Bible Pathway - May 23, 2012
Read 2 Chronicles 7
Highlights:
If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (II Chr. 7:14).
After twenty years on the throne, Solomon's reign that had begun so gloriously with God no longer showed any evidence that God was directing him. There was no worship, no prayer, no altar, no sacrifice. Solomon's ambition for world glory, his desire for foreign luxuries, and his many wives had corrupted his heart, and Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord (I Kin. 11:6).
Just as it happened to Solomon, it happens to so many in our day. They get started on the right path. They are working for the Lord. They are truly serving Him. But, one thing draws them off track. Then another thing comes against them. Gradually and without realizing it, they become like Solomon. It may seem small at the time. Maybe they slack off on their daily reading of God's Word. Maybe they stop praying as much. Maybe like Solomon they let earthly treasures and the desires of their hearts cause them to look away from God. We cannot trust our heart. It is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer. 17:9). There are many possibilities, however, they all lead to the same outcome. One's life is being drawn away from his Creator. It is exceedingly important that we keep a close relationship with God by knowing His Word and continuously seeking His will.
The Lord spoke to Solomon a second time to turn him and the nation back to God. Still later, God appeared to him the third and final time, saying: I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and give it to thy servant (11:11). God always offers mercy before punishment. It is not His desire for us to fail in life, but He greatly desires that we be victorious in our spiritual lives (II Pet. 3:9).
How foolish to allow earthly desires to separate us from the blessings of God! We must guard ourselves constantly to not allow this to happen. Lay up not for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up fror yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through or steal (Matt. 6:19-20).
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things (I Cor. 9:25).
Thought for Today:
All the riches of this world cannot compare to the least of the riches of heaven.
Christ Revealed:
Through the glory of Solomon's kingdom (II Chr. 9:1-28). Even though Solomon had a rich and glorious kingdom, it cannot begin to compare to Christ's coming Kingdom. The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it (Rev. 22:1-5).
Word Studies:
7:11 prosperously effected, successfully accomplished all that God had planned for him to do, 7:14 seek My Face, seek My will through My Word; 8:5 nether, lower; 8:16 perfected, completed; 9:1 prove, test; 9:14 chapmen, merchant traders; 9:15 targets, large shields; 9:18 stays, armrests; 9:24 harness, armor; 9:26 the river, the Euphrates River.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Jennifer Palafox • Country: Eritrea (4 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Tigrinya • Religious persecution • 51% Muslim; 40% Eritrean Orthodox; 4% Catholic; 1.5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the Lord's blessings and peace upon His children (Num. 6:24-27).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 6:1
