Tag: Obedience

Bible Studies

“Abraham’s Ultimate Test of Faith” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 22:1-14 NLT – Abraham’s Faith Tested – Some time – Bible Gateway

‘“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,’ Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.” Genesis 22:8 NLT

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We do not know how much time had lapsed from last weeks story of Abraham’s and King Abimelech’s agreement with each other. Notably it is at least a few years. Chapter 22 begins with the words, ‘Some time later.’ Abraham is well over one-hundred years old and his son Issac could now be in his late teens or early twenties. Abraham had been faithful in believing God’s promise to him concerning the Promised Land and the many descendants he will have that will begin with his son Issac. That is why the events in this chapter can only be considered as an ultimate test of faith for Abraham. Let’s begin.

“Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. ‘Abraham!’ God called. ‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Here I am.’” (Gen.22:1 nlt)  Here again we see Abraham’s willingness to hear and respond to whatever God asks of him. What Abraham heard was the last thing he thought he would ever hear. “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” (Gen.22:2 nlt) The Lord is testing Abraham’s love for Him over Issac. Notice the progression for effect when God says, ‘your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much.’ This is not going to be easy. A father’s love for his son is emphasized as is only natural. This is also the first time the word ‘love’ is used in Scripture and it is used here in this text. This portion of Scripture is a foreshadowing in several ways of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross at Calvary. First we note God’s love for His Son as noted at Jesus’ transfiguration, “But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.’” (Mt.17:5) God the Father loved Jesus as much as Abraham loved Issac.

Abraham wasn’t hesitant, as was his mode of operation, but prepared to set out the next day. He chopped the wood and saddled his horse which he could have had his servants do, but Abraham chose to do it himself. Abraham took two of his servants with him on this three-day journey to Moriah. The land of Moriah is the Jerusalem area. Mount Moriah is where Solomon’s Temple was built and the present-day Temple Mount is occupied by the Muslim Dome of the Rock. Abraham had plenty of time to digest and reflect on God’s instructions for him. I am sure he did not understand it but he knew God was faithful and always kept His promises. The Lord often tests us through adversity and hardships, although not in the same sense as Abraham, but He knows what is best and is looking for us to trust Him when those days come upon us.

As they arrived near the place Abraham said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey…..The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” (Gen.22:5 nlt) Abraham did not know what was ahead of him, but what he did know was that both he and Issac would be coming back after worshiping the Lord. Another first is found here as it is the first mention of the word worship in the Bible. Abraham must have had it in his mind and had the faith that God was able to raise Issac from the dead or that God would provide a substitute for Issac. With that, Abraham placed the wood on Issac’s shoulders, he took the fire and knife and the two walked together the rest of the way.

Along the walk as they came closer to the site something occurred to Issac. “Isaac turned to Abraham and said, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘We have the fire and the wood,’ the boy said, ‘but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?’” (Gen.22:7 nlt) Again, Abraham does not hesitant even though he is not sure how God will act says, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” (Gen.22:8 nlt) Upon arrival the Bible says Abraham built an altar, he arranged the wood, tied his son and laid him on top of the wood.

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Abraham’s faith is on full display but let us not overlook Issac’s faith. Seeing Abraham’s faith led Issac to have great faith in his father and in the Lord God. Issac did not seemed to resist. He certainly could have overpowered the aging Abraham. But he did not, and willing submitted to his father Abraham. Here is another foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice in this passage. Jesus willing laid down His life for us. Issac is seen as a prefiguration of Christ. “And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment, the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Yes,’ Abraham replied. ‘Here I am!’ (Gen.22:10-11 nlt) The Lord was about to provide a substitute.

Abraham passed the test. He proved his faith through obedience and trusting in God to keep His promises. “Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.” (Gen.22:13 nlt) Another first here is the first mention of a sacrifice substitution of one life for another. God still required the sacrifice, but a substitute was needed. He supplied a ram for Issac. A sacrifice was needed for our sin and God provided a substitute for all who believe in His name, Jesus, God the Son. Abraham then called the place ‘Yahweh-Yireh’ (which means “the LORD will provide”) Yes, the Lord will provide.

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“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt)

Devotionals

A long-term investment strategy

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 37:16-22 NLT – It is better to be godly and have – Bible Gateway

“It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.” Psalm 37:16 NLT

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Investing for the future makes sense. Old sayings like ‘a penny saved is a penny earned’ and ‘saving for a rainy day’ have been repeated to young children to instill upon them the importance of saving for the future. High school and college graduates entering the workforce will begin, if they are smart, investing for family planning, buying a home, and all the expenses accumulated in life. Investing for the future also includes a retirement plan for when your working days are over. Some people put this off thinking they have lots of time, but another old saying is ‘time flies.’ I remember thinking back years ago in my first full-time job and seeing my retirement date. It seemed like an eternity away; well that date came and went five years ago.

For the Christian, while it is smart to invest financially, it is also vital to invest in living a godly life which will benefit in your overall retirement goal. Biblical commentator David Guzik says Psalm 37:16 is ‘a long-term investment strategy.’ King David wrote, “It is better to be godly and have little.” (Ps.37:16 nlt) You see, with God little is much. Living a godly life, obeying God, working hard, caring for your family, being a good neighbor, and helping others are also part of a long-term investment strategy.

There is nothing wrong in being rich. God blesses the rich as well. Their riches are even more abundant in God’s hands. David is saying in this psalm if you need to be evil and shady to secure your future it’s not worth it. “For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the LORD takes care of the godly. Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.” (Ps.37:17-18 nlt) A sure long-term investment strategy is living a godly life of obedience. It is never too early or too late to start as long as you start now.

Bible Studies

Sin; a hindrance to God’s blessings

Loring Schultz

Biblical Insight’s ‘The Story of Abraham’ will pick up next week.

Read: Joshua 7 NLT – Ai Defeats the Israelites – But Israel – Bible Gateway

“That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” Joshua 7:12 NLT

The Lord God has led Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. Israel was assured of victory in every conquest. All they needed to do was to obey God. Christians today can also be certain of victory for it is the Lord who fights our battles. All we need to do is obey. When we fail to obey God, we will suffer defeat when we were assured of victory because sin became a hindrance as in story presented to us Joshua chapter 7.

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After the successful battle of Jericho, Joshua sends men to spy out the city of Ai. The report is highly favorable concluding that a smaller number of warriors were needed to conquer it and not the entire fighting force. Ai was a town small in number and would easily be defeated. Without hesitation Joshua sent about 3,000 men on the mission only to be defeated being driven back and losing thirty-six men in the process. Distraught over the results, Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothes bowing down before the Ark of the Lord until evening. “Then Joshua cried out, ‘Oh, Sovereign LORD, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side! Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies?’” (Jos.7:7-8 nlt) It sounds like Joshua is having buyer’s remorse for having bought in to the Lord’s plan for them to enter the Promised Land. The Lord would reveal to Joshua what he did not know on why Israel was defeated. Israel had sinned against the Lord.

The first insight for us to learn is the consequences of our sin does not affect us alone. The Lord tells Joshua, “Israel has sinned and broken my covenant!” (Jos.7:11 nlt) One man, Achan, had disobeyed God’s command in the previous battle of Jericho by coveting, stealing, hiding, and lying about the things that were to be set apart for the Lord. The sin led to his family to being complicit in helping cover up the disobedience to the Lord and breaking His covenant. Achan and his family were part of God’s chosen people Israel. Sin had been committed by having disregard for God’s commands and directly disobeying them. God is a holy God having instructed Joshua and the nation of Israel to have faith, courage, and to be obedient. Israel as a nation did not do so completely in the battle of Jericho. God had said, “Israel has sinned and broken my covenant!”

Our second insight; as God is holy, He cannot deal with sin in His presence. God will not deal with us as we go our own way but will put the brakes on us as He did with Israel’s defeat at Ai. The Lord told Joshua, “I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.” (Jos.7:12 nlt) We must do the same. If we expect to see the Lord’s continued blessings we need to be obedient to Him and destroy (get rid of) any sin that is causing a major hindrance to that end.

