Tag: 2 Chronicles

The Imperishable Purpose of Our Perishable Possessions

In the narratives of 2 Kings, Isaiah, and 2 Chronicles, we read about a moment in King Hezekiah’s life that serves as a profound lesson for all of us. After recovering from a life-threatening illness through God’s miraculous intervention, Hezekiah proudly shows the envoys from Babylon all the treasures of his kingdom. This act of pride leads to a stark prophecy from Isaiah: everything Hezekiah showed to the Babylonians would one day be taken away, and his descendants would be carried off as captives.

Isaiah 39:6 (NIV):

“The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.”

Hezekiah’s story reminds us that all our possessions, achievements, and even our lives are temporary and ultimately belong to God. We may take pride in our accomplishments and the material wealth we accumulate, but we must remember that these are merely on loan to us. We are stewards, not owners.

1 Timothy 6:7 (NIV):

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

Since everything we have is temporary, we should focus on using our perishable possessions for imperishable purposes. This means investing our time, resources, and talents in ways that have eternal significance. Rather than hoarding wealth or seeking personal glory, we should strive to further God’s kingdom, help those in need, and live lives that reflect His love and grace.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV):

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Hezekiah’s mistake was focusing on earthly wealth and pride rather than acknowledging God’s sovereignty and purpose for his life and kingdom. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our true home is in heaven and that our time on earth is an opportunity to prepare for that eternal life with God. Too often, we strive to be remembered by people who will one day be forgotten, rather than seeking to make an impact that lasts for eternity.

Colossians 3:2 (NIV):

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Are there possessions or achievements in your life that you are overly proud of, forgetting that they are gifts from God? How can you use your resources and talents to serve God and others in ways that have eternal significance? What changes can you make in your daily life to align more closely with an eternal perspective?

The Power & Purpose of Prayer

The satirical words of Lisa Simpson, “Prayer, the last refuge of a scoundrel,” reflect a common cultural perception: that prayer is a desperate act, a last-ditch effort when all else fails. While this may be true for some, it stands in stark contrast to the biblical understanding of prayer as the believer’s first and most powerful resource.

In today’s reading, we see a profound example of the power and purpose of prayer through the actions of King Hezekiah. Faced with the overwhelming threat of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who had already conquered much of Judah, Hezekiah’s first response was not to panic or seek human allies but to turn to God in prayer.

When Hezekiah received the threatening letter from Sennacherib, he went up to the temple of the Lord, spread it out before God, and prayed:

“And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: ‘Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.’” (2 Kings 19:15-19, NIV)

Hezekiah’s prayer was an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and a plea for deliverance. Unlike the perspective that sees prayer as a last resort, Hezekiah demonstrated that prayer should be our first response. His prayer was not only answered, but it also led to a miraculous deliverance. That night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib’s retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Prayer is not just about asking for help; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s will and acknowledging His authority over every situation. Hezekiah’s prayer reflected his trust in God’s power and his desire for God’s glory to be known among the nations. This is the essence of true prayer: it shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power and purpose.

In today’s world, many see prayer as a fallback when all other options are exhausted. However, as believers, we are called to see prayer as our primary means of communication with God, our first step in any situation. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Consider your own life. When faced with challenges, is prayer your first response or your last resort? Reflect on how you can make prayer a foundational part of your daily routine, seeking God’s guidance and strength in every situation.

True For You

During today’s reading I was struck by Micah’s unflinching indictment of the people of Israel: “Your inhabitants are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.” This isn’t just a casual mention of dishonesty; it’s a profound commentary on the state of their hearts. They had become so accustomed to lying that it had woven itself into the fabric of their lives. Truth had become foreign to them.

Habits shape our reality. What we do consistently becomes part of who we are. In the case of Israel, years of dishonesty had led them to a place where deceit felt normal, even right. This gradual erosion of truth is something we must guard against in our own lives. Proverbs 12:22 reminds us, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

When sin becomes a way of life, it distorts our perception. What starts as a small compromise can grow into a lifestyle that blinds us to the truth. Isaiah 5:20 warns, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” This is the danger Israel faced, and it is the same danger we face when we allow sin to take root in our hearts.

