DAY 145

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 21-22

This apple fell about a million miles from the tree. 2 Kings 21 records the reign of wicked Manasseh. Manasseh was 12 years old when he assumed the throne and reigned 55 years, longer than any other king. His reign was marked by unspeakable evil and idolatry, including sacrificing his own son (21:6). He sought to undo all the reforms initiated by his righteous father Hezekiah. He went so far as to erect an idol of Asherah in the house of the Lord. His wickedness was the straw that broke the camel’s back regarding God’s relationship to Judah. God said he would wipe Judah clean as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down (21:13). Though Second Chronicles will paint a much more pleasant conclusion to Manasseh’s life and death, it might still be described as “too little, too late.”

New Testament reading: Romans 7-9

Romans 8 contains five great questions that serve to give strength and hope to Christians who are persecuted for their faith: 1) “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v 31); 2) “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not give us freely all things?” (v 32); 3) “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?” (v 33); 4) “Who is he who condemns (us – TC, cf Rev 12:10 – “for the accuser of our brethren… is cast down”); 5) “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” The manifold persecutions of this life may separate us from the breath of life, but they cannot separate us from God. Yes, we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us! It has been said, and I believe rightfully so, that Romans 8:31-39 is a concise commentary on the theme of the book of Revelation.

DAY 144

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 19-20

2 Kings 19 records God’s deliverance of Judah from the army of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. The Taylor Prism, on display in the British Museum, is a recording of Sennacherib’s excursion into Judah. After conquering many cities and setting up his throne in Lachish, Sennacherib boasted that he had shut up Hezekiah in Jerusalem “like a caged bird.” However, there is no mention of him conquering Jerusalem, and for good reason. In 2 Kings 19:7 we see Isaiah’s prophecy concerning Sennacherib, that he would return home at the sound of a rumor and die in his own land. In verses 35-37 God’s angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers without so much as a peep. In the morning, those who remained alive awoke to the silent slaughter. As Isaiah prophesied, Sennacherib went home and was subsequently murdered by his own sons. Chapter 20 records Hezekiah’s near death illness and God’s mercy upon him, restoring his health and extending his life 15 years. It is from this biblical account that we find the well used phrase, “set your house in order.” As a sign of His promise to heal Hezekiah, God made the sun move backwards ten degrees on the sundial. There are urban legends floating around the Internet concerning a discovery of this extra time, but these are fictional accounts and should not be believed, much less forwarded on to others.

New Testament reading: Romans 4-6

This text, and Romans 4:1-5 in particular, causes me to scratch my head. Not the text itself, but the use of it by so many to teach salvation by faith only. Those who appeal to Romans 4:3 as proof of salvation by faith only need to see how James utilized this same text to show how Abraham’s works justified him in the eyes of God (cf James 2:23). Moreover, the same Paul who wrote Romans 4 also wrote Romans 6, wherein we find one cannot be risen with Christ unless he has been baptized into his death (6:3-5). As strong a case as verses 3-4 make for the necessity of baptism to be saved, verse 5 is equally impressive. One must be planted together in the likeness of Jesus’ death (baptized) if he wants to be raised in the likeness of His resurrection. Moreover, we find that one is not set free from sin until after he obeys the form of doctrine delivered by God (6:17-18).

DAY 143

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 17-18

The northern kingdom is no more. 2 Kings 17 records Israel’s final days as God sent them away into captivity never to be restored as a physical nation. The first half of chapter 17 records in detail Israel’s manifold transgressions. The writer wanted to document God’s longsuffering in the face of Israel’s rejection for all to understand. Jehovah is not some capricious deity looking for some reason, any reason, to exercise His authority over mankind. He is not given to the excesses of instability. Rather, He is a loving Father, a Father who loves His children, and He only removes them from His sight as a final measure. One still cannot escape the final word concerning Israel, how she “walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them, until He removed Israel from His sight” (vv 22-23). The latter half of chapter 17 speaks of how the king of Assyria “seeded” Samaria with people from other nations. God was not finished dealing with these, sending lions to kill them because they did not fear the Lord. After these received instruction on how to serve the one true God, verse 33 says, “They feared the Lord, yet served their own gods.” Doesn’t that sound like a lot of us today? Much could be said of chapter 18, but we’ll comment when we read this same account in 2 Chronicles 32.

