Scripture Nugget 6.1.2016

“In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom, and also in a written edict declared: ‘Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of those among you who are of his people – may their God be with them! – are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel – he is the God who is in Jerusalem; and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides free will offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’” Ezra 1:1-4

Interesting isn’t it, that God’s grace, God’s spirit moves King Cyrus to allow Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. He admits that God is God in Jerusalem. God is God in Persia too – “the LORD stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia.” Do I, do you, recognize God as God of all? Or do I limit God to God of only those who believe? How can I keep God from moving? Better question, what am I called to do to help others realize God’s presence? Not that God needs my help, but that others do. How am I helping others become disciples, to grow in discipleship, for the good of the Kingdom of God? How am I growing as a disciple? Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, the hearts of the unknowing, all our hearts – by the power of your grace!

Scripture Nugget 5.31.2016

“The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they gave no heed. Therefore the LORD brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh captive in manacles, bound him with fetters, and brought him to Babylon. While he was in distress he entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. He prayed to him, and God received his entreaty, heard his plea, and restored him again to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD indeed was God. … He took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built on the mountain of the house of the LORD and in Jerusalem, and he threw them out of the city. He also restored the altar of the LORD and offered on it sacrifices of well-being and of thanksgiving; and he commanded Judah to serve the LORD the God of Israel. The people, however, still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the LORD their God. 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, 15-17.

When my thoughts and actions are against God, am I prepared to be placed in manacles and fetters? Am I willing to admit that it’s what I think and do that binds not only my hands and feet but my spirit as well? Will I pay attention, give heed, and submit myself to God? Confess and turn away from those sins and to God? Will I indeed know that the LORD is God? Will I remove the idols from my life, quit attempting to push the boundaries of righteousness to fit my definitions instead of living within those God establishes? As yourself the same questions for yourself and let’s both ask then for the Body of Christ in our local congregations? Will we follow God or would we make God into something that He isn’t?

Scripture Nugget 5.27.2016

“Moreover he (Jehoram) made high places in the hill country of Judah, and led the inhabitants of Jerusalem into unfaithfulness, and made Judah go astray. A letter came to him from the prophet Elijah, saying: ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David: Because you have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or in the ways of King Asa of Judah, but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem into unfaithfulness, as the house of Ahab led Israel into unfaithfulness, and because you also have killed your bothers, members of your father’s house, who were better than yourself, see, the LORD will bring a great plague on your people, your children, your wives, and all your possessions, and you yourself will have a serve sickness with a disease of your bowels, until your bowels come out, day after day, because of the disease.” 2 Chronicles 21:11-15

Sin is a powerful thing! The sins I commit not only separate me from God but separate my wife, children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and community from God. God kindles anger against me for my sins and against those close to me, just because they are close – not that they participated. How much better to love God first? To love others as God loves me so that they will walk in His ways, not the ways of sin. If I love my family, why would I choose to cause them harm? To be sick with disease for years and die a slow agonizing death? Why didn’t Jehoram follow in his father’s (Jehoshaphat) early footsteps? “He walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD.” (2 Chon 20:32) Sounds great but read on, “Yet the high places were not removed; the people had not yet set their hearts upon the God of their ancestors.” (2 Chron 20:33) Fathers, spiritual leaders of your homes, pay attention! High places are a distraction; they turn our focus from God – creating idols. See yesterdays’ comment – “Interesting that the Chronicler says what he does in verses 31-34, before Jehoshaphat dies. What follows is a turning from God – Jehoshaphat’s spiritual death. A cautionary statement for all – tear down, completely destroy the high places in one’s life! Leaving them up possibly leads to temptation and turning away from God and turning to someone or something else. Ultimately, God wrecks the dreams that are not of His authorship. O God that I remain faithful, each and every moment of every day!” Cautionary statement continued – tear down and completely destroy the high place in your life – for your family, friends, and community’s sake!

Scripture Nugget 5.26.2016

“Then all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat at their head, returned to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had enabled them to rejoice over their enemies. They came to Jerusalem, with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the LORD. The fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around. So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. He walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD. Yet the high places were not removed; the people had not set their hearts upon the God of their ancestors. Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from first to last, are written in the Annals of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel. After this King Jehoshaphat of Judah joined with Kling Ahaziah of Israel, who did wickedly. He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish; they built the ships in Eziongeber. Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.’ And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish.” 2 Chronicles 20:21-27

Interesting that the Chronicler says what he does in verses 31-34, before Jehoshaphat dies. What follows is a turning from God – Jehoshaphat’s spiritual death. I cautionary statement for all – tear down, completely destroy the high places in one’s life! Leaving them up possibly leads to temptation and turning away from God and turning to someone or something else. Ultimately, God wrecks the dreams that are not of His authorship. O God that I remain faithful, each and every moment of every day!

Scripture Nugget 5.25.2016

“At that time the seer Hanani came to King Asa of Judah, and said to him, ‘Because you relied on the king of Aram, and did not rely on the LORD your God, the army of Aram has escaped you. Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with exceedingly many chariots and cavalry? Yet because you relied on the LORD, he gave them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him. You have done foolishly in this; for from now on you will have wars.’ Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in the stocks, in prison, for he was in a rage with him because of this. And Asa inflicted cruelties on some of the people at the same time.” 2 Chronicles 16:7-10

How often do I (you) become angry when the results of my actions do not turn out favorably to me? When I have relied on someone or something other than God? Why am I (are we) surprised? God’s promises lead us into the future – Over-the-Horizon. To respond properly I/we need Over-the-Horizon faith.

