Bible Readers

June 17 – Today’s Readings – 2Kings 13-15 and Proverbs 17

As I was reading through the lists of the “Kings” it became evident to me that God was interested in the final outcome of their lives – did they do (or not do) that was “right” in the eyes of the Lord? Did they follow in the ways of Jeroboam, son of Nebat or follow the Lord wholeheartedly? Did they tear down the high places and the Asherah Poles and did they do away with the things that were displeasing to God? Throughout the reign of these kings, the Lord did not ever utterly reject Israel or Judah but these 2 nations certainly became weaker with each successive pathetic leader and there was little “glory” to be seen in the people of God.

We too are “kings and priests” according to Scripture and our way of life affects the overall health of the Kingdom of God – “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1Timothy 6:11) It is never too late to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord – it is never too late to tear down “idols” and “asherah poles” in our lives – it is never too late to make changes so that God sits up and takes notice – and He will! He blesses the people who seek Him and do what is right, but the Church that allows spiritual matters to slide is weakened. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1Peter 2:9)

The other very obvious thing that happens when people seek God and live right is that future generations will be influenced to serve God and do what’s right – or in the case of Jeroboam, son of Nebat – generations will be influenced to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord! “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” (Joel 1:3) This is the plan of the Almighty – that generations would go from strength to strength and that the people of God would show forth His glory.

What exactly are the purposes of God when He corrects or mets out discipline to His people? There is a great deal written in Scripture concerning the Nation of Israel and the Church receiving approval or disapproval from the Lord. The successive accounts of kings in Judah and Israel are written for examples to us – not so much as a model of what to do as what not to do. Remember the seven churches in Revelation? – These are also excellent examples for us to imitate because God has special interest in groups of people who bear His name. As a church we can do well or we can find ourselves wanting.

Needed – Kings and Priests who will break rank with Jeroboam, the son of Nebat and follow the Lord wholeheartedly, like King David did!

Questions:

1. Give a Scriptural example of successive generations serving God because one generation did it right.
2. Give an example of a family you know or have heard of where successive generations served the Lord with passion.

June 17 – Today’s Readings – 2Kings 13-15 and Proverbs 17

As I was reading through the lists of the “Kings” it became evident to me that God was interested in the final outcome of their lives – did they do (or not do) that was “right” in the eyes of the Lord? Did they follow in the ways of Jeroboam, son of Nebat or follow the Lord wholeheartedly? Did they tear down the high places and the Asherah Poles and did they do away with the things that were displeasing to God? Throughout the reign of these kings, the Lord did not ever utterly reject Israel or Judah but these 2 nations certainly became weaker with each successive pathetic leader and there was little “glory” to be seen in the people of God.

We too are “kings and priests” according to Scripture and our way of life affects the overall health of the Kingdom of God – “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (1Timothy 6:11) It is never too late to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord – it is never too late to tear down “idols” and “asherah poles” in our lives – it is never too late to make changes so that God sits up and takes notice – and He will! He blesses the people who seek Him and do what is right, but the Church that allows spiritual matters to slide is weakened. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1Peter 2:9)

The other very obvious thing that happens when people seek God and live right is that future generations will be influenced to serve God and do what’s right – or in the case of Jeroboam, son of Nebat – generations will be influenced to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord! “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” (Joel 1:3) This is the plan of the Almighty – that generations would go from strength to strength and that the people of God would show forth His glory.

What exactly are the purposes of God when He corrects or mets out discipline to His people? There is a great deal written in Scripture concerning the Nation of Israel and the Church receiving approval or disapproval from the Lord. The successive accounts of kings in Judah and Israel are written for examples to us – not so much as a model of what to do as what not to do. Remember the seven churches in Revelation? – These are also excellent examples for us to imitate because God has special interest in groups of people who bear His name. As a church we can do well or we can find ourselves wanting.

Needed – Kings and Priests who will break rank with Jeroboam, the son of Nebat and follow the Lord wholeheartedly, like King David did!

Questions:

1. Give a Scriptural example of successive generations serving God because one generation did it right.
2. Give an example of a family you know or have heard of where successive generations served the Lord with passion.