Revelation 3:18 - "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with salve, that you may see."
Intro: One question that is heard this time of year is “have you finished your Christmas shopping yet.” Some have. Some have not. Some start their shopping the day after Christmas for the next year. Others start their shopping the day before Christmas.
But however the shopping is done, we all look forward to giving gifts and showing the purchases that we made.
The Situation: The Lord is addressing seven distinct churches in this portion of Revelation. With each one He has a word of commendation and a word of exhortation, except for the church in Laodicea. To this group of people he only speaks words of exhortation and correction along with an invitation.
1. Their Worship – The city of Laodicea had several gods that it worshipped including Zeus, Apollo, and Dionysus.
2. Their Wealth - Laodicea was a city of Phyrgia not far from Colosse. Laodicea was a prosperous banking center and did not need help from Rome following the earthquake of AD 60 because of its own vast resources. The city was so wealthy that it really had no need of any help from those around it. This attitude of self-sufficiency also became pervasive in the church (3:17).
3. Their Water - The Lord’s words against the church and his description of them is something that they could easily identify with. For all that the Laodiceans had, they did not have suitable water for either bathing or drinking. They lacked a natural water supply. The hot water piped in from springs to the south and the cold water from the mountains was lukewarm by the time it reached Laodicea. The water was useless as well as filled with sediment.
4. Their Wretchedness - Jesus makes the statement to the church that the way that they feel about their water is the way the He feels about them—they make Him sick. Yet there is something that the church can do to restore them spiritually. They can make a good buy!
Jesus tells the Laodiceans that they need to buy the following:
1. Gold refined in the fire – Real wealth (Cf. Matthew 5:3)
2. White garments versus Laodicea’s black garments.
3. Eye salve – Jesus alone gives true sight.
Jesus is telling the Laodicean Christians that the wealth of the world can do nothing for their spiritual needs. It cannot change their condition, only repentance and a return to Christ will do that.
The Meditation: I am not beyond the error of self-sufficiency. How easy it is to begin to think too highly of self and to develop an independent spirit. Such a spirit leads to lukewarmness in a life because distance develops between the “water” and the ”vessel.”
Churches can become guilty of this same lukewarmness. Things may be going so well that its people begin to show forgetfulness of why things are going well. Having plenty in material things too often leads to poverty in spiritual things. The budget may be met but a deficit grows. The church may look good yet be in disrepair. The lights may be bright yet darkness grows.
If as an individual or as a church body lukewarmness becomes a reality, it is time to make a good buy. Have investments left you broke? Are your garments ruined? Have you lost your spiritual sight?
The Application: How can I be sure that my life has not entered into a lukewarm relationship with the Lord? The first step is to consider where is the Lord in my life.
1. Is Jesus knocking? - Revelation 3:20
2. Is Jesus dwelling? – Ephesians 3:17
3. Is Jesus abiding? – John 14:23
Conclusion: We love to make good buys. Sometimes our buys are not so good, this is the reason for returns. The Lord was giving the opportunity for the Laodiceans to return what they “bought” for a better buy. Jesus does the same for us. Any return that needs to be made is only a prayer away.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Saga of Johanan
The Saga of Johanan
Jeremiah 40:8 et al
Intro: Johanan was one of several captains of the armies of Israel who was strong in several areas of his life and in his duty to his country; but the lessons from his life are ones that we dare not miss.
The first mention of his name comes at the time of Jerusalem’s fall, when many of the people of Israel were taken captive to Babylon and a remnant was left behind. In total his name is mentioned 14 times in Jeremiah (See Jeremiah 40:7-8).
I. Johanan the Soldier – 40:8, 13-15; 41:11-16
Johanan was a captain in the armies of Judah and loyal to the nation as well as the governor appointed by the King of Babylon. He was willing to go to battle against the enemy of the governor, Gedaliah. In the eyes of the people he is a war hero.
II. Johanan the Seeker – 42:1-6
So far so good concerning this man. He has fought valiantly, correctly identified the enemy, sought to defeat him, and delivered his people from Ishmael. He is even seeking counsel from Jeremiah—asking for a word from the LORD.
