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.

2 Chron. 15, 16 [The Message]

In spite of his impressive beginnings, King Asa seemed to have forgotten what God had and still wanted to do for him. He sought military support from the wrong places and ended up with disastrous results. God sent His prophets to warn and pronounce His judgements upon Asa. He died from a foot disease after a mostly successful 41 year reign.

It’s critical that we CONTINUE to seek the Lord’s help with everything that touches our lives. Paul chastened the Galatian church when he said, “Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort?” [Gal. 3:3 NET] This is a clear reason to MAINTAIN a sincere, dependent daily devotion time with the Lord. Talk to Him ALL THE TIME. Stay under the shelter of His Love and protection. He will keep you TO THE END.

2 Chron. 14. [The Message]

King asa of Judah pleased the Lord with his rule. He tore down the idle worship sites and encouraged all of Judah to serve the Lord and follow His ways. Because of this, God gave them rest from their troubles.

What a marvelous thought. Rest from our troubles. If you are serving the Lord now, God is sparing you from untold grief that is incurred when your ways do not please Him. I believe that when we get to heaven, God will run a replay reel of tragedies that were avoided because of His protection. Right now thank Him for His goodness to you and those you love..

B

2 Chron. 13 [The Message]

The two factions of Israelites, Judah and Israel, lined up for war. King Abijah of Judah pled with Israel under Jeroboam to back off because they had forsaken God. He announced, “Listen! God is on our side, at our head, along with His priests, who are ready to sound the battle trumpets against you. So, Israelites, don’t fight against the Lord, the God of your ancestors, for you won’t succeed!” Mind you, Judah was outnumbered two to one. As he was speaking, Jeroboam sent an ambush party to their rear for a surprise attack. It didn’t work. Judah soundly defeated Israel because of God’s help.

When we are confronted with opposing forces who even appear twice as strong as we, trust in God to bring victory in spite of the odds. Always stand on the right side of the issues. You’ll be glad you did.

2 Chron. 11, 12 [The Message]

It seems that kings had an entitlement when it came to wives and concubines. In addition to their many wives, David (10), Solomon (300), Rehoboam (30), and other kings all had concubines who were not wives but fulfilled the purpose of producing heirs and increasing a families wealth. This was not God’s desired plan for marriage.

In the New Testament, Paul stated that church leaders were to be the husband of ONE wife. God gave Adam ONE wife, Eve. Christ takes to Himself ONE wife, the Church or Bride of Christ. A man is intended to give all his attention to ONE woman for life.

Because sin entered the world, God’s grace and mercy must heal and cover the abuses and excesses men take to themselves for not always the right reasons. Christ is the Perfect Husband and His love is perfect and forever. “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the Church.” [Eph. 5:25]