For hundreds of years, the Israelites struggled with this very issue. From the time they entered the Promised Land, they were repeatedly warned to remain faithful to God and His commandments. Yet, time and again, they turned to other gods and embraced practices that were abominations in God’s sight. This resulted in confusion and moral decay, leaving them unable to discern right from wrong.

In a world where subjective truth is often championed, it’s crucial to anchor ourselves in an objective reality outside of ourselves. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” We cannot trust our own hearts to determine what is right. We need an external standard, and that standard is God’s Word. Jesus proclaimed in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Reflect on your habits. Are there areas in your life where sin has become so routine that it feels right? Are there compromises you’ve made that need to be addressed? Romans 12:2 urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Let God’s Word transform your habits and align your life with His truth.

Take time this week to examine your habits in light of God’s Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you have allowed sin to become normalized. Commit to making changes, no matter how small, to bring your life back in alignment with God’s objective truth.

Are You Unredeemable?

No. That’s it. No. I think this is hilariously accurately summed up by the Backstreet Boys who said, “I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done… as long as you love me.”

This idea struck me as I was reading today’s passage about the great (if underrated) king Hezekiah. His first order of business after taking the throne was to restore Israel in relationship with God. He cleaned the land of the idols, shrines, pillars, and foreign gods. He re-opened, restored, and rededicated the Temple of the Lord built by Solomon. And he called every person from both Judah & Israel (those who were left after the Assyrian raiders came through) to come and worship the Lord. And they didn’t get everything right. They had to move Passover back a month because the people and facilities weren’t ready. They had commoners offering sacrifices because the priests weren’t ready. The even had unclean people partaking in the meal, after king Hezekiah prayed for grace from God. And the Lord blessed all of it! It was never about the rituals. The rituals were there to show US how UNHOLY we are and how much we needed God. God just wanted our hearts. Our genuine love for Him fuelled by understanding of what He was doing to bring us into good standing.

The point is this: even if you are so far gone that God has sent multiple prophets to tell you of the impending judgement, you can still turn it around and come back to Him! You are never too far from God. You are never too broken to be restored. You are never too lost to be found. Neither is anyone else.

Indicting God

Isaiah 13:13-16 reads:

Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the Lord Almighty, in the day of his burning anger. Like a hunted gazelle, like sheep without a shepherd, they will all return to their own people, they will flee to their native land. Whoever is captured will be thrust through; all who are caught will fall by the sword. Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses will be looted and their wives violated.

The accusation is often made against God that He is a monster! Enacting the worst crimes against humanity. How could any conscionable person support such a deity!? Here in Isaiah 13 we have a prime example of just that. God will bring wrath, which includes babies being killed before their parents eyes, and the rape of women! In the face of such horrifying acts, the only people who could worship this entity are either evil or ignorant! … right?

Obviously as a pastor and apologist I don’t think I am either evil nor ignorant, so how do I square this circle? Truth be told, I really don’t struggle with this one. I see it as something of a non-issue as far as morality goes. There are several truths we can point to in order to stand our ground that God is not some sort of moral monster.

Point #1: What value do we have? On the non-theist side we are merely the product of random chance! Luck! We have no purpose or reason for existing and our lives are only worth what we decide they are worth. On this view, I think our SHOES are more valuable than we are. At least they exist for some reason! Imagine Hitler had won World War II. Who is to say he was wrong to exterminate people because of their immutable characteristics or genetic heritage? It sounds awful to say, but if he had won, it would be the dominant view. And what charge would the Godless bring against a ruling Nazi party except that they “don’t like it”? Only through the value imparted to us by virtue of our creation in the image of God almighty can we even bring a charge against Him that carries any weight. The atheist sits in God’s lap and slaps His face.

