Word for the Day - July 2

Word for the Day - July 2, 2010
(text and notes from the Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation, Tyndale 1996)

All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight because Jehoida the priest instructed him. Yet even so, he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.
(2 Kings 12:2,3)

Joash didn't go far enough in removing sin from the nation, but he did much that was good and right. When we aren't sure if we've gone far enough in correcting our actions, we can ask: (1) Does the Bible expressly prohibit this action? (2) Does this action take me away from loving, worshiping, or serving God? (3) Does it make me its slave (4) Is it bringing out the best in me, consistent with God's purpose? (5) Does it benefit other believers?

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The money brought into the Temple was not used for making silver cups, lamp snuffers, basins, trumpets, or other articles of gold or silver for the Temple of the LORD. It was paid out to the workmen, who used it for the Temple repairs. No accounting was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and faithful workers.
(2 Kings 12:13-15)

What a contrast between the workmen, who needed no accounting of their use of the money, and the priests, who couldn't be trusted to handle their funds well enough to set some aside for the Temple (12:8). As trained men of God, the Levites should have been responsible and concerned. After all, the Temple was their life's work. Though the priests were not dishonest, they did not have the commitment or energy needed to finish the work. Sometimes God's work is better accomplished by devoted laypeople. Don't let your lack of training or position stop you from contributing to God's Kingdom. Everyone's energy is needed to carry out God's work.

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Then Jehoahaz prayed for the LORD's help, and the LORD heard his prayer. The LORD could see how terribly the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. So the LORD raised up a deliverer to rescue the Israelites from the tyranny of the Arameans. Then Israel lived in safety again as they had in former days. But they continued to sin, following the evil example of Jeroboam. They even set up an Asherah pole in Samaria.
(2 Kings 13:4-6)

The Lord heard Johoahaz's prayer for help. God delayed his judgment on Israel when they turned to him for help, bu the did not sustain their dependence on God for long. Although there were periodic breaks in their idol worship, there was rarely evidence of genuine faith. It is not enough to say no to sin, we must also say yes to a life of commitment to God. An occasional call for help is not a substitute for a daily life of trust in God.

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Elisha told him [King Jehoash of Israel], "Get a bow and some arrows." And the king did as he was told.
Then Elisha told the king of Israel to put his hand on the bow, and Elisha laid his own hands on the kings hands. Then he commanded, "Open that eastern window," and he opened it. Then he said, "Shoot!" So he did.
Then Elisha proclaimed, "This is the LORD's arrow, full of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek. Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground." So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times. "But the man of God was angry with him. "You should have struckt he ground five or six times!" he exclaimed. "Then you would have beaten Aram until they were entirely destroyed. Now you will be victorious only three times."
(2 Kings 13:15-19)

When Jehoash was told to strike the ground with the arrows, he did it only halfheartedly. As a result, Elisha told the king that his victory over Aram would not be complete. Receiving the full benefits of God's plan for our lives requires us to receive and obey God's commands fully. If we don't follow God's complete instructions, we should not be surprised that his full benefits and blessings are not present.

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When [the Ephesian elders] arrived [Paul] declared, "You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now. I have done the Lord's work humbly - yes, and with tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. Yet I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Gentiles alike 0 the necessity of turning from sin and turning to God, and of faith in our Lord Jesus."
Acts 20:18-21

The way of the believer is not an easy road, being a Christian does not solve or remove all problems. Paul served humbly and "with tears" but he never quit, never gave up. The message of salvation was so important that he never missed an opportunity to share it. And although he preached his message in different ways to fit different audiences, the message remained the same: Turn away from sin and turn to Christ by faith. The Christian life will have it's rough times, its tears, and its sorrows, as well as its joys, but we should always be ready to tell others what good things God has done for us. His blessings far outweigh life's difficulties.

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"Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you - my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you."
...When [Paul] had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They wept aloud as they embraced him in farewell, sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they accompanied him down to the ship.
(Acts 20:31,36-38)

Paul's relationship with these believers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. he had cared for them and loved them, even cried over their needs. They responded with love and care for him and sorrow over his leaving. They had prayed together and comforted one another. Like Paul, you can build strong relationships with other Christians by sharing, caring, sorrowing, rejoicing, and praying with them. You will gather others around you only by giving yourself away to them.

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But [Paul] said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jersalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." When it was clear that we couldn't persuade him, we gave up and said, "The will of the Lord be done."
(Acts 21:13,14)

Paul knew he would be imprisoned in Jerusalem. Although his friends pleaded with him not to go there, he knew that he had to because God wanted him to. No one enjoys pain, but a faithful disciple wants above all else to please God. Our desire to please God would overshadow our desire to avoid hardship and suffering. When we really want to do God's will, we must accept all that comes with it - even the pain. Then we can say with Paul's companions, "The will of the Lord be done."

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"Our Jewish Christians here at Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews living in the Gentile world to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. they say that you teach people not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. Now what can be done? For they will certainly hear that you have come. Here's our suggestion. We have four men here who have taken a vow and are preparing to shave their heads. Go with them to the Temple and join them in the purification ceremony, and pay for them to have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that the rumors are all false and that you yourself observe the Jewish laws."
Acts 21: 21-24

The Jerusalem council (Acts 15) had settled the issue of circumcision of Gentile believers. Evidently there was a rumor that Paul had gone far beyond their decision, even forbidding Jews to circumcise their children. This, of course, was not true, and so Paul willingly submitted to Jewish custom to show that he was not working against the council's decision and that he was still Jewish in his life0style. Sometimes we must go the second mile to avoid offending others, especially when doing so would hinder God's work.

Because Paul was going to participate with the four men in the vow (apparently he was asked to pay for some of the required expenses), he would need to take part in the purification ceremony for entering the Temple (Numbers 6:9-10). Paul submitted himself to this Jewish custom to keep peace in the Jerusalem church. Although Paul was a man of strong convictions, he was willing to compromise on nonessential points, becoming all things to all people so that he might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Often a church is split over disagreements about minor issues or traditions. Like Paul, we should remain firm on Christian essentials but flexible on nonessentials. of course, no one should violate his or her true convictions, but sometimes we need to honor Christ by mutual submission for the sake of the Good News.

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I will praise you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
I will bless you every day,
and I will praise you forever.
Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!
His greatness is beyond discovery!

Let each generation tell its children
of your mighty acts.
I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor
and your wonderful miracles.
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;
they will sing with joy of your righteousness.

The LORD is kind and merciful,
slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.
The LORD is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of your works will thank you, LORD,
and your faithful followers will bless you.
They will talk together about the glory of your kingdom;
they will celebrate examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds
and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule generation after generation.

The LORD is faithful in all he says;
he is gracious in all he does.
The LORD helps the fallen
and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help;
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
The LORD is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The LORD protects all those who love him,
but he destroys the wicked.

I will praise the LORD,
and everyone on earth will bless his holy name
forever and ever.
(Psalm 145)

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Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Proverbs 18:2