Today's readings are 2 Chronicles 31.1-1 and Philippians 4.1-23.
We read in 2 Chronicles today about Hezekiah's restoration of worship and giving. I observe that the Israelites who had not been in the habit of obeying God's commandments about their life of worship and giving, when confronted with their lack in this area, learned what God expected of them and willingly began complying. They brought their offerings according to the commandment and the report of the priests was that there was more than enough. Instead of barely being cared for, the priests had abundance they needed to give away, thus distributing to the poor.
Many times I think we're afraid to tell God's people what the Lord requires. But we shouldn't fear. Our Lord has provided a means for forgiveness - repentance and belief that Jesus has taken away our sins. Our Lord has also declared that he will bless those who keep his commands, particularly those who love him and then love their neighbors as themselves. God's blessing will fall on us as we are obedient to his will. So we can boldly call people to repentance. We can boldly declare what God's demands are. We can remind people of our Lord's promise of forgiveness. We can bring the needs of the poor, the hungry, the sick, the homeless before the Lord's people. As God has blessed his people, so are they prepared to bless other people.
What a delight God's people find in giving and serving others! Let us not stand in the way of that delight they find as they are transformed into the image of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and give his life a ransom for all.
We read in 2 Chronicles today about Hezekiah's restoration of worship and giving. I observe that the Israelites who had not been in the habit of obeying God's commandments about their life of worship and giving, when confronted with their lack in this area, learned what God expected of them and willingly began complying. They brought their offerings according to the commandment and the report of the priests was that there was more than enough. Instead of barely being cared for, the priests had abundance they needed to give away, thus distributing to the poor.
Many times I think we're afraid to tell God's people what the Lord requires. But we shouldn't fear. Our Lord has provided a means for forgiveness - repentance and belief that Jesus has taken away our sins. Our Lord has also declared that he will bless those who keep his commands, particularly those who love him and then love their neighbors as themselves. God's blessing will fall on us as we are obedient to his will. So we can boldly call people to repentance. We can boldly declare what God's demands are. We can remind people of our Lord's promise of forgiveness. We can bring the needs of the poor, the hungry, the sick, the homeless before the Lord's people. As God has blessed his people, so are they prepared to bless other people.
What a delight God's people find in giving and serving others! Let us not stand in the way of that delight they find as they are transformed into the image of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and give his life a ransom for all.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com
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