Point #2: God can do what He chooses with His creation. If the destruction of one, or ten, or a hundred, or a million leads to the salvation of those who would otherwise be doomed to hell (which I contend is God’s primary goal on this earth), then it is well within His rights to do so. Do we look at the story of Moses & Pharaoh and cluck our tongues at God? Gee, Lord, weren’t you a little hard on the Egyptian rulers there? Why give Pharaoh over to the hardness of his heart just to make an example of Him? Well because that displayed God’s power, and glory, and became the cornerstone of the Jewish faith that was the foreshadow of what Jesus would do. And Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. God doesn’t do anything randomly, but with great care and foresight. So we can trust that no matter what has happened, it has happened because God has a greater plan. Even if we cannot see it, we know that He causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him.

Point #3: WE DID IT TO OURSELVES!! This might be the biggest, most important one in my mind. Here we have Babylon, an evil kingdom that murders, kills, destroys, sacrifices their young on the altar of Molech, and treats women like trash. Yet, when God allows his wrath to be exacted by human warfare (and all the atrocity that comes with it) we clutch our pearls and scream “How dare God do this thing?!” We really need to get a grip here. God has not CAUSED these invaders to act so despicably1, He simply allows them to proceed unfettered in their military conquest in order to achieve His goal of destruction of one side. We know this is how God works because that what He did to Israel — allowing evil Babylon to come in a capture them!

Questions? Comments? Ask away. Happy to get into this with anyone who is interested to do so.

  1. Unless you are a Calvinist, like we talked about before. If so… godspeed to you but you’re on your own, Al Capone. ↩︎

Getting it Twisted

One of the more surprising things in the Gospel of John is when Jesus says that He must be lifted up by God in the same way that Moses lifted up the snake in the desert. If we go back to that snake in the desert, we see that God used the instrument of destruction to bring about healing. We call that “redemption”. But here we see that King Hezekiah (the most righteous king of Judah) had to DESTROY the bronze serpent because people began to worship it. Seems like we will worship just about ANYTHING, if it doesn’t get the in way of us doing exactly what we want to do. And so the people took a thing originally designed for good and twisted it for evil. To the point where it had to be destroyed for the salvation of those very people.

Just because something was designed for good or accomplished good, doesn’t mean it will always be good for all time. We still need to evaluate those things. I know as a pastor I have done events that were a huge success the first time, but didn’t yield the same results the following year. I think it’s important that we bring everything back to God. And if that event, or job, or thing, or dream that God gave you has become twisted… it might be time to destroy it and start fresh.

Strong, Humble Leadership

Let me paint a picture: the King of Judah (not a good man) has just been attacked and ransacked by Kings Rezin & Pekah (of Aram/Syria & Israel, respectively) with many valuables and captives taken — though the people would be returned shortly afterward. And Isaiah comes to Ahaz, the aforementioned King of Judah, and tells him that the coup by Syria & Israel will be unsuccessful in their attempt to overthrow Judah and replace Ahaz with their own king. Given the sizeable losses that Judah just took, I wonder how the follow words of Isaiah were received…

[F]or Syria is no stronger than its capital, Damascus, and Damascus is no stronger than its king, Rezin. As for Israel, within sixty-five years it will be crushed and completely destroyed. Israel is no stronger than its capital, Samaria, and Samaria is no stronger than its king, Pekah son of Remaliah.

Isaiah 7:8-9a

Why is this? Because they stand against the purposes of God. He has said that He will preserve the line of David (from which Jesus will eventually come), and so anyone who tries to stand against the purposes of God will fail.

This is why I didn’t title this devotional “Strong Leadership”, but rather “Strong, Humble Leadership”. Strong to lead people in directions they sometimes do not want to go, but humble enough to be submitted to God as you lead. This is the kind of leadership exemplified by Jesus. This is the kind of leadership we should aspire to ourselves.