Remember that in the midst of our dark and foggy times, all sorts of voices are shouting orders into the night, telling us what to do, how to adjust our lives. Out of the darkness, one voice signals something quite opposite to the rest—something almost absurd. But the voice happens to be the Light of the World.
III. Johanan the Stubborn – 43:1-7
Johanan and the other captains heard the words of Jeremiah, the light in their “foggy” time and stubbornly ignored it. Judah was the place for them to remain and be in the center of God’s will. Instead, they chose Egypt. They would not know prosperity and peace because of their decision, only punishment.
How do I avoid the same type of fate that Johanan and the others experienced?
1. Be a different kind of Soldier – 2 Timothy 2:3-4
- Jesus Christ the Captain, the Crucified, the Conqueror
2. Be a different kind of Seeker – 2 Timothy 2:4
- Pray for the will of God to be known.
- Listen to God’s instructions.
- Do what God says.
“The problems we encounter in life are many times due to what is inside us, not what is inside others.”
3. Be a different kind of Stubborn – 2 Timothy 2:4
- Refuse to follow that which will ruin your life.
- Refuse to follow that which will return you to captivity.
Because Johanan refused to listen to the counsel of Jeremiah the Prophet, he led the people into Egypt where they would only know defeat. This was not God's plan for His people; it is not God's plan for us today to live in captivity and bondage. Jesus Christ delivered us from our captivity, but if we are not the right kind of stubborn, we will find ourselves in places we do not want to be.
God’s Will
I am not sent a pilgrim here, My heart with earth to fill;
But I am here God’s grace to learn, And serve God’s sovereign will.
No service in itself is small, None great, though earth it fill;
But that is small that seeks its own, And great that seeks God’s will.
Then hold my hand, most gracious Lord, Guide all my doings still;
And let this be my life’s one aim, To do, or bear thy will.
Jeremiah 40:8 et al
Intro: Johanan was one of several captains of the armies of Israel who was strong in several areas of his life and in his duty to his country; but the lessons from his life are ones that we dare not miss.
The first mention of his name comes at the time of Jerusalem’s fall, when many of the people of Israel were taken captive to Babylon and a remnant was left behind. In total his name is mentioned 14 times in Jeremiah (See Jeremiah 40:7-8).
I. Johanan the Soldier – 40:8, 13-15; 41:11-16
Johanan was a captain in the armies of Judah and loyal to the nation as well as the governor appointed by the King of Babylon. He was willing to go to battle against the enemy of the governor, Gedaliah. In the eyes of the people he is a war hero.
II. Johanan the Seeker – 42:1-6
So far so good concerning this man. He has fought valiantly, correctly identified the enemy, sought to defeat him, and delivered his people from Ishmael. He is even seeking counsel from Jeremiah—asking for a word from the LORD.
Remember that in the midst of our dark and foggy times, all sorts of voices are shouting orders into the night, telling us what to do, how to adjust our lives. Out of the darkness, one voice signals something quite opposite to the rest—something almost absurd. But the voice happens to be the Light of the World.
III. Johanan the Stubborn – 43:1-7
Johanan and the other captains heard the words of Jeremiah, the light in their “foggy” time and stubbornly ignored it. Judah was the place for them to remain and be in the center of God’s will. Instead, they chose Egypt. They would not know prosperity and peace because of their decision, only punishment.
How do I avoid the same type of fate that Johanan and the others experienced?
1. Be a different kind of Soldier – 2 Timothy 2:3-4
- Jesus Christ the Captain, the Crucified, the Conqueror
2. Be a different kind of Seeker – 2 Timothy 2:4
- Pray for the will of God to be known.
- Listen to God’s instructions.
- Do what God says.
“The problems we encounter in life are many times due to what is inside us, not what is inside others.”
3. Be a different kind of Stubborn – 2 Timothy 2:4
- Refuse to follow that which will ruin your life.
- Refuse to follow that which will return you to captivity.
