When God fights your battles. There are many stories in scripture where God fights for his people. A lesser known story is recorded in 2 Chronicles 30-32 when Hezekiah is king of Judah. Here are some thoughts about it.
When God fights your battles. Consecrate yourself to God
And the priests and the Levites were ashamed, so that they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings into the house of the LORD. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 30:15)
King Hezekiah was 25 when he began to rule the kingdom of Judah. Unlike his father, King Ahaz, he was faithful to God and sought to restore Israel’s covenant relationship with God. He purged the land of pagan idols and cleansed the temple. And now, after years of idol worship, the priests and Levites suddenly reappear. What were they doing all the time the Jewish people were worshipping pagan idols? We don’t know. But a good guess, is probably not much in the way of spiritual leadership because they were ashamed.
Therefore, the priests and Levites consecrated themselves before God. The Hebrew word for “consecrate” is qâdâsh, which means to ceremonially or morally purify or sanctify. In other words, they rededicated themselves to God before spiritually leading the people. So before you take on a spiritual battle, first, make sure you are right with God.
It reminds us that for Christ-followers, every battle includes a spiritual component. And spiritual readiness includes mindful attention to personal holiness. No, we won’t reach moral perfection. And God does not expect it. But we should regularly examine our hearts and confess our sins to God. Because as we present ourselves faithful to God, He is faithful to us.
When God fights your battles. Prepare for the fight
He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it,and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 32:5)
Knowing God wins every fight can encourage complacency. Pull up a chair, relax with popcorn, and watch God do His thing. But God expects us to do our part too. As James 2:26 says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead..”
Christ-followers are not to be spectators, but active participants in God’s work. That’s why God ordered Joshua and his army to march around Jericho for seven straight days and then seven times on the last day. And He instructed Gideon to surround the encamped Midian army with 300 men armed with torches and trumpets. Ridiculous military strategies that made Joshua and Gideon look and probably feel silly. And yet, God delivered victory both times.
Hezekiah also took nothing for granted, and did his part to prepare for battle. He diverted a water source, fortified the city walls, made extra weapons, and lifted the spirits of his people by assuring them God had their back.
When God fights your battles. Prayer is the mightiest weapon
Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed because of this and cried to heaven. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 32:20)
However, as Sennacherib, the king of Assyria beseiged the city with a massive army, he used scare tactics to demoralize the people. He shouted to them from outside the city walls. Who were they to think their God could protect them from his powerful army? None of the gods of the other people he conquered had stopped him. He mocked them and their God.
So Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out to God in prayer. It should be the first item on our battle preparation list. And involve a regular encounter with God rather than a last minute plea. Because it is the most powerful, spiritual weapon of all. But like previous enemies of God’s people, Sennacherib made a fatal mistake. He proudly over estimated his power against the power of an Amighty God.
Therefore, God sent an angel who destroyed the mighty warriors in Sennacherib’s army and he returned home in shame where his own sons killed him. And the Apostle Paul’s words affirm the truth of God’s word.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (ESV, Romans 8:31)
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Entering God’s rest is a Biblical teaching found in Hebrews 4:9-14. Here are some thoughts on what it means.
Entering God’s rest. Faith is active rather than passive
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience (ESV, Hebrews 4:11)
It appears contradictory. Strive to enter rest? Like get busy so you can relax? But wait. First, let’s dig a little deeper. What does the writer mean by “rest?” Curl up for a nap? Take a vacation? Don’t worry be happy?
In this context “rest” means eternity. More specifically heaven. But why call it rest?
Because heaven leaves the stressful chaos of this world and steps into the safe presence of God. Of peace, joy, and harmony. Where fear, worry, and suffering are gone. Well, that’s certainly worth striving for. But the writer doesn’t mean striving as a qualification for entrance. In other words, work hard enough to earn your way. Because sin prevents us from entering heaven on our own merit. Fortunately, sin is defeated by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Still, the writer urges readers to engage in some kind of activity. But what?
Active faith produces Godly living.
The Christian faith is often misperceived as a passive experience. Simply believe in your head and you’re there. However, James challenges believers to make their faith active. To demonstrate it by righteous living.
Perhaps that why Christ-followers are sometimes disparagingly called “Do gooders.” It’s for good reason. (Pun intended)
We demonstrate our faith through good works to express our love for God. A sign of gratitude for His saving grace. And then actively strive to obey God’s word because we want to, not have to.
