Bible Pathway - May 29, 2011
Read 2 Chronicles 28
Highlights:
Another era of wickedness begins with King Ahaz spiritually defiling the whole nation. Consequences (II Chr. 28:19). After his death, revival comes with godly King Hezekiah. Worship is restored in the Temple; they keep the Passover; and confession is made to the Lord (30:27).
Hezekiah began restoring biblical principles and true worship of God. He recognized the blessings of God as of utmost importance and as most essential. This was in striking contrast to the ungodly example of his wicked father and the voice of a corrupt court. Hezekiah. . . . did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (II Chr. 29:1-2). He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. . . . And the Lord was with him (II Kin. 18:4-5,7).
The secret of his inspiration and power is explained by the recorded facts: He clave to the Lord and the Lord was with him (18:6-7). Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and Truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the House of God, and in the Law, and in the Commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered (II Chr. 31:20-21). Hezekiah repaired and cleansed the Temple. Under extreme difficulty and danger, he was determined to do the will of God: It is in mine heart (29:10). No compromise, no half-measures, no delay. There is a strong spiritual link between what we think of God and what we think is the most important to do first. Without exception, every Christian should seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things (natural necessities of life) shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33). Christ calls us to a life of faith and dependence, because it is the life He Himself led.
When God says: Seek My face (II Chr. 7:14), He means for us daily to seek His will in His Word to know His true goals for us. As we read His Word, the Holy Spirit not only enlightens our understanding of His will, but He empowers us to live it. God has warned: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be abomination (Prov. 28:9).
We need to consider and daily ask ourselves: "Will what I'm seeking in prayer bring honor to the Father or merely benefit me?”
Jesus said: If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:6-7).
Thought for Today:
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed (Rom. 9:33).
Christ Portrayed:
By King Hezekiah who offered an intercessory prayer for every one That prepareth his heart to seek God (II Chr. 30:18-19). Jesus Christ our King, now seated at the right hand of God, intercedes in prayer for all who continue to seek Him (Rom. 8:34). Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Col. 3:1).
Word Studies:
28:3 Hinnom (Gehenna — translated as “hell” in the New Testament); 28:10 keep under, make slaves; 28:15 shod them, gave them sandals; 28:25 several, single; 30:6 posts, runners, couriers; 30:22 comfortably, encouragingly; 30:23 took counsel, agreed.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX) and Rep. Jerry Moran (KS) • Country: Indonesia (211.8 million) five large and 13,662 lesser islands in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Bahasa Indonesian (modified form of Malay) and English • Growing pressure from Muslim leaders to limit advances of Christianity by not renewing many of the missionaries' permits to stay in the country • 83% Muslim; 9% Protestant; 4% Catholic; 2% Hindu; 1% Buddhist; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: If we ask anything agreeing with His will, He both hears and answers (I John 5:14-15).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 16
Memory Verse for the Week: John 15:12