New Testament reading: Romans 1-3

The first three chapters of Romans might be summed with the words of Romans 3:10, “There is none righteous, no not one,” or verse 23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Paul begins with the sins of the Gentiles, describing in detail the vile abomination of homosexual behavior, which is always an affront to God. He moves on to the hypocrisy of the Jews, another sin of Divine distaste (cf Matt 23).  Then chapter three is a catch all for sin and the price paid for the same. Romans 1:11 reminds us of how spiritual gifts were passed on in the first century. Namely, through the laying on of apostolic hands (1:11, cf Acts 8:17-18).  Also of note is Paul’s statement that he himself would be encouraged by their faith as they were by his (1:12).  The road of encouragement is a two way street. The mature may also be encouraged by the younger.

DAY 142

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 15-16

Azariah (also know as Uzziah) reigned 52 years in Judah, longer than any king other than Manasseh. The account of his reign in 2 Kings tells us he was one of those good kings who “did what was right in the sight of the Lord.” However, at some point, God smote him with leprosy. Though we are not told why in this reading, the Chronicles tell us his heart became lifted up, that is, he was full of pride. This pride caused him to usurp the role of the priests in offering sacrifices upon the altar. In his anger while being rebuked, God smote him and he lived the rest of his days in isolation. He personified Proverbs 29:23, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but he humble in spirit will retain honor.” Upon Uzziah’s death, his son Jotham was made king, and he reigned 16 years in Judah, doing what was right as his father had done. Thus, Judah was blessed with 68 continuous years of good leadership. Tragically, Jotham’s son Ahaz followed him with one of the sorriest reigns of any king in Judah’s history. So depraved was this man that he “made his sons pass through the fire,” meaning he offered up his sons as burnt offerings to pagan gods.

New Testament reading: Acts 25-28

Paul goes to Rome. This trip was not without incident, as Paul and the whole company of men, 276 in number, were shipwrecked at Malta while en route to Italy. At Malta, Paul was bitten by what must have been a very poisonous viper, but suffered no harm as the onlookers expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead.  After suffering no harm, Paul later healed many on the island who were diseased, including the father of Publius.  This man ensured that Paul and the rest were well cared for during their three month stay.  Once in Rome, Paul was permitted some liberty to be cared for by brethren.  Paul’s conduct and the work of God through his hands had convinced the authorities that he was no threat to them or of escape.  One need not imagine the good that was done through the hands of the brethren at Puteoli, Appii Forum and Three Inns. We can see the result in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, how that there were “saints in Caesar’s household” (Phil 4:22). Oh the marvelous power of living the Christian life!

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 13-14

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You” (Psalm 86:5). One cannot help but be moved by God’s love and longsuffering toward his people, even when they are ensnared in apostasy. Israel never departed from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Yet, after God delivered Jehoahaz into the hands of Syria, the text says Jehoahaz “pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord listened to him.” After providing a deliverer from Syria, Israel still did not repent of their apostasy or idolatry. Chpater 13 also brings us to the end of Elisha’s life, but certainly not his influence. In the midst of the illness that would take his life, he extends God’s mercy to Joash who, as many of us are prone to do, comes up short in his zeal to obey the word of the Lord. Elisha’s greatness and his influence continue to be presented before the people even after his death, as a man is brought back to life when his corpse touches Elisha’s bones.

New Testament reading: Acts 22-24

“For I long to see you” (Romans 1:11). Paul earnestly desired to visit Rome to encourage and edify the church there. His arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent trial set in motion the events leading to the fruition of Paul’s desire. Paul, got his wish, but I don’t believe that he had it in mind to travel to Rome as a prisoner of the government. God answers our prayers in a variety of ways. He may answer “yes” or “no.” He might also answer “wait.” I have found in some cases that “wait” means “no,” but allows me to exercise my 20/20 hindsight and be thankful I didn’t receive my request! In Paul’s case, God answered, “Yes, but in My way and not yours.” After the uproar in the temple, Paul makes several defenses of himself before the Roman authorities. In fact, there is a defense in each of the three chapters in today’s reading, with more to come. It is almost maddening to see the hardness of heart of those who hear Paul’s discourses. We are here reminded that not all hearts (people) are honest. However, we will soon see that God can work good even in what we perceive to be bad or less than ideal situations.

