Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Chronicles 16:1, ” In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built up Ramah, that he might permit no one to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. “

Background

When we read the history of God’s people in the books of Chronicles or Kings, we encounter story after story of battles and bloodshed and victory and defeat. Judah and Israel are constantly fighting against other enemies, or one of them is attacking the other, as in today’s passage. But as we read the accounts and endure good king after bad king, I think we lose sight of the people involved. Thousands of square miles of land, and millions of unnamed people get lost in the accounts of kings trying to advance their cause and reign supreme over all others. We forget that these people began as one family. And that family grew and was blessed and was given a promised land. They endured slavery, wandered the wilderness, and turned to and from God as one people of hope. But somewhere along the way, divisions arose. The north and the south couldn’t get along (is it always the north versus the south?). And so the kingdom split. God’s chosen people put asunder what He had created as one. And even though they surely thought they had good reasons, the plan was not a good one. God’s testimony was damaged, His wrath displayed, and His people stopped being the image bearers to the nations that they were meant to be. And on top of the collateral damage of lost lives and years of war, God’s name was tarnished. The name that His people refused to utter because it was so holy, was dragged through the mud of conquest and pride.

Application

The church I attend is about to consider acquiring a piece of property adjacent to our current site. Coincidentally, it is on the north side. There appear to be advantages to owning it, but each person will have to determine that for themselves. And along that journey, faith will face pride, and the unknown will battle what’s comfortable. Our dollars will go to where we think it makes sense. But in the discussions and debate, will we lose sight of the people? Will we remember that we are God’s children, His image bearers to those around us? Will we make His name great and grow together? I suspect that we will, and for that, to God be the glory.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to put His will on your heart. If you are in a battle, ask Him to move in you to put His name before all other causes.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words