Because Johanan refused to listen to the counsel of Jeremiah the Prophet, he led the people into Egypt where they would only know defeat. This was not God's plan for His people; it is not God's plan for us today to live in captivity and bondage. Jesus Christ delivered us from our captivity, but if we are not the right kind of stubborn, we will find ourselves in places we do not want to be.
God’s Will
I am not sent a pilgrim here, My heart with earth to fill;
But I am here God’s grace to learn, And serve God’s sovereign will.
No service in itself is small, None great, though earth it fill;
But that is small that seeks its own, And great that seeks God’s will.
Then hold my hand, most gracious Lord, Guide all my doings still;
And let this be my life’s one aim, To do, or bear thy will.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Do You Have an Arm Like God's?
Do You Have an Arm Like God's?
Job 40:9
Intro: Have you noticed that guys are into things such as strength and muscles? One part of the body that is used to demonstrate strength is the arm. If a man has a big arm, most think that he is strong. A man with twenty-inch biceps would be somebody that I personally would not want to mess with. He is somebody that I might want to have with me as a bodyguard.
The Situation: In this portion of Job, God is challenging Job’s thought process as he has tried to justify why he should not be suffering. Job has looked at his life and can find no reason why God would allow calamity to befall him.
1. Job’s children have been killed.
2. Job has lost everything by way of his business.
3. Job is suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
In so doing, Job is calling out God to justify His actions (See Job 23:1-7). Job believes if he could present his case, he would somehow be delivered. The sense is that Job believes that he knows better than God does.
Beginning at Job 38, God responds to Job and gives him the audience that he desires. But first God has some questions that he puts before him.
One of these questions is found in Job 40:9. The simple fact is that Job—nor anybody has an arm like God. Exodus 6:6 teaches that God's arm was mighty to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondaged. Numbers 11:23 makes it clear that God is able by His arm to supply in abundance. Moses told the Israelites in Deuteronomy 33:27 that the everlasting arms of God will hold them up. The psalmist knew that it was only by the arm of the LORD that victory was possible (Psalm 98:1). And Jeremiah knew that nothing was too difficult for God (Jeremiah 32:17). I may have thought at times that nothing was too difficult for me--experience is a great teacher!
The Meditation: We are in many ways just like Job. We grate against that which is not “good” in our lives and our reaction often times reflects what we would not ever think of saying--we know better than God. In fact, sometimes our reactions communicate that we would do things differently than how God does things. Somebody once said that they would like to have God's power for one day to make some changes. Yet this person also realized that if they had God's power with God's wisdom, they would change a thing!
Thankfully, we do not have an arm like God! We do not have the power of God. We do not have the ability of God. To exercise God’s power without God’s wisdom, knowledge, goodness, and love would be to bring a chain of destructive sequences into our lives and those around us.
The Application: The Scriptures show that blessings of strength and spiritual success come to those that understand they do not have an arm like God. They that do not trust in the arm of God struggle. How can we benefit from the arm of the LORD?
1. Delight in God’s perfections, power, and plan even when they do not make sense.
2. Desist from foolish thinking – See Jeremiah 17:5-6.
3. Depend on the arm of the LORD for your need - See Jeremiah 17:7-10.
I do not have an arm like God. Today I thank God that He does not have an arm like mine. He is the matchless and almighty God who alone does wondrous things!
Job 40:9
Intro: Have you noticed that guys are into things such as strength and muscles? One part of the body that is used to demonstrate strength is the arm. If a man has a big arm, most think that he is strong. A man with twenty-inch biceps would be somebody that I personally would not want to mess with. He is somebody that I might want to have with me as a bodyguard.
The Situation: In this portion of Job, God is challenging Job’s thought process as he has tried to justify why he should not be suffering. Job has looked at his life and can find no reason why God would allow calamity to befall him.
1. Job’s children have been killed.
2. Job has lost everything by way of his business.
3. Job is suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
In so doing, Job is calling out God to justify His actions (See Job 23:1-7). Job believes if he could present his case, he would somehow be delivered. The sense is that Job believes that he knows better than God does.
