July 27
2 Chron 19:1-20:37 | PS 21:1-13 | Prov 20:4-6 | Rom 10:14-11:12
Consider for a moment the command given by King Jehoshaphat to the judges in the land of Judah in 2 Chronicles 19:5-7, "He appointed judges throughout the nation in all the fortified towns, and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”" Consider our own nation in America, and for that matter, all the nations in the world currently. Can any nation state this? Judges are politically slanted. Most are swayed by convincing words. Politicians seek re-election, political favor. Even when they do, which is rarely, seek to serve their constituents, God is nowhere in the equation. God was and is Creator. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It is we who have chosen to take our eyes off of Him, both in our day-to-day lives and in the big decisions. Without God, justice is perverted, and any and every nation will spiral downward, whether it is obvious or not. One erroneous decision after another means one step in the wrong direction.
The nation of Israel has always been surrounded by a multitude of enemies. Currently around the size of New Jersey, they are literally surrounded by nations much larger who do not share their ideology, and many desire to see their destruction. In recent times we have seen amazing feats do defeat their enemies, the use of the Iron Dome, exploding cell phones, a 12-day war with Iran which was truly one sided. Though I celebrate these victories, most in Israel, and most in our nation have failed to see Israel's strongest weapon, God. We read the situation before Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:2, "Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.)" Faced with this insurmountable horde, we see what their leader did, in 20:5-6, "Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!" After bringing remembrance before the people of some of God's past victories, we see the response come forth in 20:17, "But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”" God stood for them and fought for them in the past and He will do so again, but the problem is the people, the leaders, the nation are largely not asking. Yes, they might invoke a short prayer after they have painstakingly made their own plans. But this is not faith, this is sprinkling a little God on top of their own strength.
Our world largely does not know or acknowledge God. How can anyone move forward in faith if the masses are not in a relationship with the One True God.? The answer lies in Romans 10:14-17, "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ." Our world does not know Jesus Christ. They have chosen to not know Him. God could simply take us all to heaven the moment we make a decision to place our faith in Him and follow Him. But, He chooses instead to leave us here for a time, to serve as His vessels, His ambassadors, His priests, to bring His message to the masses for such a time as this. May we who are in a relationship with God be vocal and bold to bring forth His message of salvation, and let everyone know the reason behind our faith.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: