Isaiah 7 - Promise of Sign; Immanuel

Judah is in trouble. Ahaz, the king, is in trouble. Judah is about to be invaded. The LORD sends  Isaiah to him with a promise of hope. The LORD spoke to him, through Isaiah, the promise of a sign, who is Immanuel, in spite of the fact that Ahaz was worshipped other gods. Ahaz... "Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and also made idols for worshiping the Baals. He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree.  (2 Chron 28:1b-4 NIV)

The LORD gives this promise of of a sign of hope to this wretched sinner. He has given us this sign. He has given us Immanuel, God with us, in Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that even though God wanted to help Ahaz, Ahaz never gave up his false gods and turned to worship the one true God. Will we?

For those who aren't reading the Bible, please read it. There is so much that you will miss if you don't. But, for the benefit of those who will not, I'm including the verses that are most familiar from this chapter to so many...  "Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."  (Isa 7:13-14)

God's Peace - Pr. J

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." (Isa 7:9b)

2 Chronicles 28 - Evil

Too much war....  Way too much destruction!  The sins of these ancient kings is beginning to be a bit overwhelming for me.  I don't care to watch this much violence on television.  The thought of all that evil in ancient days is beginning to make me a bit nauseous and by the children of Abraham no less...

I have seen a lot in my lifetime, but the evil that King Ahaz did, as well as other kings of that time, is just too much.  It is beyond words.  Not that these latter days have not seen men and kingdoms follow in these evil ways.  But, it is beyond my comprehension, how so much evil can dwell in one man, in the people, who listen to him and follow him?

How can humankind be so blind, so compassionless, that they will persecute, enslave, murder their brothers and sisters.  These were afterall, children of Abraham.  And... we are children of God, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.  Whom will we persecute today?  Whom will we love even as God loves us?  Whom, which god, will we serve?  "...But, as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."  (Joshua 24:15) 

“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD."  Joshua 24:14

2 Chronicles 1 - Wisdom to Serve

It wasn't too long ago, that I was at a Bible study trying to recall what happened to the Tent of the Meeting that the Israelites had carried around for so many years.  I just could not remember what happened to it once the Israelites went to their apportioned lands.  My memory has never been too good and isn't getting any better as the days pass.  I just keep studying and praying that I will remember at least a good portion of what I read.

Well, here we find the original tabernacle.  Solomon has gone to the Tent of the Meeting at the high place at Gibeon.  He makes offerings to the LORD and God appears to him, asking Solomon what He should give him.  Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge so that he might lead the numerous people that God has given him.  God grants Solomon's request and commends him for not being selfish.

This is just an outstanding transition from 1 Chronicles to 2 Chronicles.  In the last chapter of 1 Chronicles we have David bequeathing hundreds of thousands of pounds of gold and silver to the building of God's house and in this first chapter of 2 Chronicles, we have his son, Solomon, not requesting riches or anything else for himself.  Solomon asks only to lead God's people with wisdom and knowledge.  God grants this request; and in addition, blesses him with great wealth and honor.

This is really some good stuff for anyone who is struggling with what stewardship actually is.  Good stewards will understand that the gifts given to us, by God, are not to be for our own glory, but are to be used, by us, in service to both God and others (our neighbors). 

Neither, David or Solomon were without fault.  But, within their hearts ws the desire to serve and honor the LORD and God knew that.  He knows what is in each of our hearts.  May He create in each of us the desire to be willing servants and wise stewards of all that He has blessed us with.

1 Chronicles 1 - Sons (and daughters)

We begin Chronicles and the review of genealogies.  From Adam to Israel, there are lots of sons' names to remember.  As difficult as it may seem, it is important to attempt to remember some of them.  Many of those names reappear, some with different spellings, so having a general remembrance of who is who in the Bible will help save time later on when you're going to stumble across someone's name and will want to take the time to look them up.  I hate when I have to do that.  I end up surfing the Bible...  for hours... sometimes...

This genealogy is extensive, but not complete, as there are sons missing from the list.  Neither Cain nor Abel are listed as the sons of Adam.  The genealogy of the people whom God calls and establishes as His people begins with Adam and his son, Seth.  This list is a list of the direct lineage of the people who are directly involved with God's plan for the world.  These descendents are the vessels by whom God will ultimately bring His promises to the world.  

Hope that's not too confusing.  Lot's more could be said about why this genealogy is important, but that'll be enough to get you thinking, besides.. just look at all those names you have to memorize!  LOL!  Have a blessed day and know that you too are a descendant - an adopted son or daughter of our Father who is in heaven!