Entering God’s rest holds on to our confession
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (ESV, Hebrews 4:14)
Christian faith starts with a confession like Thomas the disciple made. He was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, And Thomas insisted he wouldn’t believe unless he saw Jesus and touched his scars. So when Jesus appeared next and Thomas was present, Jesus presented his scars and let Thomas touch them. And Thomas declared, “My Lord and my God!”
Every disciple of Jesus makes this declaration. Recognizing Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Acknowledging his sacrifice for our sins. Confessing him as Lord.
But it’s not one and done. Heaven is locked in and the rest is smooth sailing. Because we must still navigate the struggles of life. The doubts, Uncertainties. Questions. So we cling to that confession. Cherish it. Return to it as a reminder of what Jesus suffered for us. And endure suffering for him too. But it ends at the threshold of heaven. On the other side awaits rest.
Entering God’s rest. God’s grace is an ongoing support.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV, Hebrews 4:15)
Grace is the message of hope that fuels the Christian faith. And God offers it through the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. It too, is not one and done. But dispensed in daily doses to strengthen and sustain us through life’s struggle. In the daily grind of living out our faith and striving to honor God. His grace is abundant. Strength constant. Love unyielding.
And hope is not wishful thinking, but an unshakeable confidence. For as we lean on faith, God supplies our needs to endure. His grace upholds and His path is sure. His yoke is easy and burden light.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Leading by influence rather than power is demonstrated in 2 Chronicles 23-24. The story reads like a fairy tale, but without the typical ending. Here’s what we learn from it.
Leading by influence rather than power. Honoring God rather than yourself.
And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 23:16)
When Ahaziah king of Judah died, his mother Athaliah grabbed power by killing the other family heirs to the throne. But she missed one. King Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehoshabeath, wife to Jehoiada the priest. They hid Joash for the next six years of Athaliah’s reign that was characterized by idol worship.
Power versus Influence
Power demands compliance, but influence uses persuasion. Obedient versus willing followers. And Jehoaiada wanted the people of Judah to willingly follow the Lord. So he devised a plan to turn the peoples’ hearts back to God. First, he persuaded the military to support Joash in a coup. Then quietly assembled the military, important leaders, and Levite priests in Jerusalem. And at an arranged moment they proclaimed Joash king. Queen Athaliah was seized and put to death. Followed by a public ceremony led by Jehoaiada who recommitted the people to God.
Leading by influence rather than power so others follow God.
AndJoash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 24:2)
However, influence requires two pre-requisites to work: Relationship and respect. It’s obvious Jehoaiada and Joash had a relationship like father and son. And Jehoaiada’s devotion to God and personal integrity earned him respect. Therefore, Joash willingly followed Jehoaiada’s instruction.
Jehoaiada’s influence made a positive, spiritual impact on Joash. And Joash executed his authority over the kingdom so that the people honored God. He destroyed all the idols, restored God’s temple, and established the worship of God. The result was a strong, prosperous kingdom that was feared and respected by the surrounding kingdoms during Jehoaiada’s lifetime.
Leading by influence rather than power. So those you influence own it.
After the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers and served the Asherim and the idols. (ESV, 2 Chronicles 24:17)
Influence at its best leads to human flourishing. To create healthy families. Thriving organizations. And God honoring faith communities. Under the rule of Queen Athaliah, the people of Judah suffered. But they prospered under Jehoida’s influence and the rule of king Joash.
Unfortunately, after Jehoiada died, other voices influenced Joash and led him back to idols. The kingdom of Judah slid into moral decline, Joash descended into an evil king, and was ultimately killed and buried in disgrace.
The ending underscores a critical truth in the Christian faith. You can’t claim the faith of someone else like your parents or a friend. You must follow God and embrace faith in Jesus Christ for yourself. Through his influence Jehoiada the priest led Joash to the threshold of faith. The final step was his, but he didn’t take it. He never owned his faith. So whose faith do you own?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Virtue signaling appears in Acts 5:1-10 as the early Christian church was formed. But God immediately rejected it. Here’s why.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Because it masks the reality of sin
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (ESV, 1 John 1:8)
The book of Acts records the formation of the Christian church. The growth especially accelerated after the day of Pentecost, when all the followers were gathered together and filled by the Holy Spirit. Along with boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, wealthy members shared generously from their resources with less fortunate members.
One wealthy couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a piece of real estate and took money from the sale to the Apostle Peter. Although it was a portion of the total sale, they pretended it was the full amount in order to appear completely self-sacrificing. They were more concerned with their moral status as super religious people than the actual needs of others. In other words, they were virtue signaling.
Why is this a problem?
