Dear RTB’ers,
I trust that it happens to the rest of you, that verses “jump out”. Today’s third verse did that for me: Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God. (v. 19:3) It takes a bit of Biblical insertion to come out with a personal impact: “Nevertheless, Fred, some good is found in you, for you have ___________, and have set your heart to seek God.” (Fill in the blank.) Yes, there is some good in each of us and yes, we are seeking God. But, nevertheless…
Another personal application three verses later: Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. (v. 19:6) OK, I’m not judging over here, I’m teaching. But whatever I do is for the Lord! Whatever WE do… Whatever!
I liked the way that the Chronicler saw right through that multitude from the south: And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy – behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. (vv. 20:10-11) When Israel came out of Egypt, God had commanded them not to fight Edom (Esau) or Moab (see Deuteronomy 2), but to simply pass through or skirt their land. Now our author sees how they repay Israel by coming up against them! Interesting!
So, Jehoshaphat… The Chronicler devotes four chapters to him, mostly favorably, but with some ups and downs. Reforms and judges/justice and teachings and prayers, all up against his alliances with Ahab and Ahaziah. And us? Ups and downs? Let’s choose UP for today!! And any difficulties that come your way? …the battle is not yours but God’s.
Blessings!
Fred