Monday, August 30, II Chronicles 31
- 4 — In Gal. 6:6, Paul wrote, “Anyone who receives instruction in the Word must share all good things with his instructor.” The reason we are to do this is given in v. 4. It’s so that pastors and teachers can devote themselves totally to the work of the Lord.
Vv. 5-10 — Notice how the work of the temple could once again go forward as the people brought offerings of thanks and praise to the Lord. In the Old Testament, a “tithe,” or tenth, was to be given. In the New Testament we are neither bound by nor limited to the tithe. “God loves a cheerful giver.” II Cor. 9:7
Tuesday, August 31, II Chronicles 32
- 8 — Verse 8 is a good passage for us to memorize: “With him is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” The answer to King Hezekiah’s and Isaiah’s prayers is in v. 21. God showed Sennacherib just how mighty and powerful He was. In answer to his vain boast, God sent but one angel who killed the cream of his army. Sennacherib returned home shame-faced, utterly humiliated and ruined. Raad also Is. 37: 33-38
Wednesday, September 1, II Chronicles 33
- 6 — While Manasseh was just as evil as his grandfather was, there was a bright spot in his life. Through the terrible affliction God laid on him, he repented (vv. 10-13). That his repentance was sincere can be seen in vv. 13 and 16. God also wants to see that kind of repentance in us. If we are truly repentant, truly sorry for our sins and believe God forgives our sins for Jesus’ sake, there will be a positive change in our lives. The Holy Spirit will make it happen through the power of the Gospel.
Thursday, September 2, II Chronicles 34
Vv. 29-31 — It was critical in Old Testament times that Scriptures were proclaimed to God’s people by the kings, priests and Levites. It brought great reformation throughout Judah and Northern Israel during the days of King Josiah. Today we have one tremendous advantage over them. Holy Scripture was something few had in Old Testament times. Today all of us have our own Bibles. Just as it wasn’t to be a closed book then, neither is it today. When it stays unopened, then error and false teachings creep into the church, as it did so many times under many of Israel’s and Judah’s kings. Let’s do, then, as God tells us: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you RICHLY in all wisdom.” (Col. 3:16) Read also Ps. 119:72. Then we’ll prosper physically and especially spiritually.
Friday, September 3, II Chronicles 35
Vv. 23-25 — For the most part, Josiah was a good, godly king. That explains why the people, including Jeremiah the prophet, mourned when he died. Such leaders are rare. Remember to say a daily prayer for our local, state and national leaders. Ask God that He would give them saving faith in Jesus Christ and move them to rule justly.
Saturday, September 4, II Chronicles 36
- 17 — The time of God’s grace ended. Consider the hardness of their hearts evidenced in vv. 15-16. It was time for judgment. The Lord used King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon as the instrument of that judgment.
Vv. 20-21 — As God kept His promise spoken by the Prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 29:1,10)), and permitted repentant Judah to return home to Jerusalem from Babylonian Captivity, so He kept His monumental promise to all of us. 400 years later He sent us His only begotten Son who led us out of the exile of sin and opened up to us the Promised Land of heaven.
Vv. 22-23 — The writer of Chronicles saw the exile as judgment but also as giving hope. The repentant remnant would return in 70 years, and about 400 years after that, God would bring the Savior into the world.