Doing What's Right

How refreshing to read: Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done. (1 Kings 15:11) The story of many of those kings we just read about began different, "_____ did evil in the eyes of the LORD."

Asa wasn't perfect, but he tried to follow the Lord. He successfully made some difficult decisions about his faith. He got rid of the idols his ancestors made, he deposed his own grandmother because she continued to worship Asherah. (More information on the life and rule of King Asa can be found in 2 Chronicles 14-16).

The fact Asa followed in King David's footsteps instead of in his own father's, is noteworthy. It reinforces that not only the sins of the fathers' can follow us or influence our lifestyle; so to, the righteousness and pleasing goodness of our fathers' impact us in a strong way. These stories are not only interesting, they are great teaching moments. 

I realize from this story; it isn't good enough to abolish most of the evil in our lives. We must banish all. King Asa removes most of the idols, but not all. I wonder why? Can this behavior be compared to us, when we follow Jesus, but keep one foot in our old life?

Once I began to grow my relationship with Jesus, I would recognize things I needed to turn away from. My old friends didn't always like that idea and encouraged me to go back to the times we used to enjoy. They didn't understand my new heart rejected that old fun. I wanted different things, my goals and desires changed.

But sometimes I still struggle with the 'old me', I still fight against those things which once controlled my heart. I suppose it is natural, but not necessary if I truly cast aside the sin that so easily entangles, (from Hebrews 12:1). Therein lies the value of reading scripture on a regular basis. When I spend time in the Old and the New Testament, I am informed and challenged to live a better life. I want to trust God for all things, always. One day I want to hear It said, "she did what was right in the eyes of the Lord."

1 Kings 15:9-24

A New Resolution

Habakkuk 2:18 (NIV)
"Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.

As we end our series titled, In AWE, and wind down our celebrations of Jesus birth, it is more than fitting to conclude with a scripture about idol worship. God sent his son to free us from sin which as captured us and holds us in bondage. Lifeless, man-made objects cannot free anyone from anything. They can't speak to the heart and guide the spirit. They can't comfort a broken heart nor redeem a destroyed life. They only collect dust.

Have you identified the idols that have captured your heart? Do you recognize what it is that you worship without realizing what it is you are doing? Each new year, as I examine the past year, I realize that those new years resolutions I commit to often are about changing my behaviors. I came to the conclusion a few years ago that my eating habits were so much about poor choices as it was about my wants. Food had become my idol--my go to in order to feel good.

I longed for the comfort certain foods provided, no matter how temporary. I learned that the feeling I was seeking and stuffing down with sweets, was never satisfied. Each day I would repeat the same practice. Now, having identified this idol, I know it will never fill the gap. There is no value and no reprieve from the emptiness. Only Jesus can make the changes to my heart necessary for a peaceful life.

I know this sounds like a Sunday School answer, but just try it. Try to turn to the Jesus and talk to Him about that need which remains unfilled. Ask Him to sooth your hurt, and seek answers to all your questions about life. One way I do this is to write things out in a journal each morning. I'll open my Bible and just begin reading a passage or two.

God will speak, every time I seek. The Magi were looking for more than lifeless idols to fill the open spaces in their lives, and they found Jesus. You can too!



Habakkuk 2:18-20

We are to worship God only

December 10

Scripture Reading

Read 2 Kings 17:34-39 and reflect on the passage.

We are to worship God only. In Romans 8, Paul writes, “therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ the law of the Spirit has set you free from the law of sin and death.” His argument is that those who believe in Jesus have his Spirit living in them. They are no longer living from the motivations of their flesh but from the guidance of the Spirit. And that guidance is more than enough. 

During the time the Old Testament book of 2 Kings takes place, Jesus had not yet come and his Spirit had not yet been distributed to believers to guide them. God’s chosen people, the Israelites—our spiritual ancestors—had been exiled by God to Babylon for worshiping idols, imitating the nations around them in gratifying their flesh, and for breaking God’s commandments of having no other gods and making images to worship. They broke the covenant God had made with them. They forgot that God had brought them out of Egypt “with mighty power and outstretched arm.” God wasn’t enough for them. They wanted more. Is He enough for you? His Spirit has taken up residence in the hearts of those who believe in Him. He guides us in wisdom and understanding.

Questions

1.      How has having the Spirit of Christ living in your heart changed you?

2.      Have you resolved that God is enough for you and that you will only worship him?

  

Prayer

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You are enough for us. You satisfy our deepest longings for worship, for knowing and for being known. Amen.

—Dave Fullen

Isaiah 44:22

Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."     

Now that's what I call grace.  When we have access to a God who forgives and loves as fully as our God does, why would we worship any other god?  It doesn't make sense to even consider idol worship, or New Age self-worship.  No idol ever created anything and never redeemed anyone.

The fact that God gives this grace, this undeserved and unmerited favor to one so sinful, fills me with wonder and love. When I mess up and do what I know I shouldn't do and don't do what I know I should do - and still grace abounds, what a beautiful mystery!

Not only am I forgiven by the grace of God, but I can feel it.  My heart is lighter and joy fills the sky again.  Those times when I fall back into my old ways, those instances when I forgot whose I am and rely in the world for my direction and satisfaction, it is then I am unfulfilled and unhappy.  As soon as I see the light, turn from that behavior and accept the love and grace of Jesus the light returns to my heart.

Grace lifts the darkness and paints a colorful scene on the horizon.  That scene is a picture of Jesus and you and I walking together, arms linked and a definite spring in our steps.