Scripture Nugget 5.24.2016

“Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of the whole assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven. He said, ‘O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant in steadfast love with your servants who walk before you with all their heart – you who have kept for your servant, my father, David, what you promised to him. Indeed, you promised with your mouth and this day fulfilled with your hand. Therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant, my father David, that which you promised him, saying, ‘There shall never fail you a successor before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children keep to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.’ Therefore, O LORD, God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant David.” 2 Chronicles 6:13e-17

God makes Over-the-Horizon Promises, to witness and experience those promises I/we need to live with Over-the-Horizon Faith. The fulfillment of God’s promises is often carried out much, much later; in subsequent generations. For any of us to experience these promises we must live faithfully over a long period of time. God’s Covenantal language is expressed this way, “I (God)n will do this, if you (Ed, my people) will remain faithful, follow my commands and walk with me.” Or “I am here with you, will you be with me.” Our response is not a short term one, it is for the long haul, our faith is to carry us into tomorrow, next week, next year and on and on – Over-the-Horizon.

Scripture Nugget 5.21.2016

“I am now about to build a house for the name of the LORD my God and dedicate it to him for offering fragrant incense before him, and for the regular offering of the rows of bread, and for burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths and the new moons and the appointed festivals of the LORD our God, as ordained forever for Israel. The house that I am about to build will be great, for our God is greater than other gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? “2 Chronicles 4-6

Solomon’s wisdom leads him to know that God is bigger than creation, so any “house” he builds for God will never be big enough to contain God. God is bigger than the creation, God created, how could a man-made building ever contain God? What Solomon desires to do is build a place where the creation is able to worship the Creator, to make sacrifices and offerings to the Creator. The se sacrifices, this worship is a joyous festival of community and sharing with each other that which God provides. The center of worship is sacrifice, God is the ultimate sacrificer, we are the receivers of the sacrifice. O that my worship be pleasing and acceptable in God’s presence, that I realize that the gifts I receive from God, the grace that He offers is His sacrifice, not my doing. That what I return to God, came from God and is to be shared with others. Give me wisdom and knowledge O God!

Scripture Nugget 5.20.2016

“‘And you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve him with single mind and willing heart; for the LORD searches every mind, and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will abandon you forever. Take heed now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary; be strong and act.’ Then David gave his son Solomon the plan … ‘All this, in writing at the LORD’s direction, he made clear to me – the plan of all the works.’ David said further to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed; for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28: 9-11a, 19-20

David not only encourages his son, Solomon, but shows him not only to follow God but how to do so. David also provides detailed guidance concerning the building of the Temple. Not only that but he amasses the resources needed to complete the task. David sets the conditions for Solomon’s success. It is now up to Solomon to serve God with a single mind and willing heart. As I father I must admit I’ve often been long on instruction, short on resources, and not the greatest example. My sons have been told what to do, but often not given the resources not the complete example. Forgive me God, forgive me boys. I am thankful, in these later years I’ve done better. It is my desire to be like David (in this case) and to continue to be like Christ for God always provides guidance, the resources required and is our biggest cheerleader. May I always possess and demonstrate singleness of mind and willingness of heart – God first!

Scripture Nugget 5.19.2016

“For David said, ‘The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people; and he resides in Jerusalem forever. And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or anything for its service’ …. ‘but their duty shall be to assist the descendants of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God; to assist also with the rows of bread, the choice flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. And they shall stand every morning, thanking and praising the LORD, and likewise at evening, and whenever burnt offerings are offered to the LORD on sabbaths, new moons, and appointed festivals, according to the number required of them, regularly before the LORD. Thus they shall keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and shall attend the descendants of Aaron, their kindred, for the service of the house of the LORD.’” 1 Chronicles 23:25-26, 28-32

Although the temple has yet to be constructed, the Tent of the Tabernacle is stationary in Jerusalem. David, taking this into consideration and believing God’s promise that his son would construct the temple, reassigns duties and responsibilities to the Levites. The Levites no longer are required to take down, pack away, transport, un-pack and construct the Tent of the Tabernacle and all it contains. David believes God’s Over-the-Horizon Promise then demonstrates Over-the-Horizon Faith by reordering the work load for the future. As I enter new stages of life it is my prayer and desire to recognize the need to allow God to re-order my work load, to change task(s) and purpose appropriate to each new season. O God that I remain flexible, give me ears to hear, eyes to see, and the heart to respond appropriately.

Scripture Nugget 5.17.2016

“Moreover I declare to you that the LORD will build you a house. When your days are fulfilled to go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be a father to him, and she shall be a son to me. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.” 1 Chronicles 17:10c-15

The prophet Nathan speaks to David the words God instructed him to say. What a wonderfully powerful promise and covenant. God declares that He will build, raise up, and establish forever David’s dynasty. For sure it is God’s work, not David’s that will make this happen. Of course David receives this news as a blessing upon himself, which it is. Also a blessing on his family forever, which it is. But he hasn’t even had the son through whom the dynasty shall be established. David has faith in God for the fulfilling of the future promise. Oh but God has so much more in mind. The relationship is already established between God the Father and God the Son, it has been before the beginning and will be forever. There will not be a reason for the Father to take from the Son his steadfast love, because the son is also God, the son is sinless, the son lives with the father in the kingdom, helped the father build, raise up and establish forever the kingdom of God. That work was ongoing then, it continues today – forever. As David later says in 1 Chronicles 17:26-27, “And now, O LORD, you are God, and you have promised this good thing to your servant; therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you. For you, O LORD, have blessed and are blessed forever.”

Jesus, the Son of God the Father, will arrive upon earth in the form of humanity. His earthly line descends from David’s ancestry, but His Godly line is from the before the beginning and continues forever and ever. God is blessed and shares blessings with all forever. O thank the Lord that by His grace I/we are able to remain in His presence and receive his blessings!