DAY 160
Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 1-3
Second Chronicles is a parallel to 1-2 Kings, but with scarcely a word about Israel and the ten northern tribes. Written after the return of the southern exiles of Judah, Israel is now a footnote in history. 2 Chronicles begins with the onset of Solomon’s reign and his preparations in building the temple. In his letter to Hiram, king of Tyre, Solomon makes a marvelous statement. Even in consideration of the astronomical expense and unspeakable beauty of the new dwelling place, Solomon says this: “And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build Him a temple, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a temple, except to burn sacrifice before Him?” (2:5-6). In all its splendor, the temple was still nothing more than a tool to glorify and serve the God of heaven. I wonder if the splendor of many religious edifices today can say the same? How much of the time, labor and expense is designed for creature comforts and monuments to our vanity and pride versus what is planned to actually serve the Lord God of heaven?
New Testament reading: Ephesians 4-6
If all married couples would diligently practice God’s instructions for married folks in Ephesians 5:22-33, divorce as we know it in our country would disappear like dew before the morning sun. The text begins and concludes with two simple admonitions for wives: 1) submit to your own husbands as unto the Lord (v 22); and 2) respect your husband (v 33). In between these is a litany of admonitions for husbands which, if faithfully considered and followed, would cause every woman in her right mind to submit herself to and respect her husband. As is usually the case, trouble in marriage starts at the top. Again, no right-thinking woman would ever leave a husband who loved his wife and gave himself for her (v 25), loved her as his own body (v 28), and nourished and cherished her as Christ does the church (v 29). Note I didn’t say it would eliminate ALL divorces, but it would remove the burden of blame from all men who practiced such!
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