2 Chron. 29 [The Message]

To me, this is such a refreshing phrase! With the degradation of our culture happening right before our eyes, it’s heartening to know that King Hezekiah faced similar challenges in circa 700 B.C. He put his royal foot down and declared, “I have decided to make a covenant with the God of Israel and turn history around so that God will no longer be angry with us.”

His first order of business was to have the priests and Levites to clean out the Temple and restore rightful worship. WE are God’s Temple. OUR hearts need to be cleaned out. WE need to restore worship, living lives that bow down to God’s Holiness in every aspect.

If we want to see history turned around, it won’t be merely voting for the right political party. It will be the personal consecration of our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ that will make the difference. The devil can’t control people that pray.

2 Chron. 28 [The Message]

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It wears you out to read about the stupid things Judah’s kings did and how they suffered from them. It seems they didn’t learn by observing the devastation incurred by their forefathers. Such was Ahaz. Like his father Jotham, he reigned 16 years and did such abominable acts like forcing his children to walk into fire in the Valley of Hinnom. Because of his corrupt leadership, thousands of Judah’s inhabitants were kidnapped by opposing nations. Sad.

We learn from the lessons of life. Even Jesus had to learn from His experiences. “Even being God’s Son, He learned to obey by the things He suffered.” [Heb. 5:8 NLV]

The home is the best place for children to learn obedience. There they are corrected and chastened by parents who love them. Hence, the importance of both correction and chastisement. If disobedience is not lovingly dealt with, they will have to suffer at the hands of others who may not have the same investment of love.

2 Chron. 27 [The Message]

This is what was said about Uzziah’s son, Jotham. He lived a steady and determined life of obedience. What a great testimony. Some people are more “steady and determined” than others. If you are, apply it to your devotion to the Lord. If not, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into such a life.

When I consider the following verse, I think of this discipline. It can be applied to your prayer with great results:

Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual [fervent, effectual] prayer of a just man availeth [accomplishes] much. [James 5:16 DRA]

2 Chron. 26 [The Message]

Uzziah did not end the way he started. Evidently his successes went to his head and he became presumptive and arrogant. Although he was forbidden by the Law, he arrogantly began burning incense on the altar in the Temple. This job was ONLY for the Levitical priests. They tried to warn and stop him, but he wouldn’t listen. God showed His disapproval by immediately striking Uzziah with visible leprosy on his forehead.

Sadly, he spent the rest of his days in isolation and quarantine. In effect, his pride robbed him of his ability to be an effective leader. Proud leaders can be taken down at any moment by a God Who demands humility and submission to Him.

2 Chron. 24-26 [The Message]

While King Joash was under Jehoida’s influence, he did well. As soon as the Chief Priest died, Joash came under the influence of the wrong people and sadly went against all the good he had done. It was the same with Judah’s kings until Uzziah.

It’s clear that a leader’s inner court of counselors is critical to the direction of the government. I often wonder WHO is calling the shots in our government. Clearly it’s not Franklin Graham or Tony Evans. I wish they were.

Our prayers need to be directed at the leader, but ALSO at whomever has the leader’s ear. Let’s bear down in prayer for our nation that God can get us on the right track SOON.

2 Chron. 22, 23 [The Message]

Athaliah had stolen the crown to rule Judah. She had all the heirs murdered and established herself as Queen. She was an evil woman who was just like Ahab. Meanwhile, a daughter of King Ahaziah stole the baby Joash who was a rightful heir to the throne. She hid him from wicked Queen Athaliah and gave his care to the righteous Chief Priest, Jehoida, her husband. Hidden in the Temple for 6 years, it came time to unveil him as the rightful king. In a secure and well-planned event, young King Joash was presented to the people and crowned rightful king of Judah. There was great rejoicing. When Athaliah heard the commotion, she raged and began crying, “Treason, treason!” The High Priest had her taken to an appropriate place AWAY from the Temple and her life ended.

Young Joash began a 40 year reign. Taught and trained by Jehoiada the priest, Joash did what pleased God throughout Jehoiada’s lifetime.

2 Chron. 21 [The Message]

When King Jehoram died, there were no tears. He was one of the spoiled sons of Jehoshaphat. Great king that Jehoshaphat was, he obviously failed at raising quality children. As soon as Jehoram was anointed king, he promptly murdered all his brothers and any who would give threat to his power. Nice guy?!

When he passed from a colon disorder at only age 40, there was no remorse from his subjects. It’s only after a leader passes can they be truly evaluated. They leave a trail of either good or bad when they depart.

What will your legacy be?

2 Chron. 20 [The Message]

As I was listening to this passage with Kelly Ryan Dolan’s voice on the recording, the above phrase caught my attention. The other translations generally say, “Cry out because of our pain and trouble.” It’s as if you can wring out your pain and trouble like you wring out a dishcloth in the sink. Picture that!

Who wants to wallow in their pain when we can merely wring it out through our prayer? Let’s insert the traditional term “pray through” here. When have you prayed through? … When the pain is gone and it’s replaced by God’s peace.

This chapter is one of the praise and worship chestnuts. Here we find the principle, “The battle belongs to the Lord, not us” Also,it was here that the worshippers were sent out first into the battle. As a result, God caused the enemy to turn upon itself. It was one of the greatest victories in the Bible.

2 Chron. 19 [The Message]

Judges in the judicial system should conduct themselves as Jehoshaphat instructed his judges. He said, “Now let each of you ·fear [respect] the Lord ·Watch what you do [Judge/Decide carefully/with integrity], because the Lord our God ·wants people to be fair [does not tolerate injustice/unrighteousness…]. ·He wants all people to be treated the same […or without partiality], ·and he doesn’t want decisions influenced by money […or taking of bribes].” [2 Chron. 19:7 EXB]

This of course in apart from mercy. In Christ Jesus, we have the hope of a Merciful Judge. King David prophetically described Him as where “Righteousness and Peace have kissed and Mercy and Truth are met together.” [Ps. 85:10] This is why when David sinned, he wanted to fall into God’s hands rather than human judges.

2 Chron. 17, 18 [The Message]

A lot was on the line as the kings of both Judah and Israel were considering attacking Ramoth in Gilead. Evil King Ahab summoned 400 prophets to inquire if God would help them. They all, apart from God’s true inspiration, predicted an overwhelming victory. King Jehoshaphat of Judah, wisely asked, “Is there not another prophet to consult?” Ahab said, Yes, there’s Micaiah, but I hate him. He always goes against me.” The king of Judah said, “Go get him. I want to hear what he has to say.”

The messenger sent to fetch him advised, “All the prophets have foretold a victory. You should say the same.” Micaiah said, “Nothing doing. I will give what God really gives me.” As it turns out, a lying spirit had been sent to influence Ahab to go to war, a war in which an anonymous archer would draw back and fire an arrow that would hit Ahab and kill him.

There may be political pressure on us to say and believe what everybody thinks we should. There could be a MASSive lying spirit influencing the MASSes. (I personally think there is) We are wise to stay close to God and believe what HE is telling us rather than succumb to political correctness.