upon the surrounding kingdoms as well and brought a season of peace and prosperity during Jehoshaphat’s reign.    (2nd Chronicles 17:10)

Jehoshaphat also appointed judges, giving them strict instructions to judge fairly and impartially.  He understood that the Lord was the ultimate judge of all, including these judges.  (2nd Chronicles 19:5-7)  They would have to answer to Him for their decisions.  When the judges ruled impartially and swiftly gave out righteous judgments,  order was maintained and a healthy respect for God and His law resulted.  When judges took bribes and perverted justice, there would be discontent and dire consequences would follow.

When we look at our country today, we see the results of the failure of our church and government leadership in both of these areas.  When church leaders fail to preach God’s word and teach truth, there is disorder in the church and community.  God’s law is neglected and trouble results.  When we have judges who pervert justice and do not operate in the fear of the Lord, we have partiality, bribery, and the perversion of God’s laws.  This brings disorder and God’s judgment on judges and the people.  We must take heed to these truths when we vote and consider those who will serve us in the church and the government!

A final word of encouragement from King Jehoshaphat speaks to us today.  “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem!  Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets and you will be successful.” (2nd Chronicles 20:20)  The word of God brings faith in the Lord!  Godly prophets speak only the word of the Lord!  Listen closely and be blessed!

King Asa was aggressive in doing good and what was right in God’s eyes.  He removed foreign altars and tore down idols.  He commanded Judah to seek the Lord and keep His laws.  As he did these good things, Zerah the Cushite marched against him with a large army.  As he took up battle positions, he called to the Lord.  “Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty.  Help us O Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in Your Name we have come against this vast army.  O Lord, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.” (2nd Chronicles 14:11)

Pleased to respond to such a humble prayer, the Lord routed the Cushites before Asa and Judah. He also sent Azariah the prophet to meet Asa.  Azariah gave Asa this word, “The Lord is with you when you are with Him.  If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.  . . .But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2nd Chronicles 15:2,7)  This word encouraged Asa to continue in the ways of the Lord and to work to bring Judah back to a full walk with God. His heart was fully committed to the Lord for almost all of his life.

However, after many years of peace, Baasha king of Israel came against Judah.  Asa failed to seek the Lord but instead went to Damascus for help.  Hanani the prophet came and reminded Asa of his earlier success and the promise of help if he sought the Lord.  “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.  You have done a foolish thing, from now on you will have war.” (2nd Chronicles 16:9)   It is interesting to note that at the end of Asa’s life, he had a disease of his feet and still would not call on the Lord!

We can learn much from this passage.  Call on the Lord and depend on Him in every difficulty; He is watching for those who are fully committed to show Himself strong on their behalf!  When we fail to pray, we set ourselves up for failure and trouble!  Your work through prayer will be rewarded!

God doesn’t take rejection lightly.  He is a jealous God and loves His children enough to discipline them when they need it.  He allows consequences to come that He has foretold so that His people understand His Father’s heart and grace.  In today’s reading, consequences of sin bring humbling and repentance.

King Rehoboam was a young son of Solomon who was given rule of Judah.  He began his reign by consulting the elders who had served Solomon for some advice on how to govern the people.  The people had been under a heavy load of taxation because of the requirements of King Solomon in building the Lord’s house and then his own house.  The elders recommended that Rehoboam lighten their load and treat the people kindly.  (2nd Chronicles 10:7)

King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders and next consulted some of his younger friends.  They recommended harsh treatment and a heavier yoke!  This response caused division among the people instead of unity.  The people grumbled against Rehoboam.  Rehoboam sent Adoniram, one of his overseers of the forced labor out and the people stoned him!  Rehoboam was going to muster an army and fight against his own brother, but was warned by God not to do it.  He did listen.

Rehoboam grew strong and then lead the people in departing from the Lord.  The Lord allowed Shishak, king of Egypt to attack Jerusalem.   Shishak had a large army and many horse and chariots.  The prophet Shemaiah gave the word to Rehoboam, “This is what the Lord says, ‘You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak.’” (2nd Chronicles 12:5b)  Rehoboam acknowledged that the Lord was just and that he needed to humble himself.  God relented from totally destroying Rehoboam but still allowed Shishak to attack and plunder the temple.   The reason given was so that Israel and Rehoboam would learn the difference between serving God and foreign kings.

There are some lessons for us in this passage.  First, it is good to listen to wise advice from the elders.  The wisdom from above brings peace and unity, not strife and division.  When we depart from the Lord, He wisely allows consequences.  He warns of what is ahead and hears when we humbly ask for mercy.  Living under His rule is always better than captivity!  Let’s learn by reading and not by experience!

Jesus calls all of us His friends!  We are not slaves or servants, but friends. Our Father’s plans have been revealed to us, and we have inside information that gives us great encouragement and hope!  In the end, we win, and even now we can rest in the victory of the cross paid for by Jesus Christ!  Today is a day of rest for God’s people!  Find a family of God (church) and join God’s people in worship, prayer, and hearing His word!

In our reading of the Chronicles this past week, God delighted in showing his grace to King David and Solomon.  He brought rest to the kingdom and nation He dwelt with.  They enjoyed a reign of peace while Solomon built the temple.  All their enemies were at peace with them during the building process.  Nations sent workers to help build the temple.  There was favor and good will among the people and leaders as they focused on the job at hand.  People gave willingly and generously and had to be stopped from giving because so much came in!

We have such blessing in our King Jesus!  He gives all His people rest each day.  We live in the Sabbath rest that is ours through His atonement.  We have no enemy that can snatch us from His hand.  He causes everything to work for good for us who love Him.  We are all co-workers in His kingdom with many of the nations who are becoming friends of God.  There is unity and favor in the true body of Christ and real generosity toward the work of God.  We are such a blessed people to live in the church age when Jesus is building His temple!  The gates of hell will not stop it or prevail against His mighty church!

In His Love, Pastor John