God Speaks
Reigns of the Kings of Israel–Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah and the Kings of Judah–Azariah (aka Uzziah) and Jotham
Verse of the Day: [Two refrains are used to describe these kings.] He did evil in the eyes of the LORD. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he caused Israel to commit. [This referred to the kings of Israel.] and He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father ______ had done. the high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices there. [This referred to the kings of Judah. (2 Kings 15:9, 18, 24, 28 and 2 Kings 15:3-4, 34-35 respectively. See also 2 Chronicles 26:4 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding 2 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 26:
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 15
1. God gives people the ability to choose whether to live wisely and do good or to live wickedly and do evil.
2. People can choose to trust God, obey Him and do good, or to trust in themselves, follow Satan and do evil.
2 Chronicles 26
1. God will deal severely with people (especially leaders like Uzziah) who blatantly disobey His commandants.
2. People, like King Uzziah [aka Azariah], can follow God and His principles by doing good most of their lives, but they can also become proud and arrogant in disobeying Him. They will suffer the consequences now or in eternity.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding 2 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 26?
O LORD God, You are the ultimate freedom grantor. From the beginning, You gave people the ability to choose whether to live wisely and do good or to live wickedly and do evil. I turn to Your Holy Spirit to enable me to follow You and Your plans as closely as Jesus did. Don’t let me give up or be discouraged when I don’t see things going the way I think they should. Don’t let me become proud and arrogant so that I think that I am better than other people or think that I can ignore You and Your “ground rules.” May I develop a healthy sense of “the fear of the LORD.” *This will keep me in a close relationship with You, bring me wisdom and insight, help me not to sin, lead me into holy living, produce a sense of confidence and security, enable me to encourage other people to follow Christ, and bring You glory, LORD. Amen
*These concepts are drawn from The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life. by John P. Bevere, Nashville Tennessee, W Publishing an imprint of Thomas Nelson, 2023, 18-19.
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 15 and 2 Chronicles 26?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will ask the Holy Spirit to help me to make wise choices.
- I will discuss daily with the LORD what He wants me to do that day and then do it without grumbling or complaining.
- I will show a humble awe of God in whatever I do each day.
- I will talk lovingly but firmly with a person I know who is blatantly disobeying God and His commands, about how they can be forgiven and healed.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.