Beginning at Job 38, God responds to Job and gives him the audience that he desires. But first God has some questions that he puts before him.
One of these questions is found in Job 40:9. The simple fact is that Job—nor anybody has an arm like God. Exodus 6:6 teaches that God's arm was mighty to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondaged. Numbers 11:23 makes it clear that God is able by His arm to supply in abundance. Moses told the Israelites in Deuteronomy 33:27 that the everlasting arms of God will hold them up. The psalmist knew that it was only by the arm of the LORD that victory was possible (Psalm 98:1). And Jeremiah knew that nothing was too difficult for God (Jeremiah 32:17). I may have thought at times that nothing was too difficult for me--experience is a great teacher!
The Meditation: We are in many ways just like Job. We grate against that which is not “good” in our lives and our reaction often times reflects what we would not ever think of saying--we know better than God. In fact, sometimes our reactions communicate that we would do things differently than how God does things. Somebody once said that they would like to have God's power for one day to make some changes. Yet this person also realized that if they had God's power with God's wisdom, they would change a thing!
Thankfully, we do not have an arm like God! We do not have the power of God. We do not have the ability of God. To exercise God’s power without God’s wisdom, knowledge, goodness, and love would be to bring a chain of destructive sequences into our lives and those around us.
The Application: The Scriptures show that blessings of strength and spiritual success come to those that understand they do not have an arm like God. They that do not trust in the arm of God struggle. How can we benefit from the arm of the LORD?
1. Delight in God’s perfections, power, and plan even when they do not make sense.
2. Desist from foolish thinking – See Jeremiah 17:5-6.
3. Depend on the arm of the LORD for your need - See Jeremiah 17:7-10.
I do not have an arm like God. Today I thank God that He does not have an arm like mine. He is the matchless and almighty God who alone does wondrous things!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
So Simple a Caveman Can Do It
Psalm 142
Intro: The Geico commercials use cavemen to make a point about their insurance—it is easy to obtain. In doing so they use a stereotype about “cavemen,” which is that they are not very smart. They are a little on the Neanderthal side.
I do not know if it is accurate to call David a caveman; but he was a cave dweller. There were several occasions in his life when he lived in a cave. During these times is when David recorded some of the psalms.
The Situation: Psalm 142 was written when David was living in the cave of Adullam while on the run from King Saul.
David’s star is on the rise. He is a mighty and victorious warrior. He is loved by the people and destined to be the next king. Saul on the other hand has been rejected by the LORD as king and has turned his bitterness toward David.
The Meditation: Caves can be literal places or they can be viewed metaphorically. David’s cave was literal and the emotions he experienced while in the cave are ones that any of us are familiar with. In fact many circumstances can lead us into the proverbial “cave.” These include loss, disappointment, sickness, hurt feelings, sin, loneliness, fatigue, etc.
Caves in the Scriptures are not typically viewed favorably:
1. A cave is where Lot fled when Sodom was destroyed.
2. A cave is where Abraham buried Sarah.
3. A cave is where the prophets of the LORD hid during Jezebel’s rampage.
4. A cave is where Elijah hid when he was burned out.
While caves are not viewed too favorably and seem to be places for the dead, the desperate, and the discouraged; they are also places where the LORD God is able to be remembered and where He remembers His people.
The Application: Psalm 142 shows what is so simple that even a caveman can do it. When you find yourself in a “cave” resulting from experiences in your life you can turn to the LORD and have confident expectation of what He will do.
I. Be Faithful in Prayer – 142:1-2
A. “I cry out to the LORD with my voice.”
B. “To the LORD I make my supplication.”
C. “I pour out my complaint.”
D. “I declare…my trouble.”
David took his problems to the One that could truly help. While it is OK to tell others; remember it is best to tell Jesus.
II. Be Truthful about Problems – 142:3-4, 6
A. I am overwhelmed – vs. 3
B. I am alone – vs. 4
C. I am in difficulty – vss. 3-4
D. I am at wit’s end – vs. 4
E. I am in need of help – vs. 6
III. Be Hopeful in Petitions – 142:5-7
Often times we allow hopefulness in our praying to be diminished because of too great a focus on our problems and not enough of a focus on our God. The “cave” experiences are the times for us to be confident and hopeful in our praying.
