Friday, June 29, 2012
June 29
Today's Reading
2 Kings. It is such a temptation to "succeed" by using the methods of the world around us. We do the same kinds of things evil kings did back then: we connive and scheme and work and compromise all to get what we want. It seems easier to do that than to turn our hearts to God. Obviously, it doesn't work and brings destruction in the end. But the temptation is always there.
Acts. The first part of today's reading demonstrates how easy it is for people to latch on to anything they think will bring them money and power. Based on the experiences recorded in Acts, that can include spiritual warfare. However, it's a little hard to stand up against spirits without the real power of Jesus. I smile every time I read about the men running from the house, bruised and naked. Oh, and how about that mob in Ephesus?
Psalms. I find it so easy to put my hope somewhere besides in the Lord. That is, until I realize that nothing and no one else can really help.
Proverbs. God is the source of all wisdom. Walking in wisdom is walking in His ways.
What are your thoughts? Questions?
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Do I understand 2Kings correctly- Ahaz had Uriah build a new alter like the one he saw in Damascus? Was Damascus part of Assyria?
ReplyDeleteThe crumbling of Isreal and Judah is painful to watch(read). There aren't that many years between David's reign and the kingdom splitting and then they fall to their enemies so soon. I can imagine there were some faithful few who wept at the direction their once-great country was going, who wanted the people to get back on the right track, but had to simply put their hope in the Lord and rest in his promises.
Not that it's a perfect parallel, but when our current government makes choices I don't agree with and I see our country moving away from what it once was, I also need to put my hope in the Lord and rest in his promises.
Reading Psalms 147 today fits in so well with the 2 Kings passage. I can almost feel the elation they felt that the Lord was rebuilding their capital and bringing their exiles home!!!
You will notice earier in this chapter that Damascus had been the capital of the Arameans. However, Assyria (modern Iran) had overrun it. Yes, Judah's king copied their pagan altar and they used it back in Jerusalem. He wanted power and figured that was a good way to get it.
ReplyDeleteGreat insight about the hearts of the people. Your comparison to controversial decisions in our own nation is a very important way to integrate Scripture in our daily lives. Thanks!