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 11-12

Did you know that the nation of Judah was once ruled by a woman? 2 Kings 11 notes the reign of Athaliah, the only female monarch in Judah’s history. Following the death of her son Ahaziah, Athaliah murdered all the heirs to the throne (her own grandchildren!) and assumed the throne for herself. Unbeknownst to her, an infant son of Azariah was saved by his aunt from the slaughter. Six years later, Joash is presented as king at age 7. Of interest at the presentation and coronation of Joash was Athaliah’s cry of “Treason! Treason!” Isn’t it odd how a woman who murdered her own grandchildren to assume a position not rightfully hers would cry such a thing? Jehoiada commanded her to be taken out and killed. Under his able guidance, Joash’s reign was marked by righteousness. He went to great lengths to obtain funds to repair the house of the Lord. However, as we will see in the more detailed account in 2 Chronicles 24, after the death of the faithful priest, Joash forsook the Lord his God. This is implied in 2 Kings 12:2 when it says, “Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”

New Testament reading: Acts 20-21

Today’s reading teaches us a great lesson about the day of assembly for the church. The phrase “came together” in Acts 20:7 is in the passive voice, meaning there was some external force or influence that caused the assembly to be brought together. In other words, the disciples did not gather on the first day of the week because they chose to do so of their own will, but rather the church was brought together by someone or something. That someone was God, and that something was the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). Contrary to the claims of Catholic writers and like-minded theologians, Roman Catholicism did not change the day of worship from the Sabbath to the first day of the week. The Catholic Catechism makes no such claim, as it appeals to the teaching of the apostles and the Lord’s resurrection as the impetus behind Sunday assemblies. We would also do well to note the purpose for this assembly, namely, to “bread bread,” here a specific reference to the observance of the Lord’s Supper. This memorial was observed every week in the early church.

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 9-10

If there had been an chariot version of NASCAR in the days of old, Jehu would have been a perfect participant, as he was well known to all as one who “drives furiously” (2 Ki 9:20). All jokes aside, the reign of Jehu is a story of both triumph and tragedy. Of all the kings of Israel, Jehu is the only king of whom it was said that he did those things that were right in God’s eyes (10:30). He was zealous to carry out the will of God in avenging the blood shed by Ahab and Jezebel. He was zealous in destroying every vestige of Baal worship in Israel. But his triumph would turn to tragedy in that he never abandoned the apostasy of Jeroboam the son of Nebat (10:31). I wish all who claim to follow Jesus would consider the severity of Jeroboam’s sin. No king in Israel escaped its reach, and its primary emphasis was apostasy in matters of worship.

New Testament reading: Acts 17-19

The book of Acts is sometimes called the book of conversions and non-conversions. It teaches us about different people in different places and how these seemingly unrelated individuals are all brought into the one fold by the same message and method. As in yesterday’s reading, today’s examination teaches us a great lesson about baptism. Namely, that not just any baptism is sufficient to save. John’s baptism was for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4), but it had been supplanted by the baptism in the name of Jesus, which also brought remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Though once valid, John’s baptism was no longer sufficient to bring the remission of sins. Moreover, those men in Ephesus could not take their new found knowledge and make it retroactive back to their previous baptism. The only solution was to receive a valid baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (19:5). In like fashion, men today cannot take any new found truth and apply it to a previously unbiblical conversion or baptism. God is a God of order, and things must be done in the proper order and with the proper faith and understanding.

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 7-8

With God all things are possible. As the famine in Samaria continued to take its toll on Israel, Elisha pronounces not only an end to the famine, but an immediate reversal to the plight of Israel. Elisha announces that Samaria shall overflow with commodities within a 24 hour period. One of the king’s closest advisors questions Elisha’s prophecy, not in wonderment, but in skepticism and rejection. He is informed that he will witness the event, but not be a partaker thereof. My favorite line of this account is found in 2 Kings 7:9, as four lepers decided to leave the starving city and surrender themselves to the Syrians in hopes of saving their lives. In their own words, they had nothing to lose. Rather than finding the Syrian army, they found the entire camp abandoned with all the animals and provisions remaining behind. (You’ll have to read the reason for such yourself!) As they filled themselves with food and goodly spoil, they observed, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news.” This statement reminds me of my obligation to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When something good happens to us, we want to share that news far and wide. So it should also be with those who have been forgiven of their sins through the blood of Jesus.

