Our Example Matters

We learn a history lesson on King Rehoboam by reading 2 Chronicles 12. It is interesting to see how the sins on one generation, return to impact future generations. By the end of Solomon's life, he had rejected his father's (King David) faith. "The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice." 1 Kings 11:9 (NIV)

I can understand this and I can relate too. The sins of my father influenced my life to a great degree. I began my adult years following in his footsteps, copying his example; until it didn't work for me any longer. Even before I started to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus, I recognized that the life I was living was not the life I wanted. I am sure this was God's doing, as my grandparents were faithful followers and always provided a good example to me. In this case, perhaps the righteousness of a previous generation was gifted down to me.

While reading from 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings, we can recognize life today mirroring much of life in those times. The idol worship, sexual promiscuity, and numerous other evil behaviors have overtaken our society. Hatred and deceit are prominent. So much gloom and doom fill the news and we begin to lose hope in tomorrow. But...

Our God is in the redemption business. His love is so strong and constant, that we only need to turn our life around and He will be with us. The world around us may go astray, but if we remain faithful, God will be with us. Stand firmly in the place where your dear Lord has put you and do your best there." (Streams in the Desert - October 26)



1 Kings 14:21-29

Party Time!

Nehemiah 8:17 (NIV)
 The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great. 

It sounds like they had quite a party going on. For the first time since their captivity, the nation of Israel was in a celebratory mood. The Feast of Tabernacles was the reason and their joy was very great.

Time had passed, the people were returned to their homeland and now it was time to celebrate. Many of us have 'going away' parties, but who of us had had a 'coming home' party?  We observe birthdays with a celebration as well as anniversaries.  We come together as friends and family on special occasions, and this was a special occasion for sure.

The people were home and it was the Feast of the Tabernacles and Ezra was reading from the Book. Their captivity was behind them and their future lay before them. There will be another homecoming celebration for them and for us.  They day we return to our Heavenly home there will be such joy!

My devotion this morning reminded me to trust God and believe. "My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Corinthians 12:9) Never change God's facts into hopes or prayers but simply acct them as realities, and you will find them to be powerful as you believe them. - Streams in the Desert  This is the word I received after asking God to lift a feeling of heaviness I was feeling.  His grace is sufficient...

Nehemiah 8:13-18

Matthew 2: 13-23

                                                                           Flight to Egypt

We care for and protect our children because we love them. We hover day and night, for they are innocent and precious to us, and are not aware of the harm that can come to them. Our babies at times seem to be on a mission to self destruct as they unknowingly reach for things that can burn or cut them, they will tumble to the ground if we do not catch them, they will go out in front of moving vehicles unaware of the danger and be crushed without our intervention. These are typical daily events in the life of a parent, and we naturally protect our children because they are just that….children.

In today’s reading, “Flight to Egypt,” Joseph certainly protects his infant, Jesus from the elements and typical baby dangers. He also shelters him from something far more sinister. The type of danger we never have to face. King Herod plans to search for and kill Jesus. Just think of the terror in knowing the king’s men could be bursting in any minute to rip your baby from your arms and violently take his life! 

“Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” (Matthew 2:13) Without hesitation, Joseph obeyed and escaped to safety with Mary and Joseph. The story goes on to tell of Herod’s anger and orders to have all boys two years and younger killed as not to miss Jesus. The horror of that time was prophesied in Jeremiah. After Herod’s death it seemed safe to return to Egypt, but Jesus’ family instead headed to the district of Galilee and settled in Nazareth, as Joseph was afraid to return to Israel since Herod’s son Arhelaus had taken his place. Jesus became a Nazarene.

The love and protective instinct of a father is boundless. That is not to say a father protects his child from hurt, disappointment, heartache, or pain, but that he watches over and allows such things in order to help his child grow and learn. We must take example from the Ultimate Father; as stated in the daily devotional Streams in the Desert, “We cannot see what loss, sorrow, and trials are accomplishing. We need only to trust. The Father comes near to take our hand and lead us on our way.”

Read/Listen to Matthew 2:13-23