Devoted to a cause? or to a Person?
2Chronicles 16-18 / Hebrews 10-13
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OT
16:9a The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
:12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a serious foot disease. Even when the disease became life threatening, he did not seek the LORD’s help but sought help only from his physicians.
17:7-10 In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent out his officials to teach in all the towns of Judah. These officials included Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah. He sent Levites along with them, including Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah. He also sent out the priests, Elishama and Jehoram. They took copies of the Book of the Law of the LORD and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people. Then the fear of the LORD fell over all the surrounding kingdoms so that none of them declared war on Jehoshaphat.
18:6-7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Isnt there a prophet of the LORD around, too? I would like to ask him the same question.” King Ahab replied, “There is still one prophet of the LORD, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but bad news for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “You shouldn’t talk like that,” Jehoshaphat said. “Let’s hear what he has to say.”
NT
10:32-36 Don’t ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity. Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
OT Flash Points
Alliances – risky – be careful
Make sure your strength and counsel comes from God, not positive self-talk
By faith – we call on the LORD and He answers
NT Flash Points
Each revelation of God requires an obedient application in our space and time lives
That’s worship
Perspective
The only lover of Jesus is the Holy Spirit
Devotion to a cause is different from devotion to a person
We are invited to love Him, not just His plans or blessings