pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: alliance


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Wild Swings

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 17, 2nd Chronicles 18, 2nd Chronicles 19, 2nd Chronicles 20

2nd Chronicles 20:20 – “Trust the LORD your God, and you will stand firm; trust his prophets and succeed!”

Photo credit: Gabriel Valdez

Jehoshaphat is the focus of today’s readings. He succeeds Asa as king of Judah. He is faithful to God, removing the shrines and sacred poles. He sends royal officials along with Levites out into all of the cities to teach the Lord’s instruction scroll to the people. Surrounding kingdoms fear Judah. They bring tribute. Jehoshaphat builds fortresses and storage cities. God is clearly with him and with Judah. And then Jehoshaphat marries into Ahab’s family, creating an alliance.

While in Israel, Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to join him in attacking Aram. Jehoshaphat agrees but wants to consult God first. Ahab gathers his prophets who all say, “Attack!” But Jehoshaphat wants to hear from God. Reluctantly Micaiah is summoned. In the end he predicts death for Ahab. A lying spirit has filled Ahab’s prophets’ mouths. Ahab wears a disguise into battle. A random arrow hits the mark. Ahab does that day.

Returning to Judah, Jehoshaphat is confronted by Jehu. The most pointed question is this: “Why have you loved those who hate the Lord?” There is no good answer to this question. A merciful God yet finds some good in Jehoshaphat. He returns to reforms, personally encouraging the people to turn to God. He appoints judges throughout Judah, enduring that God’s justice will prevail.

The enemy comes against Judah again – a huge army. Afraid, Jehoshaphat declares a fast for all Judah. He turns to God in the temple and prays: God is powerful. This enemy is mighty. We are powerless. Help! The prophet Jahaziel tells them not to be afraid: the battle “belongs to God!” God turns the enemy upon one another. Judah arrived to find only corpses. They gather great plunder and celebrate in Jerusalem, worshipping the Lord God.

Jehoshaphat’s final act is another alliance with Israel. This too ends in disaster. In Jehoshaphat we see a deep and sure trust in God and then wild swings into disobedience. We want to shout, “WHY?” Sadly, the same question can often be asked of us.

Prayer: Lord God, yes, we too can go from “All in for you God!” to “How did I get here?!” with alarming quickness. Lord, continue to work within us, strengthening our spirit, our resolve, our stamina, our trust, our faith. Amen.


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As Long As You…

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 14, 2nd Chronicles 15, 2nd Chronicles 16

2nd Chronicles 15:2 – “The LORD is with you as long as you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but…”

Photo credit: Marcel Eberle

Asa’s reign fills chapters 14-16. Asa is a good king who seeks to walk in God’s ways and to lead Judah to do the same. Good, however, is not perfect. Following Abijah’s kingship and his sound defeat of Israel, Asa experiences 10 years of peace to begin his reign. He removes all of the foreign altars, shrines, pillars, and poles. He builds fortified cities to strengthen Judah.

After 10 years the Cushites come against Judah. They outnumber Judah almost 2:1. Asa turns to God, asking God to help the weak. He declares their reliance on God. The Lord strikes the Cushites and Judah wins a great victory. Judah collects a great amount of loot and plunder.

It is at this high point that the prophet Azariah comes. He begins by saying, “The LORD is with you as long as you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but…” We know what comes after that “but…” Azariah closes this word from God with an encouragement to be brave, to not lose heart. This word leads Asa to remove all idols. All Judah gathers, joyfully and wholeheartedly entering into a covenant with God. They declare that those who refuse to seek God will be out to death.

In Asa’s 35th year Israel attacks. Asa seeks an alliance with Aram instead of seeking God. Aram attacks Israel, ending that threat. But Hanani the seer comes with bad news. Because Asa did not seek God, war will now be the norm. In anger Asa throws Hanani in jail and takes his anger out on “some other people.” What a far cry this is from repentance.

Asa’s reign ends with continued disobedience. Good but not perfect – just like us. In illness Asa seeks help from doctors instead of from God. In our times of need, where do we turn other than the Lord?

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to be faithful and obedient, help us to remove the shrines and idols that we set up in our lives. Give us the bravery and the faith to remove these other gods. Fill us with your Holy Spirit power so that we can confidently rely on you alone. Strengthen and encourage us in our times of need. Amen.


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Tension Remains

Readings: 2nd Samuel 15, 2nd Samuel 16, 2nd Samuel 17, 2nd Samuel 18, 2nd Samuel 19

2nd Samuel 15:25 – “Carry God’s chest back into the city. If the LORD thinks well of me, then he will bring me back.”

Photo credit: Kim West

Our reading begins with Absalom subtly beginning a rebellion. He curries favor at the city gate. He builds alliances for four years. Then he gathers people in Hebron – some don’t know why – and he declares himself king. David and his household flee Jerusalem. On the way out, the priests offer sacrifices by the chest. David sends Zadok, the chest, and the rest of the priests  back into the city, saying, “Carry God’s chest back into the city. If the LORD thinks well of me, then he will bring me back.” He trusts the outcome of this rebellion to God.

Alliances, betrayals, and conceit abounds. Ziba lies for material gain. Shimei curses David. Spies give false advice, buying David and his troops needed time. They cross the Jordan safely and receive aid from Barzillai. Troops on both sides prepare for battle. David is convinced to stay behind. He gives a command to protect Absalom. David’s forces win the battle. Absalom gets caught in a tree while trying to escape. Joab begins and then oversees Absalom’s death.

News reaches David and he mourns deeply. Victory turns to sadness. The troops slink back into camp. Joab goes to David and calls him on this. David goes out to greet the troops. As David returns to Jerusalem, Israel argues about bringing him back as king. David reconnects with Judah and they take the lead in restoring David as king. This upsets the rest of Israel. Tension remains in the air. The sword is not far from David’s house.

Prayer: Lord God, so many do the wrong things in today’s passages. They chase the things of this world – power, possessions, status. Yet there are still those who do right. These are ones after your heart. Spirit, lead us to do right and to hold God’s will and ways above all else in our hearts and lives. Amen.