1 & 2 Chronicles – Be Still…

2 Chronicles 20:12 – Cry out to God

“O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)

While we might not be facing a mighty army set to attack us, we have plenty of struggles and times in life when we feel powerless. This memory verse gives us the perfect formula in those moments. When we cry out to God in faith, he will deliver us.

Context: This verse is part of King Jehoshaphat’s prayer to God in the face of a threat of war from neighboring nations. What a great example for us to see Jehoshaphat turn to the LORD, begging for guidance. The chapter goes on to tell how God revealed himself to the people of Judah in response to Jehoshaphat’s prayer and the worship of the people. All the people were overjoyed at the victory. It’s quite a story, and you can read more about God’s victory here. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 20:12 – Cry out to God”

2 Chronicles 36:11-23 – Jerusalem Falls and Then…

Read 2 Chronicles 36:11-23

It’s never easy to read the account of Jerusalem falling knowing it could have been prevented. It breaks my heart that the prophets of God were treated like they were. We’re told how the people “scoffed at the prophets until the Lord’s anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done.” God’s patience had come to an end.

Our reading begins with Zedekiah’s evil leadership. The Chronicler tells us, “Zedekiah was a hard and stubborn man, refusing to turn to the LORD, the God of Israel.” Was it his stubbornness that kept him from acknowledging King Nebuchadnezzar, the very one who made him king? Zedekiah’s oath of loyalty meant nothing. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 36:11-23 – Jerusalem Falls and Then…”

2 Chronicles 36:1-10 – The Last Kings

Read 2 Chronicles 36:1-10

These final kings are summed up pretty quickly by the Chronicler. Being they weren’t “good” kings who followed the law and worshipped God, it makes sense this author would be brief.

Even more interesting is how these kings were chosen and the family dynamics that must have been going on during this 22+ year period. Let’s look at that and glean some wisdom on what the message is for us today. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 36:1-10 – The Last Kings”

2 Chronicles 35:20-27 – When God Speaks

Read 2 Chronicles 35:20-27

Another succession of kingly power in Judah, yet we know God is ready to punish Judah. It could happen any day. We’ll have to wait a bit to see that play out. But what can we glean from this reading or the life of King Josiah?

He was a faithful king, until he wasn’t at the end. However, I don’t think that was so much a matter of faith but rather a mistaken assumption. Did Josiah perhaps think that he, or his people, God’s people, were the only one that God would speak to? That would explain a lot if that’s the case. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 35:20-27 – When God Speaks”

2 Chronicles 35:1-19 – Behind the Scenes

Read 2 Chronicles 35:1-19

King Josiah has discovered an ancient business plan that he can put in place, seamlessly employing his whole kingdom in a God-honoring way. Josiah can be “behind the scenes” and throw an amazing celebration of historic proportions.

Celebrating Passover was also found in the Chronicler’s account of King Hezekiah’s rule. He, too, celebrated Passover in a big way, but in this passage, the Chronicler makes it seem like Josiah paved the way as the first king to celebrate Passover like that. Why do you think there is a difference? Continue reading “2 Chronicles 35:1-19 – Behind the Scenes”