Finally, the Lord’s blessings were seen by Achan and his family in the victory at Jericho. They witnessed the Lord fighting their battle and achieving victory; however, they were not content and wanted more. The Lord helps overcome major battles in our lives. His blessings continue to flow through our lives as we obey Him. If suddenly a small inconvenience becomes a major battle and wipes you out perhaps there is a ‘sin of Achan’ that needs to be destroyed. Being obedient to God and getting rid of that persistent sin will lead to God’s blessings.

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Devotionals

Developing Convictions

Loring Schultz

Ephesians 5:10-20 NLT – Carefully determine what pleases the – Bible Gateway

“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10 NLT

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Throughout any given day we make hundreds of choices. If our day is not already preplanned, we have the task of deciding how to fill the day. Even in those preplanned days, would our scheduled activities please the Lord? Obviously work, fulfilling family needs, spending time with the Lord, and volunteering in the community would be pleasing to God. It is those gray areas that are concerning for the Christian. Areas of personal conviction between you and God if you participate in them hinders your relationship with Him. It doesn’t need to be outright sin that would displease God, James tells us, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (Ja. 4:17nlt) This is especially true in the things you hold in conviction to do or not to do.

Developing convictions between you and the Lord begins with spending time in the Bible and in prayer with Him. During times of confusion in certain areas of your life search the scriptures and ask God for guidance as to what He pleases Him, then go do it or not do it as the Lord placed the conviction on your heart. Not every Christian will have the same convictions. What is a conviction for me may not necessarily be a conviction for you and vice versa. That doesn’t mean that God is not pleased with both of us. He is pleased as we are obedient to His will for us.

There are common denominators for all Christians to agree with convictions in what pleases and displeases God. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret…… Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Eph. 5:11-12, 17nlt) As you plan your day, carefully determine what pleases the Lord by developing convictions.

Bible Studies

“What’s in a name?” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 17 NLT – Abram Is Named Abraham – When Abram was – Bible Gateway

“This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.” Genesis 17:4-5 NLT

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Your name is significant. It identifies you. It may have a special meaning or be in honor of one of your parents or someone nestled in your family tree. Overall it is unique to you even if others have the same name. There is a purpose for it, and that purpose is you, it is your name. Imagine having your name changed at age ninety-nine. Imagine living until age ninety-nine. Abram was quite alive when he was ninety-nine years old and he had his name change by the Lord God. There was a special purpose for it, Abram was about to Abraham, the father of many nations.

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.’ (Gen.17:1 nlt) It had been thirteen years since Ishmael was born, Sarai’s and Abram’s plan to have a child through Hagar, Sarai’s servant. Abram was commanded to live a blameless life by the Lord ‘El-Shaddai’ which means ‘God almighty, nothing is impossible with God.’ Abram must respond in obedience to receive God’s promises for him. Abram fell down to the ground as the Lord spoke to him about the covenant He would make with him.

The Lord God told Abram He was going to make him the father of many nations. He then said to Abram that his name would change from Abram (Exalted Father) to Abraham meaning (father of many nations). God promised that Abraham’s descendants would be fruitful and become many nations with many kings. This covenant would be an everlasting covenant lasting throughout the generations and the Lord promised He will always be his God and the God of his future descendants.

God also said, “And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever.” (Gen.17:8 nlt) The Lord includes the earlier covenant He made with Abram in chapter 15 here in chapter 17. The Lord promised the land where Abram was standing would be his descendants forever. Abram was to walk through it and claim it. This everlasting covenant is still in effect today and beyond. It does not end. The Lord God has promised that land to Israel.

Abraham had one responsibility in this covenant along with all his future descendants and that was to conduct the sign of the covenant, circumcision. “From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased. All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant.” (Gen.17:12-13 nlt) Circumcision was common in Abram’s day. It was carried out by various people groups. The most common reason was for hygienic purposes. Here God uses it as a symbol of cutting away sin and being cleansed, and it served as signifying consecration to the Lord.

