2 Chronicles 28
Scripture:
1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD.
2 He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and also made cast idols for worshiping the Baals.
3 He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, following the detestable ways of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.
4 He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree.
5 Therefore the LORD his God handed him over to the king of Aram. The Arameans defeated him and took many of his people as prisoners and brought them to Damascus. He was also given into the hands of the king of Israel, who inflicted heavy casualties on him.
6 In one day Pekah son of Remaliah killed a hundred and twenty thousand soldiers in Judah–because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers.
Observation:
I hope you enjoy reading through this history lesson as much as I do. The principles seem to be consistent chapter after chapter, when the kings serve the Lord, good things happen and when the kings turn away from the Lord, bad things happen. This lesson is being drilled into my mind each day as we read.
One thing that stuck out to me today was the collateral damage that took place as a result of Judah turning away from God. In verse 6 it says that 120,000 of Judah’s soldiers were killed in one day because they have forsaken the Lord. Wow! I wonder how many people struggle with doing what is right and don’t realize the ripple effect of their decisions on those around them and on the generations to come. The realization that my life affects others provides an incredible sense of accountability. Our decisions matter because our life matters as God has given each of us purpose. It is the fulfillment of this purpose that defines our journey in life. The reminder for us today is that when we make mistakes, it affects more than us. Let’s continue to seek God and pursue His purposes in our life.
Application:
- Personal Application: Be responsible for who God called you to be. God has a plan and purpose for you. When you fulfill this purpose, you simultaneously provide those around you with the ability to fulfill God’s purpose for their life. Your decisions matter.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to them. Share with them how sin in our lives affects the people around us. Encourage them to stay close to Jesus and allow Him to cleanse us of our sin. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to reveal any hidden sin in your life and seek His forgiveness. Pray for holiness in your life.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that God will help them to life holy lives that will continually honor Him.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, September 20 – Sunday, September 27:
- Sunday, September 20: 2 Chronicles 23
- Monday, September 21: 2 Chronicles 24
- Tuesday, September 22: 2 Chronicles 25
- Wednesday, September 23: 2 Chronicles 26-27
- Thursday, September 24: 2 Chronicles 28
- Friday, September 25: 2 Chronicles 29
- Saturday, September 26: 2 Chronicles 30
- Sunday, September 27: 2 Chronicles 31
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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