God in charge of - in control of a pagan king? Can it be? God can use anyone as a tool to accomplish His will. We see that in King Cyrus of Persia. We also see God in charge of - in control of Ezra, a scribe and priest in Aaron's line. He served in spite of difficulties. Do we let Him take charge of us?
Our goal is to do some social learning as we perform an examination of some of the kings in Judah's history. We realize they had opportunity and responsibility, but they lost track of those God-given things. We want to stay on track, learn from these examples...these men whose lives God had recorded for our benefit, so we can finish well.
In this book of Colossians, Paul addresses the need for complete reliance on the Word of God to walk as He would have us to. We are not to allow philosophers or our preconceived ideas and traditions to dictate what Christianity should look like.
Chronicles is a historical account of events arranged in order to time. We read of Saul, Jonathan, David and his mighty men. Oh, that the record that will one day be revealed will show us standing firm, defending what should be defended.
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians from a prison cell along with 3 other epistles. Philippians is often called the epistle of joy. In it Paul presents the truth about salvation, sanctification, and service. What fruit came out of Paul's life - 13 epistles in all that we glean from and prayerfully allow to produce fruit in ours.
Can we relate to II Kings where we find a nation in rebellion, disobedient to God? Oh, how the Bread of Life wants to satisfy the hunger within us for truth and hope in uncertain times! May we truly serve the Rejected King and acknowledge His Word as the light for our path so that we can walk in His will.
Israel didn't want a theocracy, so God gave them kings. Many made bad decisions, married to form political alliances that they thought would provide protection, and failed to worship the One True God. David wanted more from his son. Our heavenly Father wants more from His children also. Let's not fall in step with those around us, but follow in His steps.
While in a Roman jail, the Apostle Paul called himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ. He did not say he was a prisoner of Rome. He was acknowledging that God is sovereign. While in prison, he wrote what is commonly known as the prison epistles. God provided the time and means whereby this apostle could leave written instructions for the saints of all ages. The book of Ephesians has much to offer.
Matthew reveals Christ, who though He was God, came through a physical lineage beginning with Abraham. The author was a hated tax collector whom Jesus chose to be an apostle, thus revealing God's love for those whom the world judges as unlovable. The book develops how a citizen of heaven should behave and so much more.
In II Samuel we see life in the raw. Without an understanding of God's Word or God's servant, some made assumptions that cost them their lives. May we learn from these accounts God has preserved. They've been recorded to help us, protect us, and teach us.