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Sarai also gets a new name. “Then God said to Abraham, ‘Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah.” (Gen.17:15 nlt) Both Sarai and Sarah mean ‘princess’ although ‘Sarai’ includes ‘my princess.’ This name change would emphasize Sarah would be the mother of many nations as Abraham’s wife, for she will bear a child to him and serve God’s purposes. “And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.” (Gen.17:16 nlt) Abraham could not believe what he heard and laughed to himself, after all he would be one hundred years old and Sarah ninety.

Abraham seeks a simpler solution that is right in front of him again. He once again asks God for Ishmael serve as his heir. But again God says ‘No!’ Sarah will have a son and you will name him Issac, meaning ‘he laughs.’ Abraham did laugh, if only to himself. God said that He will confirm His covenant with Issac and his descendants for he is the covenant child of promise, not Ishmael. But God does indeed bless Ishmael and his descendants. Abraham will be the father of many nations and Ishmael descendants will help fulfill that promise. The Lord God said,
“As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.” (Gen.17:20 nlt)

On that very day when the Lord left Abraham he immediately obeyed God by fulfilling his responsibility by circumcising his son Ishmael and all the male servants in his household. “Both Abraham and his son, Ishmael, were circumcised on that same day, along with all the other men and boys of the household, whether they were born there or bought as servants. All were circumcised with him.” (Gen.17:26-27 nlt) Abraham obeyed God. He did not delay by thinking about it. He had faith that God would do what he had promised even though it may seem impossible. Abraham’s faith is an example for all of us. May Abraham’s faith be contagious to us in our day to catch his faith through the help of the Holy Spirit because El-Shaddai is God Almighty wherein nothing is impossible.

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Next week a son is promised to Sarah and Abraham pleads with God……..

Devotionals

Bad Luck or Bad Deeds

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT – All Christians – Finally, all of you – Bible Gateway

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 NLT

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There is an old saying that goes, ‘If I didn’t have bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.’ I suppose that is true if holding good things happening to you is a matter of luck. It is easy to assume that everything bad occurring in life is due to bad luck, therefore the old saying becomes a matter of fact. But is it always luck that is in play in the circumstances of life? Perhaps not. Perhaps it’s something more.

Peter, in writing to Christians of his day, wrote “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” (1Pt.3:10 nlt) Happy days which lead to an enjoyable life start with always telling the truth and not saying anything that is evil. You will never need to worry about anything coming back at you if you tell the truth. Peter went on to say, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.” (1Pt.3:11 nlt) Doing good things, striving for peace and living in it will never result in negative circumstances. There’s no luck involved.

There is also no bad luck involved when bad things happen. When we are not walking in obedience with the Lord, we should not be so surprised if bad things happen. Peter writes, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” (1Pt.3:12 nlt) Going our way by turning our backs on God, doing bad deeds, will not result in the Lord’s blessings.

Yes, bad things do happen to faithful Christians under the providence of the Lord for His purposes. But we can be sure His eye is always on us during these times, and he is attentive to our prayers. It is our disobedience that brings about most of our bad times. It is not our bad luck, but our bad deeds.

Bible Studies

“The Call of Abram” – The Story of Abraham

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 11:26-12:9 NLT – After Terah was 70 years old, he became – Bible Gateway

“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1 NLT

Our story of Abraham begins with God calling him as a pagan and probably a worshiper of the moon-god ‘sin’ His name at this point is Abram and is living in Ur of the Chaldeans, a prosperous commercial city of early the Sumerian kingdom in Mesopotamia, modern day Iraq. We find Abraham’s family and his ancestors in Genesis chapter 11. Abram, whose name means ‘exalted father’ is a descendant in the line of Shem one of Noah’s sons after the flood. His father’s name is Terah meaning ‘delay’ which is significant. Abram had two brothers, Nahor and Haran who had died. Abram adopted his nephew Lot after Haran died. “Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah. Milcah and her sister Iscah were daughters of Nahor’s brother Haran.” (Gen.11:29 nlt) Abram’s wife was his half-sister and Nahor’s wife was his brother Haran’s daughter. Prohibition against such marriages were unknown in patriarchal times. Later Mosaic law did not permit such marriages.