Consistency is King

I’m not sure where it came from — and don’t care to look it up — but over the years I’ve heard some variation of the phrase, “60% of the time, it works every time!” Of course the whole joke is that whatever the product or service is, it only works 60% of the time. No one wants something that only works 60% of the time! Let’s pop that thought in our pocket for a second and look at this verse in Amos

You can’t wait for the Sabbath day to be over and the religious festivals to end so you can get back to cheating the helpless.

Amos 8:5a, NLT

If you found that verse convicting, congratulations! The Holy Spirit is at work in your life! And that’s where we come back to that item in our pockets. No one wants something that only works 60% of the time. That includes God. Why would he want someone who comes to church on Sunday, but as soon as they leave those hallowed halls, they lie, they cheat, they steal?

Is your life segmented? This part for Jesus, but another for “real” life? I recently compared our lives to a hotel. When we say that we are “sold out” for Jesus, it means that every room is occupied by him. You love baseball? Is Jesus taking up residence in your “baseball” room? You love movies? Is Jesus living in your “movie” room? If there’s any room that He is not welcome in, then your life is segmented. You are just waiting for the Sabbath and religious festivals to end so you can get back to the Godless part of your life.

But the story doesn’t need to end there! renovate the room! Clear out the crap! And please, PLEASE, don’t suffer alone! Talk to a a brother, a sister, a friend, spouse, or pastor! Let us help you! Let us help you move the renovation from a “one day” project to an “in process” project! Let us help EACH OTHER be more consistent. Because consistency is king!

The Lord’s Glory in Our Failures

When we think of Jonah, we often think about the man and the “great fish” (most likely a sperm whale, if you’re interested) and Nineveh and Jonah’s temper tantrum at the end. But I’ve never heard anyone spend time talking about the sailors who threw him overboard.

They knew he had angered his God and caused the troubled sea they were dealing with, but they didn’t want to throw him overboard because they felt that meant certain death. Despite their best attempts there was no option but to throw the disobedient prophet overboard, hoping that his God would show them mercy. When they did throw him into the sea the storm stopped immediately.

Then what happened?

The sailors sacrificed to Yahweh and vowed to serve and worship only Him for the rest of their lives.

Here’s the thing: God has a plan. And you can’t do ANYTHING to frustrate the plans of God. Why not? Because he knew what you were going to do before you existed, and he planned for your behaviour. And He worked it out so that He would get the glory even if we decide to be disobedient and heard-headed.

Since God’s purposes are going to be achieved either way, you might as well get on board!

Satan is a Bad Counsellor

When King Joash’s mentor (the priest Jehoiada) died, and new set of advisors quickly stepped in to fill the vacuum. And they led him away from the Lord. They led him so far from the Lord that when Jehoiada’s son Zechariah came to Joash to challenge him, Joash had him killed! Well, some time later a couple of this trusted advisors decided to assassinate the king for that very action! Jozacar and Jehozabad killed their own king, while he was weak, wounded from battle.

So it is with sin.

We often have this picture in our mind of Satan with hooves for feet, a spaded tail, head horns, a pitchfork, and a generally red hue. LOL. No. Satan is never — NEVER — going to come to you and say, “Hey! I’m evil and have your destruction as my goal! I want to lead you astray and bring you to a place that will ultimately be your destruction.” Who would do that? Satan is evil… not a MORON. No, what he will actually do is promise you something fun and shiny and new.

Maybe your struggle is lust and he brings someone into your path to disrupt your marriage, or brings some pornography to your attention. Surely nothing bad came come from abusing the gift of sexuality or allowing it to control you… right?

Maybe your struggle is “the almighty dollar” and he brings you a deal that will make you some quick money if you’re willing to cut a corner here and there or take advantage of someone. Hey, it’s a jungle out there! Dog eat dog… right?

Maybe your struggle is glory/power and so Satan brings you the offer of career advancement if you just throw a coworker under the bus, or compromise your commitment to the church, or sacrifice more time with your family. But once you have that power, you’ll start using it for good… right?

Satan is a loser who knows he’s a loser. And he’s just trying to do as much damage as possible on the way down.