Saturday, May 10, 2014

2 Chronicles 1-4

Today we jump into 2 Chronicles 1-4.  This book covers Israel's history from the reign of King Solomon to the time when God's people return to Jerusalem after being exiled by the Babylonians.  

From the start, we can see David's legacy of faith in his son, Solomon.  King Solomon rules with God.  He leans on God for wisdom, and God blesses him beyond our wildest imaginations.  I read in awe as Solomon not only enlists the help of all the Israelites, he also leverages the support of his father's friends with skills and resources in far off places.  Things really come together as Solomon begins the enormous task of building a permanent temple for God on Mount Moriah, the same place where God appeared to his father years earlier.  

The author (Ezra the priest) of 2 Chronicles says this about King Solomon,

Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.

Although I didn't really think about this verse applying specifically to you and me, at least at first, it is the one that got my attention.  And so, I just sat with it for a while trying to figure out what this has to do with our here and now.   After all, most of us aren't kings ruling over a nation, nor are we the sons and daughters of a great king, like Solomon.  Oh, wait a minute...

Jesus, our Lord and Savior, comes to mind, and I realize that this verse about Solomon has everything to do with you and me.  As believers, we are God's children, sons and daughters to our Sovereign Lord.  Jesus has left us this everlasting legacy of faith as our foundation to do exceedingly great things for Him.

Look what Jesus has to say about the Kingdom of God...

“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst."

As believers, we have a part in God's Kingdom.  His Kingdom is where we are, right now.  So knowing that these Holy Words have everything to do with us, how are we establishing ourselves "firmly" over this portion of "His Kingdom" that He has entrusted to us?

A prayer for today-

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for making me part of Your family through Your Son, Jesus.  Thank You for giving me a place and a perfect purpose in Your Kingdom, both here and now and for eternity.  

Forgive me, Lord, because sometimes I forget that Your Kingdom is in my midst wherever I go.

Help me to be firm in my faith as I live and work in Your Kingdom.  I pray for wisdom, courage, strength, and the joy that comes from walking with You.  Be a part of my relationships and fill them with the legacy of love that You established so long ago.  Enable me to relate to others the way You do.

God, I pray for _______________ today and ask that you wrap him/her/them in Your arms.  I don't know what to do, but You do.

You are my Rock and my Redeemer, Lord.

In the name of Jesus I pray,
Amen

Peace of Christ,
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.




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