New Testament reading: Acts 15-16

“Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar” (Prov 30:6). Acts 15 and “the Jerusalem council” reaffirms an important truth that many in the religious world do not consider – all men will be saved in the same fashion. Speaking of his dealings with the Gentiles at Cornelius’ house, Peter proclaimed that all men would be saved by the grace of God “in the same manner as they.” How were these saved by God’s grace? By being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (cf Acts 10:48). How were the first Jews saved in the Christian Age? By being baptized in the name of the Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (cf Acts 2:38, 41). This is the only one plan by which men can be saved from their sins. Any attempt to alter the plan by adding to it as the Judaizers and Pharisees did, or any attempt to eliminate part of the plan is to negate the entire thing.

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 5-6

Naaman provides a great illustration of how God’s grace works with man’s obedience to secure the promised blessings. God’s grace is manifest when He gives to man His law, which man by his faith obeys, thereby receiving the divine reward that can never be confused with merit. Naaman rejected God’s conditions (law) of cleansing because they were not what he thought. So long as he refused to obey, he remained a leper. Only after he obeyed the word of God was he cleansed according to the promise of God. There was no power in the Jordan to cleanse leprosy; Naaman knew his cleansing came by grace. Moreover, he knew his obedience was connected to God’s grace. This illustrates the need to obey the gospel by being baptized in order to receive remission of sins (cf Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38). So long as men refuse to obey the word of God, they will remain in their sins. When they obey, they will receive God’s promise, and their obedience in no way negates the power of grace. Grace and works are not mutually exclusive! Chapter 6 is also an incredible chapter, with three noteworthy accounts: the floating ax head (vv 1-7); the blinded Syrian army (vv 8-23); and the ravages of the famine caused by the Syrian army siege of Samaria, wherein women were willing to eat their own children (vv 24-33). This last account shows the depravity of those who live in stubborn rebellion to God, as the king blamed the whole thing on Elisha!

New Testament reading: Acts 13-14

Acts 13 marks the beginning of Paul’s apostleship and his extended missionary journeys. Paul was called the apostle to the Gentiles (Gal 2:8; Rom 11:13). Today’s reading reveals Paul’s practice to first visit the synagogue in each city wherein he preached (13:5, 14, 14:1). However, he always ended up working with the Gentiles (13:42, 46, 14:27). When one considers Paul’s previous life as a Pharisee, seeing him work so diligently, selflessly and sacrificially among the Gentiles makes his conversion even more special. It also illustrates the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel has incredible and indescribable transforming power! We should strive to let God work in us through His word as we see Him working through Paul in his life and epistles.

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 3-4

While Elijah is much more well known by name, it might surprise some to know there are more miracles associated with the work of Elisha than his predecessor. The desired double portion of Elijah’s spirit did indeed rest upon Elisha as the former promised (2 Kings 2:9-12). As an aside, the righteousness of Jehoshaphat is again on display as he seeks the counsel of God, and Elisha credits his life as the sole reason God will intervene on Israel’s behalf. I love the line from Elisha concerning the need for water and the battle to come – “This is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.” We need to remember this in all of our troubles; the solution or remedy is a simple thing in God’s sight. In chapter 4, Elisha’s ministry is marked by numerous acts of benevolence for those who are faithful to the Lord.

New Testament reading: Acts 11-12

Do I really believe in the power of prayer? In Acts 12, we find Peter  imprisoned and the church praying ceaselessly on his behalf. When their prayers are answered, they cannot believe it (12:13-16). The account reminds me of an old story about a small farming community beset by drought. Everyone in town agreed to meet one evening and pray for rain. As the people gathered, a little girl was spotted bringing her umbrella, to which an older woman commented, “Isn’t that sweet? She’s thinks it’s going to rain!” The God of the Bible assures us of the power of prayer – “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” “Avails much” means “accomplishes much good.” When Elijah pronounced the drought, it was not done by Divine command. Rather, Elijah prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and the results are in… prayer works! Secular history records that James was given the nickname “Camel Knees.” This is because he spent so much time on his knees in prayer that his knees were said to be calloused like a camel. Thus, it is only fitting that James begins and ends his epistle with strong admonitions concerning prayer. We must pray with faith (James 1:5-8)!