A. Be hopeful in the attributes of God – vs. 5
B. Be hopeful in the attentiveness of God – vs. 6
C. Be hopeful in the ability of God – vs. 6-7
Ultimately David was delivered, and his time in the cave was temporary. The same is true of us and any “cave” in which you may be in. You don’t have to be a cave dweller to follow the pattern of this Psalm. But thank God that He does come to us in the cave.
Intro: The Geico commercials use cavemen to make a point about their insurance—it is easy to obtain. In doing so they use a stereotype about “cavemen,” which is that they are not very smart. They are a little on the Neanderthal side.
I do not know if it is accurate to call David a caveman; but he was a cave dweller. There were several occasions in his life when he lived in a cave. During these times is when David recorded some of the psalms.
The Situation: Psalm 142 was written when David was living in the cave of Adullam while on the run from King Saul.
David’s star is on the rise. He is a mighty and victorious warrior. He is loved by the people and destined to be the next king. Saul on the other hand has been rejected by the LORD as king and has turned his bitterness toward David.
The Meditation: Caves can be literal places or they can be viewed metaphorically. David’s cave was literal and the emotions he experienced while in the cave are ones that any of us are familiar with. In fact many circumstances can lead us into the proverbial “cave.” These include loss, disappointment, sickness, hurt feelings, sin, loneliness, fatigue, etc.
Caves in the Scriptures are not typically viewed favorably:
1. A cave is where Lot fled when Sodom was destroyed.
2. A cave is where Abraham buried Sarah.
3. A cave is where the prophets of the LORD hid during Jezebel’s rampage.
4. A cave is where Elijah hid when he was burned out.
While caves are not viewed too favorably and seem to be places for the dead, the desperate, and the discouraged; they are also places where the LORD God is able to be remembered and where He remembers His people.
The Application: Psalm 142 shows what is so simple that even a caveman can do it. When you find yourself in a “cave” resulting from experiences in your life you can turn to the LORD and have confident expectation of what He will do.
I. Be Faithful in Prayer – 142:1-2
A. “I cry out to the LORD with my voice.”
B. “To the LORD I make my supplication.”
C. “I pour out my complaint.”
D. “I declare…my trouble.”
David took his problems to the One that could truly help. While it is OK to tell others; remember it is best to tell Jesus.
II. Be Truthful about Problems – 142:3-4, 6
A. I am overwhelmed – vs. 3
B. I am alone – vs. 4
C. I am in difficulty – vss. 3-4
D. I am at wit’s end – vs. 4
E. I am in need of help – vs. 6
III. Be Hopeful in Petitions – 142:5-7
Often times we allow hopefulness in our praying to be diminished because of too great a focus on our problems and not enough of a focus on our God. The “cave” experiences are the times for us to be confident and hopeful in our praying.
A. Be hopeful in the attributes of God – vs. 5
B. Be hopeful in the attentiveness of God – vs. 6
C. Be hopeful in the ability of God – vs. 6-7
Ultimately David was delivered, and his time in the cave was temporary. The same is true of us and any “cave” in which you may be in. You don’t have to be a cave dweller to follow the pattern of this Psalm. But thank God that He does come to us in the cave.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Wilderness Survival
Psalm 63
The background to this Psalm is that it was written when King David was in the wilderness as the result of Absalom’s treason against him. David is in exiled from Jerusalem and away from the ark of God, the formal place of worship. Yet this wilderness experience was not enough to keep David from worshipping God.
No “wilderness” is powerful enough to keep any of us from maintaining fellowship and worship with God. God allows the “wilderness” experiences, for those of us that know God, often times for development in our lives. While true that the wilderness can be a difficult place, David came through his time by satisfying his soul through delighting in God.
How does a person delight in God? How are you able to maintain a strong desire for God?
