submission

2 Chronicles 8-9 – When it Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This

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There are times in our life (though they may seem few and far between) when we look around and say, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” Maybe it’s…

  • When you’re on vacation and enjoying the scenery, the food, and the relaxation.
  • When you’re in your recliner, remote in hand, snacks and drink by your side and an afternoon of sports or movies on TV.
  • When you’re lying with a newborn snuggled up against you.

Whatever it is, it’s those times when all your problems seem to fade and you’re blanketed with a sense of peace and contentment…if only for a moment.

In 2 Chronicles chapters 8-9, Israel is experiencing one of those “it doesn’t get any better than this” times.

  • The nation is experiencing a time of peace and prosperity as it had never known before.
  • Their king Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest man to ever walk the earth.
  • The nation of Israel was building, expanding, fortifying, and dominating like never before.
  • The nations of the world were drawn to and envious of Israel.
  • There was so much wealth that silver was as plentiful as stones.

It would literally never get any better for Israel than it was at this time.

When times are going well for us, we should…

  • Realize that these times are a gift from God; a demonstration of His grace and love in a tangible way.
  • Be grateful and enjoy them.
  • Remember, nothing last forever, so be responsible and make the most of the time.

Such times should remind us to focus on God and respond to Him with recognition, gratitude, and submission. Be careful in the good times not to take them or God, for granted. Learn to be a good steward of the good times.

1 Chronicles 18-21 – Regular Maintenance Required

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Everything in life must be kept up and maintained. We don’t think about maintenance when things are new and running well. But, a lack of maintenance will lead to a gradual and eventual breakdown. And this is true of our relationship with God.

Our relationship with God requires regular maintenance. God warned His people about this prior to their entering the Promised Land. (Deut. 4:1-14) (Deut. 6:10-13.)

But neglecting to maintain a relationship with God is just what happens in 1 Chronicles chapters 18-21. In chapter 18, David seems unstoppable. He’s winning one military victory after another, fighting shoulder to shoulder with his men while honoring God and giving Him credit for the victories.

But in chapter 20, there is a subtle shift in David and his approach.

  • Instead of going to battle with his men, David stays home.
  • After David’s commander leads the army to victory, David comes out and proudly puts the defeated king’s crown on his own head…taking credit for the victory.
  • David also takes a large amount of plunder, but this time there is nothing said about dedicating it to God.

David’s subtle downward slide culminates in him calling for a census of able body soldiers. This seems like a small thing, but God had not asked David to take a census. David’s victories were dependent on God, not David’s troop count. The census was merely David pridefully basking in his successes.

Though God eventually corrected David, David’s lack of maintenance in his relationship with God eventually caused him and those around him great pain.

With God, as with life, neglecting maintenance can go unseen for a while, but the eventual need for correction will come. And correction can be jarring and very costly. So, when it comes to your relationship with God, pay attention to the daily maintenance and you won’t have to scramble and panic trying to repair a broken relationship.

1 Chronicles 13 – Good Intentions vs Obedience

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Picture this…a father and son are having a great time playing ball in the front yard. Then, the ball rolls past the boy and into the street. Without thinking, the boy runs into the street after the ball. Suddenly the mood changes. The father sternly raises his voice and commands the boy to stop. Then, the father disciplines the boy for going into the street; something he had repeatedly been told not to. The game is suddenly over and the boy doesn’t feel like playing ball anymore.

Though overly simplified, this is what happens in 1 Chronicles chapter 13. David and the people want the presence of God to be in the center of their nation, so they decide to move the Ark of the Covenant to the capital city of Jerusalem.

There’s great rejoicing until the oxen pulling the cart carrying the Ark stumbles and the Ark begins to topple. Without thinking, Uzzah put his hand on the Ark to steady it. Suddenly, the atmosphere changes. God becomes angry with Uzzah and strikes him dead. Then David – hurt and angry with God’s reaction – decides not to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. The game’s over.

David and the people had good intentions in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. Uzzah had good intentions in trying to keep the Ark from falling over. So why was God so harsh?

God had given clear instructions on how the Ark was to be moved. It was only to be carried by priests, using golden poles placed through the rings on the Ark. And not even the priests were to touch the Ark with their hands.

But, despite clear instructions, they were carrying the Ark on a cart pulled by oxen. And Uzzah had touched that which God had commanded them not to touch.

When we rest on good intentions more than obedience, we take God for granted and make ourselves the authority. When we rely more on our good intentions than our obedience, we will be sorely disappointed in the outcome.

Remember…good intentions do not make up for disobedience!

2 Samuel 12 – God’s Rules of the Road

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To get from point A to point B often requires several steps…and at times, a little help. But, if you will receive the help and take the steps, it’s amazing how far you can get.

In 2 Samuel chapter 12, David moves from hypocritical sinner to conquering king. But it was a hard trip, requiring some help and several steps.

David needed someone to clearly point out that he was not only moving in the wrong direction but that it was a dangerous direction.

Then, David was able to humbly admit his sin and accept the correction given to him. At this point, David turned and started moving toward God…first in shame and regret, and then in petition for help. And even when God would not make the trip any easier, David worshiped God and acknowledged God’s sovereignty. And finally, David turned his attention to the here and now; comforting those whom his actions hurt and getting back to the work he had neglected. (2 Samuel 11:1)

God’s response was to bless David’s family with a son and to bless his work with a victory.

If we’re to get from where we are to where God wants us to be, we need to mind God’s rules of the road. God’s rules of the road are accountability, confession, repentance, prayer, submission, obedience, and worship. These help us to progress on the trip God desires for us, and they lead us to those rest areas where God can bless us, our families, and our work.

So mind God’s rules of the road, and you will move from where you are to where God wants you to be.

1 Samuel 29-30 – How Well Do You Get Along With Others?

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You can’t please everyone. No matter how hard you try, someone is not going to like something you’ve said or done.

But David was a man who seemed to be able to get along with a wide variety of people. In 1 Samuel chapters 29 and 30, we see David masterfully developing trust and good relations with a wide variety of often opposing groups.

In chapter 29, David earns the trust and respect of the Philistine king. (1 Samuel 29:6,9)

In chapter 30…

  • David rallies the very men who, earlier, were so upset with him they were ready to kill him.
  • David is able to enlist an Amalekite slave who had previously destroyed David’s village.
  • David becomes a mediator for his men when they are in the midst of a disagreement.
  • David endears himself to the leaders of his home country…even though that country had run him out of town and tried to kill him.

How does he do it? How does Dave foster trust and loyalty among others…many of whom are enemies to him and each other?

First, David built relationships by showing kindness and respect to others. But more important than his relationship with others was his relationship with God…

  • When David didn’t know what to do, he turned to God for insight and answers. (1 Samuel 23:2,4,6,9,11,12.)
  • When David encountered unfair treatment, he trusted God to right the wrongs and ensure justice. (1 Samuel 24:12,15)
  • When David was discouraged and demoralized, he found his strength and hope in God. (1 Samuel 30:6)

David was submissive and obedient to God, and God made him wise and discerning…which, in turn, strengthened his relationships and interactions with others.

Do you have trouble getting along with people? If so, check your submission and obedience to God. This is always the starting place for great relationships…and great endeavors.