God's provision – Be Still…

2 Chronicles 17:1-19 – Meet Jehoshaphat

Read 2 Chronicles 17:1-19

What a name! Did you find yourself rushing into the text to see if Jehoshaphat was going to follow the LORD or not? The last we know of Asa, his father, was that Asa had gone astray, not trusting in God like he had earlier in his reign. From the sounds of it, Jehoshaphat must remember the “good times” when his father was more obedient to God.

It must have been difficult to stay strong in those days, too. After all, family relations from the northern tribes who were following Israel’s rule had already chosen an alternate path. We may find ourselves troubled when our friends and family don’t cherish the Bible and having a relationship with our Creator and Savior, Jesus like we do. It’s sometimes hard to maintain those relationships.

1 Chronicles 11:10-47 – David’s Inner Circle

Read 1 Chronicles 11:10-47

A smart leader surrounds themselves with devoted people who do a good job, making them look even better. David is a fine example of a wise leader. What a group of men to have by your side! It’s even more important to have God backing you, and David was also blessed by that.

This text may try to imply that the people of Israel decided David should be king. In truth, it was only because God ordained it. We often do that today when we try to take credit for one of God’s miracles in our life. James 1:17 says it beautifully, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” How has God surprised you recently with a gift from above?

Christmas 🕍 Luke 2:25-35 – Faith

Read Luke 2:25-35

Can you imagine having received the message Simeon had, giving him the assurance he would see the Messiah before he died? Many had been waiting for the Messiah to come rescue them. It had been hundreds of years since the prophets had foretold a Messiah would come. In Simeon’s day, the Roman oppression was so great the people were anxiously awaiting the day their Messiah king would powerfully come to save them.

Simeon’s faith is commendable. Amidst the struggles of life under Roman control, and the natural aging process our bodies go through, Simeon never lost hope. He had faith in God’s promise. It seems as if his faith was the fuel that sustained Simeon through each day of waiting.

Ezra 8:24-36 – By God’s Gracious Hand

Read Ezra 8:24-36

Ezra likes lists. I like lists because they keep me organized. For Ezra to take on such a big mission, being organized would certainly be a good attribute to have. This reading lets us know who did what and more about their responsibilities during this transition or rebirth of a people. The hand of God played a huge role in the success of this mission back to Jerusalem!

God was giving his people a second chance to love him and live honorably following the laws given to Moses. This whole return had been orchestrated by God, even down to the last gold bowl and who was responsible to get it to Jerusalem. Was I the only one that still ponders how you move 24 tons of silver? Tons!

Ezra 3:1-6 – The Altar Comes First

Read Ezra 3:1-6

While we don’t offer sacrifices like this today, it appears these people’s priorities were in place. They were giving their attention and showing their loyalty to the one true God. They seem intent on following the law in hopes of pleasing the God who had chosen them for the restoration project.

We can learn a lesson from these people. The text said they were meeting “with a unified purpose.” Unity seems to be lacking in our culture today. So many people focus on self and their own personal rights that the idea of unity with others is becoming rare. What does a unified purpose look like? These people were rallying around God’s call to start over.