follow God – Be Still…

Ezekiel 34:1-10 – Not Really Shepherds

Read Ezekiel 34:1-10

I don’t think I’ve ever met a shepherd, or one who herds sheep, in person. I’ve commonly seen goat herders and cow wranglers here in Mexico, but never a shepherd. They would have been a lot more common in Ezekiel’s day. The Bible uses the shepherd metaphor in other places as well. The 23^rd Psalm begins, “The LORD is my shepherd, I have all that I need.”

Shepherds were some of the first people to meet Jesus face to face. That tells me that God thinks highly of shepherds, perhaps because of their devotion to their flocks. God’s expectations for a shepherd’s behavior is clearly set out here. Feeding the sheep, tending to the weak, caring for the sick, and certainly searching after any sheep that get lost. Continue reading “Ezekiel 34:1-10 – Not Really Shepherds”

2 Chronicles 14:1-15 – Call on the LORD

Read 2 Chronicles 14:1-15

Asa is the first of the reforming kings in Chronicles. Even though the kings before him may have listened to the LORD, they must have looked the other way when it came to all the false gods and pagan practices that had been infiltrating the land. From the sounds of it, Asa led the charge of a great cleansing.

The land was at peace when the people were following God. I’m sure there is no “accident” or “coincidence” there. What would our world look like if everyone was a true follower of God? The renewed peace we see here is a direct result of the restored faith.

1 Chronicles 29:21-30 – A Smooth Transition

Read 1 Chronicles 29:21-30

What a smooth and seamless transition of power! David had many sons, so it was fitting that a big deal was made during his succession. It was good to see that honoring God was part of the festivities. We’re given a glimpse into the future, too. Verse 23 says, “So Solomon took the throne of the Lord in place of his father, David, and he succeeded in everything, and all Israel obeyed him.” Solomon’s reign sounds ideal.

It’s key to see that all of Solomon’s brothers, as well as the officials and leaders were on board. But probably the best blessing of all was from God. The text says, “And the LORD exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.” It will be good to see how God works in Solomon’s reign as we continue reading in 2 Chronicles.

2 Kings 10:18-36 – The Final Purge

Read 2 Kings 10:18-36

garbage worker brushing question mark bubbles into a pile

Jehu’s rampage to cleanse Israel was finished…almost. Why did he leave the golden calves in Bethel and Dan? Despite that, God was pleased. “You have done well in following my instructions to destroy the family of Ahab. Therefore, your descendants will be kings of Israel down to the fourth generation.”

In this climactic act of violence, Jehu rids Israel of all Baal worship. Tragically, it sounds like a lot of people lost their life that day. Yet, I can almost imagine the sky looked a little brighter and the sun shone more brilliantly that day with so much evil purged from society. Unfortunately, a “weed” was left behind to grow and spread again.

1 Kings 2:1-12 – A Legacy

Read 1 Kings 2:1-12

looking down on feet with tennis shoes, walking toward a set of arrows signifying a decision in new direction must be made

Following in the footsteps of a father like David would be difficult. What must Solomon be thinking as he receives his final instructions from his father. I suppose there is probably a little fear, some excitement, and probably a bit of pride thrown in for good measure.

When we read of David’s passing, it seems more than just a matter of fact. Don’t you feel a bit like a friend has died? We can probably all identity to some degree with what David did and how he did it. Our circumstances, of course, are completely different (unless you happen to be an Israelite king)! David left a legacy, and that’s probably our intention, too.