Reflections on II Chronicles 25-28

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Three pretty good kings reign, followed by one evil king.  Consider:

  • Prone to Wander – Amaziah did what was right in God’s eyes, but later he set up and worshipped Edom’s gods. Uzziah did what was right in God’s eyes, but later grew proud and entered the temple which he was not supposed to do.  Are you persevering in your walk with God, or have you started to wander?
  • Need for Instructors – Uzziah set himself to seek the Lord and had Zechariah instruct him in the fear of God (26:5) – in the same way Joash had had Jehoida to instruct him. Are you seeking the Lord?  Whose instruction are you seeking?

Reflections on II Kings 14-17

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Kings and kingdoms come, and kings and kingdoms go.  Note:

  • The Summary of Your Life – King after king comes onto the scene, reigns, and dies. And this book summarizes each one by only one standard – did he do right in the eyes of the Lord or evil in God’s sight?  What matters most is your how you live in relation to God.  How will your life be summarized?  Even the kings who did right often had exceptions noted.  Are there exceptions in your life you need to deal with?
  • Sin and Consequences – According to chapter 17, God dispersed the nation of Israel because they sinned against the Lord. Sin has consequences.  Are you taking sin in your life seriously?

II Kings 14-17 & II Chronicles 25-28: King & Exile

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(2K14-16) Trace the kings of Judah and Israel.  How long did each reign?  Did they do right or evil in God’s sight?  How did they die?

What observations or applications can you make from your summary of these kings?

The first three kings in Judah did right except…  What were the exceptions?  What are the exceptions in your life?

How do you see God’s control during this period (14:25-28, 15:10-12, 15:37 – see also II Chronicles 28:1-6)?

(2K17) This chapter records the exile of Israel.  What reasons are given for their exile?  Make a list.

What do these reasons tell you about God?  About people?

(2Ch25) How did Amaziah respond to God’s instruction through the prophet in v5-11?  What were the results?

How did Amaziah respond to God’s instruction through the prophet in v14-24?  What were the results?

What application might you draw from this contrast?

(2Ch26) How do v4-5 highlight the importance of godly instruction?  What applications can we draw for our own lives?  Our families?

What was Uzziah’s downfall (v16a), how was it expressed (v16b-19a), and what were the results (v19b-21)?

When are you tempted to be proud?

(2Ch25-28) How would you describe the heart of Amaziah (25:2)?  Uzziah (26:4-5)?  Jotham (27:2,6)?

How are these kings like us?

How do these kings point to the need of a greater future King?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

20 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Make (and Keep) Right Now – Kevin DeYoung
But this post isn’t about arduous resolutions. Well, not exactly. It’s about something simpler. It’s about your calendar and about making decisions now that will serve you later in the year.

Beginning of the Year Check-In Questions for Christians – David Qaoud (GR)
Don’t leave your spiritual growth up to spontaneity. Make a plan. Now that we’re in 2018, here are some questions to ask as you formulate ways to grow.

Watch Where You Walk in 2018 – Scott Hubbard (DG)
Until that day, 2018 is another year to “look carefully . . . how you walk” (Ephesians 5:15). Walk in love — go low to lift others up. Walk in light — drive the shadows from your soul. And walk in wisdom — seize your days from the devil’s hand. These are three roads that lead us to God’s city of joy, where our journey of ten million steps will finally end.

Doing Church Away from Church isn’t Church – Eric Davis (Cripplegate)
In short, my hike or a Bible open in my living room with the kids is not church. Here are a few reasons why doing church away from church isn’t church.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your local church!

Reflections on II Chronicles 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Two wicked kings and one wicked queen rule Judah, before Joash becomes king.  Observe:

  • Advisors – Ahaziah followed wicked counselors, and so Ahaziah ruled as a wicked king (22:3-4). Joash followed the advice of Jehoida the priest, and Joash did what was right in God’s eyes all the days of Jehoida (24:2).  But after Jehoida’s death, Joash and the people went after other gods; they would not listen to God’s prophets (24:17-19).  Who are your advisors?  Who do you listen to?  What direction are your counselors leading you?
  • Revival – After years of apostasy, Jehoida made a covenant with Joash and the people that they should follow the Lord. The house, altar, and images of Baal were broken down.  Joash restored the house of the Lord, and sacrifices were again made to the Lord with rejoicing and singing.  In what ways do you need to return to the Lord?

