Grow Resources

I shared last week that Josiah is one of my favorite kings in 2 Chronicles. His reign is marked by a willingness to study and respond to the word of God. In the eighteenth year of his time as king, Josiah commands that the temple undergo a period of repair. During the construction, part of the law (the first five books of the Old Testament – in this case probably a portion of Deuteronomy) is found and brought to Josiah. As Josiah reads, he is convicted that he and the people need to repent. He leads them in a time of national repentance and a celebration of the Passover. Josiah wants to live what he finds in the pages of God’s law. I love that. I want to be that way in my own life. We read the Bible and pray that God will embed His word on our hearts. The act of embedding is an act of planting. As God plants His word in our hearts, it takes root and begins to grow. Our lives are to be a living reflection of the holiness, righteousness, freedom, and grace that God brings into our lives. As we yield to the message of God, we are shaped in such a way that the people around us can see God at work. I hope that as you continue to embed the Bible, you too can surrender to the growth that God is working in your life.

This week we will be reading about two of my favorite kings in Judah’s history; Hezekiah and Josiah. Both are men of great reform. They begin to rule with an eye for bringing the nation back into a proper relationship with God. Both kings understand that in order for the people to walk with God, the idols which have so long claimed the hearts of the people must be removed. We have glimpses of determined rulers smashing Baals, toppling Asherah poles, and pulling down high places which served as worship sites for idols. Men of action. Men of resolve who called the people around them to see and to follow God. Both understood that removing idols was only one part of restoration and reconciliation. Both took on the job of repairing the temple. Both led their people in worship and celebration. But their stories diverge a little as we see them grow. Hezekiah seems to struggle with the power and wealth that he attains as king. He wants to show off. He must learn the hard lessons of repentance, reliance on God, and trust. My heart goes out to Hezekiah. I know how hard it is to “hold the course” at times. Our lives become complicated and sin creeps in. I want to have a heart that burns for God. A heart willing to repent. A heart that seeks the overwhelming power of God to work in my life. Enjoy the stories of two of my favorites. Embed their lessons on your heart this week.

Division. The nation that God had promised to Abraham, shown Moses, conquered with Joshua, and given to Saul, David, and Solomon, is now a nation divided. Poor leadership, rebellion, and false worship fill the land. In the north, Israel worships golden calves, idols from their past which have risen up and enslaved them again. As time moves forward, Jeroboam, king of Israel, has grown to trust in his own might and the power of his armies. In the southern kingdom, Asa, grandson of Rehoboam and great-grandson of Solomon, rules as king of Judah. Conflict breaks out between the two nations and between the two kings. The battle lines are drawn and Asa marches out to war with 400,000 chosen warriors. Jeroboam meets him on the battle field with twice his number – 800,000 men of Israel stand ready to fight. Asa chooses to call on God, while Jeroboam sneaks an ambush behind Judah’s army. The battle begins, but overwhelming odds, the strategy of men, and the cunning of Jeroboam are no match for the might of God. Second Chronicles 13:18 says, “Thus the men of Israel were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord, the God of their fathers.” It is a great reminder that when we face the world, we have a faithful God that can bring victory.

Second Chronicles 6 highlights the fulfillment of a promise. Standing before the nation of Israel in the newly constructed temple, Solomon’s words point the people to the faithfulness of God. The promise made to King David that his son would build the temple, has been fulfilled. As Solomon speaks, there is a phrase which rises up over and over again. The phrase is “then hear.” Just two small words, but Solomon uses them six times. It is a plea for God to be available. A request for God to move in the lives of His people. A prayer that God will make Himself known and shape His people to be holy. Over and over, Solomon says that when his people sin, he prays that God will hear them and forgive, judge, restore purpose, or move in some way to reconcile the relationship they have with Him. That is an important thing for us to understand. When we seek God, He is faithful to move in us and through us. He shapes us to be His people. When we surrender, He hears our voices, hears our hearts, and moves in our lives.