I. Recognize Your Privilege through God – 63:1-2
A. You can know God personally.
B. You can seek God individually.
C. You can speak to God honestly.
II. Rejoice in the Perfections of God – 63:2
Lovingkindness = chesed – mercy, kindness, favor, pity, goodness.
Each of these words gives a dynamic of a relationship that exists between two people. One is in the place of being able to give that which another needs and the other is in no position to attain it for himself. David is in the wilderness—his circumstances have changed; but his God has not changed. This leads David to delight in God and to praise Him.
III. Respond with Praise to God – 63:3-8
A. My lips shall praise you – 63:3, 5
B. My hands shall be raised – 63:4
C. My soul shall be satisfied – 63:5
D. My mind shall be steadfast – 63:6
IV. Remember the Promise of God – 63:9-11
A. The wilderness is limited.
B. The end is glorious.
These responses in times of wilderness experiences are essential to the health of your spiritual life. Each response keeps my desire for God in my life strong and the potential for defeat less.
Your wilderness is limited. God is limitless. Don’t get these switched around. To do so is to live in despair and to be led into defeat versus living by faith and being led into triumph through Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14.
The background to this Psalm is that it was written when King David was in the wilderness as the result of Absalom’s treason against him. David is in exiled from Jerusalem and away from the ark of God, the formal place of worship. Yet this wilderness experience was not enough to keep David from worshipping God.
No “wilderness” is powerful enough to keep any of us from maintaining fellowship and worship with God. God allows the “wilderness” experiences, for those of us that know God, often times for development in our lives. While true that the wilderness can be a difficult place, David came through his time by satisfying his soul through delighting in God.
How does a person delight in God? How are you able to maintain a strong desire for God?
I. Recognize Your Privilege through God – 63:1-2
A. You can know God personally.
B. You can seek God individually.
C. You can speak to God honestly.
II. Rejoice in the Perfections of God – 63:2
Lovingkindness = chesed – mercy, kindness, favor, pity, goodness.
Each of these words gives a dynamic of a relationship that exists between two people. One is in the place of being able to give that which another needs and the other is in no position to attain it for himself. David is in the wilderness—his circumstances have changed; but his God has not changed. This leads David to delight in God and to praise Him.
III. Respond with Praise to God – 63:3-8
A. My lips shall praise you – 63:3, 5
B. My hands shall be raised – 63:4
C. My soul shall be satisfied – 63:5
D. My mind shall be steadfast – 63:6
IV. Remember the Promise of God – 63:9-11
A. The wilderness is limited.
B. The end is glorious.
These responses in times of wilderness experiences are essential to the health of your spiritual life. Each response keeps my desire for God in my life strong and the potential for defeat less.
Your wilderness is limited. God is limitless. Don’t get these switched around. To do so is to live in despair and to be led into defeat versus living by faith and being led into triumph through Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Restoring the Temple
This is the first of what I hope will be many thoughts from my pen for any and all to read, reflect upon, and respond to. The Pastor's Pen is designed to be simple devotional thoughts from daily Bible readings of mine. Posts may not be daily, but I pray each one will be a blessing.
Restoring the Temple - 2 Chronicles 24:7
Intro: Every now and then you might find a building that is no longer fulfilling its intended purpose for being built. Churches become apartments, fast food restaurants, mosques, and even barns!
The Situation: Joash began his reign as king at a low point in the nation of Judah. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel reigned as queen having murdered all of her grandsons with the exception of Joash. She also introduced Baal worship and allowed her sons to vandalize the temple (24:7).
Left in this condition for 20 years, deterioration had begun to take its toll not only on the temple, but also on the people. It grieved the Joash to see the temple in a broken condition and made it a goal to see it repaired and restored.
Several things were necessary in order for the temple to be returned to its proper condition and its intended purpose.
I. Motivation – 24:4 - Joash "set his heart" to see repairs made.
- Motivation begins in the heart of a person.
- He saw a problem and wanted to fix it.
- He knew what the temple was for.
