Today you should read: 2 Chronicles 17
Welcome back to another day of Jumpstart through the book of 2 Chronicles! This is an amazing book about the historical events of Israel/Judah but we also learn a lot about God by studying how He worked in these times. In 2 Chronicles 17 we see another righteous King come on the scene named Jehoshaphat, as his father Asa (another righteous King) had died in 2 Chronicles 16. No doubt Asa had an impact on Jehoshaphat. He watched his father do some incredibly bold things for God (2 Chronicles 14 + 15).
In 2 Chronicles 17 we see Jehoshaphat continue where his father, Asa, left off. He walked in the ways of David and “the Lord was with him.” He continues to fortify the cities. He did not bow down to foreign Gods but he sought God… correctly (v.3-4). Because of this… because of his obedience… in His grace, God blessed him and his efforts.
“Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand… His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord.” (v.5-6)
I think this shows us a truth about God that we have to live in and understand. The prosperity gospel teachers of the world have taken blessing and perverted it. We have become scared of talking about blessing because of it. But blessing is a Biblical concept. We just have to talk about it in the right way. It is in this passage that we see:
In His grace (we don’t earn it), God blesses obedience.
I know that’s hard to understand but it’s true. We don’t earn God’s blessing, however, it is clear in Scripture that God blesses obedience. I’m thankful that God blesses sometimes even in my disobedience but that is the exception not the rule.
We can’t pervert it and make it about us. It is all about God BUT when we obey and follow Him and His will we set ourselves up for Him to bless us. I’m thankful that we serve a God who delights in blessing and doing good to His children.
Let’s strive to obey God! I know this has been a hard last couple of months but we need to remember God’s blessing and how go0d He is. So…
1) In what area of your life do you need to obey God this week?
2) Where has God blessed you in the last 6 months (not just physically/materially but also spiritually)? Pause. Thank Him for all He is in your life.
By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate: College
God is honored when we intentionally seek Him in prayer. As a church, we want dependent prayer to be something that marks us. Use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.
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Very encouraging words…thank you Nick!