Reflections on II Kings 8-13

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Jehu becomes king of Israel and Joash becomes king of Judah.  Consider:

  • God’s Sovereignty – God said that Ahab’s family would be destroyed, and it was. God pulls down dynasties (like Ahab’s) and raises up new kings (like Jehu).  God is clearly in control.  How does this truth help you as you see the events of our world today?
  • Need of Instruction – Joash did what was right because he had someone to instruct him (12:2). Who is instructing you in the way of the Lord?  Do you listen to the instruction you receive?  Take time to pray for and thank God for those who instruct you.  Who are you instructing?

II Kings 8-13 & II Chronicles 22-24: God’s Control & Godly Counsel

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(2K8-13) Summarize each of the following passages without any reference to what God is doing:

2 Kings 8 –

2 Kings 9-10 –

2 Kings 11-12 –

2 Kings 13 –

What descriptive words would you use to describe these stories?  What similarities do you see with our world today?

(2K8-13) Now notice what God is doing in these stories:

2 Kings 8 (v13, 19) –

2 Kings 9-10 (9:6-10, 26, 36; 10:17; 2 Chr 22:7) –

2 Kings 11-12 (11:2-3; 2 Chr 24:24) –

2 Kings 13 (v23) –

What application is there for us as we see what is happening in our world today?

How might 13:23 apply to us today?  Point to Jesus?

(2C22-24) Whose counsel did Ahaziah follow, and what did he do as a result (22:2-4)?

Whose counsel did Joash follow, and what did he do as a result (24:2, see also 2 Kings 12:2)?  Whose counsel did he follow later, and what did he do as a result (24:17-19)?

How do these stories highlight the importance of godly counsel?

Where can you and your family find godly counsel?  Is receiving and following godly counsel a priority in your life?

New Year’s Resolutions

On By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Collections

Here are some good posts on making resolutions for 2018:

Ten Questions To Ask at the Start of a New Year (pdf) – Don Whitney

Nine Questions to Ask Yourself to Prepare for 2018 – Scott Slayton

4 Christian Principles for Making New Year’s Resolutions – Burk Parsons (Ligonier)

A New Approach to New Year’s Resolutions – Zach Nielsen (TGC)

Reflections on II Kings 5-7

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Elisha continues to do mighty works by God’s power.

  • Greed – After Elisha heals Naaman from his leprosy, Elisha’s servant Gehazi wants some of Naaman’s wealth, and goes after Naaman to get it. Elisha condemns him for his greed.  What are you seeking after?  Material things or the things of God?
  • God’s Sovereignty – The Syrians surround Elisha, but God protects him by blinding the army. Syria surrounds Samaria, but again God saves them.  An army is no match for God – God is clearly greater, and in control.  Are you trusting in God’s sovereign control?  Do you look to him for help when trials come upon you?

Reflections on II King 1-4

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Two sons of Ahab take turns as king, and Elisha takes Elijah’s place.  Observe:

  • Inquiry – Ahab’s son Ahaziah hurts himself and sends messengers to inquire of Baal to see if he will recover. Elijah intercepts the messengers and brings word that Ahaziah will not recover because he sought out a false god rather than the Lord.  Where to do you turn in your trials?  Do you look to the Lord?  Do you seek his help?
  • God’s Provision – After Elijah is taken to heaven, Elisha begins to perform numerous miracles by God’s power. He makes bad water good, provides water for an army (like Moses), multiplies oil (like Elijah), raises the dead (like Elijah and Jesus), purifies bad stew, and multiplies food for 100 men (like Jesus).  Again and again, God provides through his servant Elisha.  How has he provided for you?  Do you look to the Lord to provide?