II. Material – 24:8-10
The temple could not be properly restored with just any material and so the people of Israel were called upon to follow the directive of Moses (24:9). Every male, 20 years of age and above was to give a half shekel of silver as an offering to the LORD. A half shekel was equal to 1/15th an ounce. More than enough money came in to enable the work to be done (24:11). This ought to remind us that when all are involved in the faithful giving of offerings to the Lord, that much can be accomplished.
III. Masons – 24:12
The end result is that the temple was restored to its original condition and the purpose for which it was originally built was once again realized (24:13-14)
Meditation: It is one thing for a building to no longer serve its intended purpose for being built. As I think of this situation, I am reminded how easy it is for Christians and non-Christians to allow their lives to get into disrepair. A little neglect. A little allowance here and there for the enemy to take. A little foothold. Before long those that are designed to be "temples of the Holy Spirit" are suddenly in need of repair and that which has been stolen needs to be replaced.
The way of repair begins with a heart that is set on repairing. The work of repairing happens as the directives of the Lord are followed. The temple in Josiah’s day would not have been repaired if the people did not return to obeying the Scriptures. The same is true in lives of people today.
So for Josiah there was motivation. There was also plenty of material because of the giving of God’s people. But remember there were also those that were skilled and able to do the work of restoring. Spiritual restoration does not call for "masons" but the "Master" whose name is Jesus.
Application: How do I keep my life in good repair and this "temple" from being broken into?
1. Address any problem areas while they are still small.
2. "Altar" my body as a living sacrifice before the Lord.
3. Appropriate myself of the building material: The Word of God, Prayer, Fellowship,
4. Allow the Master to work on a daily basis.
Restoring the Temple - 2 Chronicles 24:7
Intro: Every now and then you might find a building that is no longer fulfilling its intended purpose for being built. Churches become apartments, fast food restaurants, mosques, and even barns!
The Situation: Joash began his reign as king at a low point in the nation of Judah. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel reigned as queen having murdered all of her grandsons with the exception of Joash. She also introduced Baal worship and allowed her sons to vandalize the temple (24:7).
Left in this condition for 20 years, deterioration had begun to take its toll not only on the temple, but also on the people. It grieved the Joash to see the temple in a broken condition and made it a goal to see it repaired and restored.
Several things were necessary in order for the temple to be returned to its proper condition and its intended purpose.
I. Motivation – 24:4 - Joash "set his heart" to see repairs made.
- Motivation begins in the heart of a person.
- He saw a problem and wanted to fix it.
- He knew what the temple was for.
II. Material – 24:8-10
The temple could not be properly restored with just any material and so the people of Israel were called upon to follow the directive of Moses (24:9). Every male, 20 years of age and above was to give a half shekel of silver as an offering to the LORD. A half shekel was equal to 1/15th an ounce. More than enough money came in to enable the work to be done (24:11). This ought to remind us that when all are involved in the faithful giving of offerings to the Lord, that much can be accomplished.
III. Masons – 24:12
The end result is that the temple was restored to its original condition and the purpose for which it was originally built was once again realized (24:13-14)
Meditation: It is one thing for a building to no longer serve its intended purpose for being built. As I think of this situation, I am reminded how easy it is for Christians and non-Christians to allow their lives to get into disrepair. A little neglect. A little allowance here and there for the enemy to take. A little foothold. Before long those that are designed to be "temples of the Holy Spirit" are suddenly in need of repair and that which has been stolen needs to be replaced.
The way of repair begins with a heart that is set on repairing. The work of repairing happens as the directives of the Lord are followed. The temple in Josiah’s day would not have been repaired if the people did not return to obeying the Scriptures. The same is true in lives of people today.
So for Josiah there was motivation. There was also plenty of material because of the giving of God’s people. But remember there were also those that were skilled and able to do the work of restoring. Spiritual restoration does not call for "masons" but the "Master" whose name is Jesus.
Application: How do I keep my life in good repair and this "temple" from being broken into?
1. Address any problem areas while they are still small.
2. "Altar" my body as a living sacrifice before the Lord.
3. Appropriate myself of the building material: The Word of God, Prayer, Fellowship,
4. Allow the Master to work on a daily basis.
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