God Speaks
The Reigns of Kings: Joash in Judah, Hazael over Aram. Jehoahaz and Jehoash in Israel, Including the Deaths of Elisha and Jehoiada
Verse of the Day: Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the LORD’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.'” (2 Chronicles 24:20 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 186
We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding 2 Kings 12-13 and 2 Chronicles 24
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
2 Kings 12
1. Although God doesn’t actually dwell in a physical temple, He expects people to seek His presence and care for what represents Him.
2. Even good people, like Joash under Jehoiada’s guiding influence, may neglect to deal with some things that offend the LORD God.
2 Kings 13
1. God has standards for what He expects of His people, namely, “Do not worship other gods or set up idols!”
2. People, especially kings (or other national rulers, are judged on the basis of whether they led the people toward or away from God and His ways.
2 Chronicles 24
1. God wants people’s whole hearts and undivided attention.
2. People, like Joash before Jehoiada died, should have a love for God and the place where His people come to worship Him.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 2 Kings 12-13 and 2 Chronicles 24?
Dear LORD God and Jesus Christ, You are the King of kings and LORD of lords. Please give me a sense of awe in Your presence especially in the place set aside for corporate worship. Help those who worship there strive to take good care of it. As we gather together, may we treat the property, the building, the leaders and the rest of the congregation with respect and dignity. Remind me not to do anything that would offend You. May I not let anything or anyone come between You and me. May whatever I do and say be aimed at drawing people closer to faith in You. Please give me discernment as to whether leaders are aimed at doing so as well. May people increasingly give You the wholehearted devotion and undivided attention You deserve. Then we will bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action
(Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 2 Kings 12-13 and 2 Chronicles 24?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will urge people in my sphere of influence to use every means available to them to draw near to God.
- I will volunteer to help clean and/or maintain my house of worship.
- I will get rid of anything in my possession that would tend to pull me away from wholehearted devotion to God.
- While honoring those who have taught me about God, I will develop a personal love-relationship with Him that keeps me from drifting away.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.