“One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai (his son Abram’s wife), and his grandson Lot (his son Haran’s child) and moved away from Ur of the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there.” (Gen.11:31 nlt) This is Abram on the move obeying God’s call. It sounds as if Terah made the call to move on, but it was God speaking to Abram. The call would be repeated after an unadvised stay in Haran until Terah died. The book of Acts confirms Abram’s original call was in Ur. Steven in speaking to the Jewish council said, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor Abraham in Mesopotamia before he settled in Haran. God told him, ‘Leave your native land and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you. So, Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran until his father died.’” (Acts 7:2-4 nlt) We don’t know why there was a stay in Haran. Some of the reasons for the stay may have been due to Terah’s age. The city of Haran was also a thriving city and also worshiped the moon-god, perhaps Terah felt at home there. An important note to make, Abram was not told to bring the family along, but to “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” (Gen.12:1 nlt) We are left with not knowing why Abram stopped and stayed in Haran for he was there for a considerable amount of time. He left Haran with “all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran.” (Gen.12:5 nlt) Abram is now on his way with his wife, Sarai, and his nephew Lot to the land God has called him.

Abram had great faith that God would fulfil his promises to him. He left his homeland and family twice giving up his familiar way of life. Bishop Ryle notes, “He was to ‘renounce certainties of the past’ ‘face uncertainties of the future’ look for and follow the direction of Jehovah’s will.’” The promises God made to Abraham were seven-fold, 1. ‘I will make you a great nation’ 2. ‘I will bless you’ 3. ‘I will make your name great’ 4. ‘You shall be a blessing’ 5. ‘I will bless those who bless you’ 6. I will curse those who curse you 7. ‘in you all the families of the earth will be blessed’ Abram’s faith started with the very first promise. God promised to make him a great nation. Abram was 75 years old when God spoke this promise to him and Sarai was barren and not much younger. Relating that to us today, can we find it within ourselves to have the same faith? It might be a little hard. But these stories in scripture are put in there for our benefit to find encouragement and to learn from them when and where we live.

Abraham has certainly become famous, he has been greatly blessed by God, Israel has become a great nation, Abraham had been a blessing to others, God has blessed those who bless Israel and the Jewish people and continues to do so until this day. One of the reasons I believe nations are blessed today is they are supportive of the nation Israel. And as we noted last week all the families of the earth will be blessed through Abraham for Jesus, the Messiah, came through the line of Abraham providing salvation to all who accept Him.

Abram’s first stop when entering Canaan was Shechem, a major settlement at the crossroads of two main commercial highways, 40 miles north of Jerusalem. He came into the land God has promised and the Lord appeared to him again. “Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’ And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the LORD, who had appeared to him.” (Gen.12:7 nlt) This is the first of several altars Abram built along the way when encountering a spiritual experience. He knew the land of Canaan belonged to the Lord and he consecrated that Promised Land to God. Abram then traveled south and camped near Bethel where he built another altar and worshiped the Lord God. Abram was no longer a moon-god worshiper. By setting up camp he also declared permanent residence though it was only a tent and wouldn’t be realized for many years. Here is another example of his great faith.

We close this week with Abram continuing to move south pulling up stakes and heading toward the Negev in southern Palestine southwest of the Dead Sea. Next week Abram is forced to go to Egypt as a result of a famine. Even when God is leading us things don’t always go smoothly. How does Abram handle it? Well, we will see this man of faith is just like us.

Until next week………

Devotionals

Don’t Give Up               

Loring Schultz

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” Galatians 6:9 NLT

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Have you ever reached a point in your life when you throw up your hands and say, ‘why bother?’ You obey the law, except perhaps going over the speed limit, you’re kind to your neighbors sharing what the Lord has blessed you with, you volunteer for community projects, and you give to the poor. After a while you experience unsettling times when you sense your efforts are underappreciated or not recognized at all. On top of that, you don’t see anywhere your goodness has made a difference. Indeed, it can be unsettling. Paul has some advice for us ‘don’t give up.’

