Daily Devotional
March 28 - April 3, 2010
March 28
II Chronicles 13
"But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him" (v10). This was the main question for each king following Solomon. As king, would he lead the people to follow the God of Abraham? Would he support the priests and Levites and Temple rituals? Would sacrifices and incense be offered, and the candles lit in the evening? These rituals did not equal righteousness, yet they were signs of obedience to the ways of God.
Abraham was a man of faith, but each generation of his descendents had to choose to follow God for themselves.
March 29
Psalm 86
"Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and answer me; for I am afflicted and needy" (v1). When life is good, we don't feel "afflicted and needy." But when we face job loss, conflict, illness, anxiety or loneliness - then we discover that God is "good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness" (v5). Because He is "merciful and gracious" (v15), God answers us in those difficult times.
As our faith grows, we cling to God even in the good times. We pray: "teach me Thy way, O Lord, and I will walk in Thy truth" (v11).
March 30
Romans 11
"For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all" (v32). God does not favor one group over another. The Gentiles (the wild olive branch) were grafted into God's family (the olive tree) by faith (v20). However, the Jews - the natural branches broken off due to unbelief - might also by faith be grafted in again (v23). "Do not be conceited," Paul warned (v20); our salvation is undeserved.
We all approach God through the loving sacrifice of Jesus. It is only by mercy that we (Jew or Gentile) belong to Him.
March 31
Romans 12
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope …" (v10-11). The revolutionary Kingdom of God is made up of believers passionately serving their Lord through their unique gifts. Many of Paul's admonitions include some description of attitude, not just role: liberality, diligence, cheerfulness, etc. (v8). Our transformation (v2) includes our hearts, not just our behavior.
"Let love be without hypocrisy" (v9). Going through the motions isn't enough. Abundant life in the Kingdom includes everything: mind, body, and spirit.
April 1
II Chronicles 14
"Lord, there is no one besides Thee to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us …" (v11). Like David and many others, King Asa discovered that when he humbled himself, God came to his rescue. "We trust in Thee, and in Thy name have come against this multitude." Zerah the Ethiopian had a formidable army. Asa's army was fewer in number and less well-armed, but God was on their side. They could not lose.
More than elaborate sacrifices, God wanted His people to trust Him with all their hearts.
April 2
II Chronicles 15-16
"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His" (v9). For the Israelites, relying totally on God meant not running to pagan nations for alliances. King Asa of Judah had experienced God's tremendous power (v8), yet his fear of King Baasha (leader of Israel's northern kingdom) caused him to turn to Aram for help (v3). In effect, Asa was declaring that God was not powerful enough to deliver him.
When our hearts are "completely His," we know God is the source of all comfort, all strength, and all deliverance.
April 3
II Chronicles 17
"And they taught in Judah, having the book of the law of the Lord with them; and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people" (v9). Though all humans have a conscience, sin has twisted our world so that right and wrong are obscured. The Law was God's gift to Israel, a method of teaching them to live in the best way possible. Honest business practices, faithfulness in marriage, obedience to parents - the Law covered nearly everything.
Without the Law (15:3), people easily slid into evil and idolatry. Only deliberate, regular teaching kept the boundaries firm.