Virtue signaling points to yourself. It says, “See? I’m not so bad. Look at me.” But true humility seeks to glorify God and not yourself. Furthermore, virtue signaling promotes the idea that if we do enough good works, we can earn our way to heaven. And it masks the real problem, which is sin. It is sin that separates us from God. And salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Focusing on your virtue diverts attention from your sin. And sin is the critical moral reality that every person must address.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. It’s the motivation that matters
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (ESV, Matthew 6:5-6)
Peter clarified why God rejected the gift of Ananias and Sapphira. It was not the gift itself but the motivation behind it. They didn’t have to sell their property in the first place. And after selling it, they were free to donate whatever amount they wanted.
What God rejected was the deceptive show. The pretend generosity. The hypocritical photo op of caring for others in order to magnify their personal piety. To look holy and righteous when in reality, their hearts were full of pride and self-righteousness.
But wait, you say.
Doesn’t God want us to pursue righteousness? Isn’t that what Ananias and Sapphira were doing? And the answer is, yes and no.
They were doing a good thing, but for their own glory. Christ-followers are called to pursue righteousness in order to please and glorify God. Not to earn divine brownie points There is nothing we can give God that He needs.
What He desires is our fully devoted hearts.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Holiness is not perfection, but a life set apart.
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.and the people held them in high esteem. (ESV, Acts 5:12)
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (ESV, 1 Peter 1:15-16)
The Greek word for “holy” is hagiŏs, which means to be consecrated or set apart. It doesn’t mean Christ-followers are morally superior to anyone because we are still guilty of sin. The difference is that we acknowledge our sin, confess it, and seek God’s forgiveness.
However, a holy life does strive to demonstrate conduct in accordance to God’s word. To imitate the life of Jesus Christ. And avoid behavior that scripture forbids. It’s not a matter of “have to” but “want to.”
Therefore, Christian joy is a genuine expression of a recipient of grace. A life set free from the bonds of sin. One that celebrates, not our own goodness, but the goodness of God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The power of God’s precepts is found in Psalms 119:129-136. These teachings guide the moral behavior of God’s people based on the truth of His word. Here are three ways they empower believers.
The Power of God’s precepts. They guide us on a lighted path.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (ESV, Psalm 119:30)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (ESV, Psalm 119:105)
Our culture today celebrates individual, moral freedom. Behavior once considered wrong is now celebrated. And the laws that restrained it repealed. Supporters promised more individual autonomy. Higher enlightenment. Increased personal rights. And ultimately, greater individual happiness. But is this the case?
Because the opposite appears to be true. There’s greater moral confusion than ever before. Increased loneliness. Unhappiness. Darkness. And anger. So much anger everywhere you look.
In contrast, God’s word is a light. It illuminates the path of those who follow it. Increases your understanding of moral right and wrong. And guides your steps of faith in a world of increasing darkness. On the way, you discover that God’s precepts guide you towards a life of righteousness that honors God.
The Power of God’s precepts. They guard us from oppression
Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. (ESV, Psalm 119:133)
Critics often claim that God’s law is burdensome with its legalistic following of rules. But the writer here claims the opposite. God’s precepts act as guard rails to protect him from the lure and addictive power of immoral behavior.
The Hebrew word for “Iniquity” is a-wen and means evil behavior. The Hebrew word for “dominion” is shalat and means to have power or to rule over. And this is the reality when human passions and lust are unleashed with no inhibitions or restrictions. The behavior often becomes addictive. And the immoral freedoms you celebrate and indulge in with reckless abandon become your master.
Meanwhile, God’s precepts take you on a journey of purpose, meaning, and joy. They guide you in a life that’s meant for you. And grow you into the person He intends you to be.
The Power of God’s precepts. God’s word sets you free
Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts. (ESV, Psalm 119:134)
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV, John 8:31-32)
The Hebrew word for “oppression” is osheq and means deceitfully gotten or unjust gain. In other words, God’s precepts guide you in walking with personal integrity. Another challenge when navigating a world full of scams and unscrupulous behavior.
Despite that, we’re called to demonstrate honest and ethical behavior. Even when it’s a disadvantage next to unethical competition. Because God’s word is truth that sets you free. Freedom of conscience. And the stress in covering one lie with another. Furthermore, the honest reputation you earn over time becomes a rich and satisfying reward.
Studying and following God’s precepts consistently is like a slow drip. A steady jog. Because as you absorb God’s truth and practice it, subtle, but profound changes occur in your life. In how you think, act, and react. Sure, life still throws curveballs that you swing at and miss. But you’ll feel more settled. And with a confidence that God’s precepts are an important key to a meaningful life.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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