As the farmer waits patiently through the hot summer months until autumn to reap his crop, so must we be patient and not give up.. Our heavenly Father is the master gardener and we are His workers in His field. Our main job is to constantly plant seed, do good works as unto the Lord allowing Him to nurture our efforts by watering the ground and providing abundant sunshine to produce a bountiful crop. Some of our efforts may fall on hard stoney ground and never have the chance to sink in and make a difference. That shouldn’t stop us from doing good. We are to faithful and give it to the Lord.

It can be frustrating not seeing results from our work and not being appreciated, but we are not doing it for ourselves but for the Lord. His command to us is to love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. And remember Paul’s advice, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” So, don’t give up!

Devotionals

Back where you belong  

Loring Schultz

Read: Zechariah 10:6-12 ESV – “I will strengthen the house of – Bible Gateway

“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.” Zechariah 10:6 ESV

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Are there periods of time in your life when you feel out of place? You are not where you’re supposed to be. Maybe through a fault of or own, or not, but you are out of place. Perhaps some sin drew you to this place of discomfort and though you don’t want to admit it, you know it’s true. You either put yourself there or the Lord put you there to chastise you, or both. There is a way out, there is good news on the horizon for those who know and trust God. You are not rejected forever if you are His child. When you call out to God in repentance, asking for forgiveness He will answer you and you’ll soon be back where you belong.

Both the ten tribes of Israel in the north, and the tribes of Benjamin and Judah in the south were taken captive to a place they didn’t belong. Both due to their continual sin against the Lord God and refusing to obey His commandments. The Lord has promised to restore them fully as if He had never rejected them. The southern tribes were returned to their land seventy years after captivity but never again had full autonomy. The northern tribes never regain their self-governing either. But one day, as God has promised, both will be restored again as one nation in the millennial kingdom.

God’s promise to the children of Israel is a promise all Christians can hold to as His chosen people in Christ. The Lord will have compassion on you as you seek and obey Him bringing you back where you belong, in His will.  

Devotionals

Honest and Trustworthy

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Kings 12:4-16 NLT – One day King Joash said to the priests, – Bible Gateway

“No accounting of this money was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and trustworthy men.” 2 Kings 12:15 NLT

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Being honest and trustworthy is harder for some people than you may think. It comes naturally for some, but just as naturally for others who are not honest and trustworthy. There is a story in the Old Testament book of 2 Kings that depicts both sides of being honest and trustworthy. Joash, the king of Judah, set out to have the Temple of God restored. It had been 124 years since its completion, and it had fallen into disrepair due to age. Joash’s plan was to allocate a portion of the Temple offerings to fund the necessary repairs. The priests were put in charge to oversee the operation. Sounds like a plan, but it did not succeed.

“But by the twenty-third year of Joash’s reign, the priests still had not repaired the Temple.” (2Kg.12:6 nlt) The priests did what so many of us do. They sat on it. To be fair, perhaps the offerings were small and not adequate for their own needs. This was possible due to mistrust from previous years of idolatry. Joash told them they were to receive no more money and what they had was to be used in repairing the Temple. The priests’ response is not one we would expect of God’s servants in the Temple. They agreed but also would take no part in the restoration project including paying for it. They passed it off. I would not say the priests were dishonest, but they were not trustworthy in doing all they could even with minimum funds to start the process of making repairs. They were also disobedient to the king.

King Joash came up with another plan to secure financing and it worked. The people responded and dropped their money in the chest the king provided at the entrance of the Temple under guard. As the money was collected it was given to the construction supervisors who paid for the carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters, along with purchasing materials. And “No accounting of this money was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and trustworthy men.” (2Kg.12:15 nlt) Something we would all like to be noted for, ‘honest and trustworthy.’ It shouldn’t be too difficult for us to find work and our integrity will never be in question. The priests can be given the benefit of the doubt, but they will always be the subject of conversation. May we not get sidetracked with our concerns that we lose the passion for what God has called us to do and become untrustworthy.