Second Chronicles 1 is a defining moment in the life of King Solomon. We find him in the night talking to God. God invites Solomon to ask for anything he wants. It is an unimaginable offer. A gift beyond price. Solomon can ask for anything – possessions, power, or to be rid of enemies. Solomon chooses to ask for wisdom and knowledge. He chooses to devote himself in this moment to leading God’s people well. He asks God to guide him and bless him with what he needs to make God’s people strong. And God answers his request. God answers abundantly. All that Solomon could desire, God gives. Solomon was already pretty wise. He sought first to honor God and lead the nation of Israel well. It is a lesson we need to embed on our hearts. When we get our priorities in the right place, when we walk with God and not with the world, we become aware of how God is at work and we experience the abundance that God offers to each of us.

Most parents want to give their children the best start possible. I know that this can mean different things. Some work hard to develop a business or build wealth to pass along. Some pass on dreams and plans that forever define their growing children. As a Christian father, I want to give my children a healthy love for Jesus and instill the need for a relationship with God. In 1 Chronicles 22, David opens his heart to his son Solomon. David shares his desire to build a temple for God, and God’s refusal to allow David to build a house for Him. David then reveals that God has appointed Solomon to build the temple. David reveals that Solomon has a chance to honor God with his life and with his talents. It is a moment when a father tells his son, “You can accomplish more than I could.” It is a moment of affirmation, love, and hope. David encourages his son to follow God and trust where the Lord leads. I love the picture here. Each day we get to choose what we will pass to the next generation. What are you passing along?

First Chronicles 12 paints a grand picture. Saul has died and Israel gathers to show support for David, the new king in Israel. Troops from each tribe come in support. Wise men, leaders, and seasoned warriors gather to feast and sing and praise King David. Imagine the scene as thousands upon thousands join the group, all of them focused on one individual. It is enough to go to anyone’s head. But David has his priorities straight. In 1 Chronicles 13:1-4, David stands among these gathered people and reminds them that in the time of Saul, the people did not seek the ark of God. They did not look to God for guidance. They followed a man and it caused nothing but trouble. David very humbly directs the eyes of his people away from himself and focuses them on God. Read on and you will see that David struggles. The ark takes a while to get where it needs to be. But David knows what is right. He knows who is in charge. He knows who can bring victory. I pray we can always understand that we need God. No matter what the world tells us, we must have eyes that

I just have to say that from a male perspective (read a boy that never grew up), 1 Chronicles 11 has to be one of the most awesome chapters in the Bible. It introduces David’s “Mighty Men.” A group of thirty overachievers living in the extreme. Look at them and you will see men who charge boldly into battle, wield spears with deadly precision, who brave enemies and death for a drink of water, and even a guy who fights lions. It’s a whole chapter of superheroes who exist to fight the evil enemies that stand against David, the embodiment of truth, justice, and the Israelite way. But I love it! I love it because it is over the top. I love it because it is fearless. I love it because these men have a cause and they give their entire selves to living and fighting for a king. In my life I need to remember that I have a king. I want to live each day as a mighty man for God. I don’t want to hold anything back, miss any opportunity, or fear any foe. What about you?

Welcome to Embed the Bible 2014! This year we are reading together through the Chronicles and Prophets. Embedding the Bible is an important part of looking like Jesus. Remember that embed means, “to fix or retain in the mind and heart.” As we read together, we are planting God’s Word deeply into our minds and hearts in order to know Him better. At the center of everything we read we find the story of Jesus. The Chronicles and Prophets are no different. We start this week with four chapters of genealogies. They tell the story of Israel’s background. In these chapters, you will hear some names that are strange to you. You will also discover some that are familiar. All of them allow us to see where Israel came from, how they are connected, and how God grows them into a people called to reflect His image. As you read, take time to remember the people who have helped you plant Jesus at the center of your life. They form the background of your faith and have helped you on your journey. I am glad you have chosen to read with us this year.