Bible Connect (Week 28 Day 4)
15 - We will begin our reading in 2 Chronicles 15 because it goes well with yesterday’s reading in 1 Kings 15. 2 Chronicles 15 gives more details of Asa’s reforms. Spurred by the prophet Azaraiah (about whom we nothing else) in verse 1 Asa takes on additional reforms. Verse 2 is a stellar verse that reminds us of the basic shape of being in relationship with God. How wonderful that if we seek Him He will be found! Verse 8 suggests a more extensive reformation involving the whole land. Verse 9 shows how the faithful moved in increasing numbers south so they could serve the Lord. Verse 17 is disturbing but may not be so a much a bad mark on Asa’s reign, as much as it is a comment on the hard-hearted-ness of the people of the land, or may just refer to Israel because Asa had cleansed Judah (14:3).
16 - 2 Chronicles 16 largely parallels 1 Kings 15, but in verse 7 we get additional info the account in Kings does not contain! The attack from the north (verse 1) tests Asa’s faith and sadly he fails. He does not seek the Lord or trust in the Lord and so is condemned (verses 7-9). His reaction to the prophet’s words is terrible, as Asa appears to drift away from God (verses 10, 12).
16 - Our focus returns to Israel in the north in chapter 16. There is tremendous emphasis here on God’s word coming to pass (note verses 7, 11-12, 34). Verse 7 actually condemns Baasha for destroying the house of Jeroboam even though such was God’s will, apparently because Baasha did this act for his own purposes and not because he wanted to serve God. The northern kingdom is subject to all kinds of anarchy and chaos and even civil war (verse 15) as assassination follows assassination and generals replace kings. Omri (verses 21-28) finally brings some order the kingdom, permanently moving the capital to Samaria (verses 24). Yet spiritually he is no better than those before him (verse 26). His son Ahab brings Israel to a new low point (note 21:20, 25). Verses 31-32 introduce a new note in Israel’s spiritual demise: a false god. Before this Israel worships Jehovah through idols (which was certainly wrong) but now they are not even worshiping Jehovah. This is wrong worship of the wrong god, Baal!
Philemon - This is a very personal epistle. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave. He ran away (perhaps even stealing Philemon’s money), somehow met up with Paul and was converted. Paul now returns him with this letter that pleads for Philemon to treat Onesimus kindly. At first we might dismiss this epistle as having little value to modern times. However, it is a marvelous “postcard” that puts teachings on forgive- ness, warmth, and care for others into action for us to see. Christianity is to change how we live and how we treat others! Apphia (verse 2) might be Philemon’s wife. Note the importance of voluntarily doing the right thing, instead of being made to do so (verses 14, 20).