SOAP 05/20/2016; 2 Chronicles 19:6-7

Today's reading: 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1*

S) "⁶ He said to the judges, 'Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgment. ⁷ Now then let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.'"

2 Chronicles 19:6-7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 19

O) Jehoshaphat was instituting reforms throughout Judah, and wicked judges were a big problem. Particularly, there was an issue with bribery perverting justice. By reminding them that they don't just answer to the king, as serious as that was, they also answer to the LORD their God. Their job was bigger than themselves, and had bigger implications than the individual cases they would hear.

A) Replacing the word "judge" with the word "parent" makes this almost a direct application. In fact, perhaps the only thing that wouldn't translate, would be the taking of a bribe. It's important to remember my stewardship of my kids. When I am parenting, it should be done with a mind toward my own fear of God. I need to parent in light of the grace I have in Jesus Christ, and in light of the grace they need. There is judgment to be administered, disagreements to be settled, etc. All of that, though, should be done in righteousness, both in deed and position. They need to be instructed to behave righteously, and they also need to receive the righteousness that is credited to them, based on their faith. I should be addressing their actions, without neglecting the positional righteousness. All of this must be done with a clean heart within myself, and not from pride, entitlement, or self-righteousness.

P) Father, thank You for the grace at work in me. I could never be the kind of parent my kids need, without Your grace at work in my heart. Thank You for crediting me with the righteousness of Jesus. Help me to walk out that righteous living, particularly in the area of my parenting. Help me to balance the discipline toward righteous behavior, with the grace of righteousness received. Let each of my kids find their faith in Jesus Christ, and grow in confidence of the gospel, and their relationships with You. Lead me by the Holy Spirit to judge and parent carefully, in light of my own fear of my God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/19/2016; 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Today's reading: 1 Kings 4, 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

S) "¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either."

2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NASB)

O) Context is everything with this verse. I have often heard this verse as proof-text for political arguments, hardness of heart, or even an excuse for prideful ambition. While the warning is strong, but we need to remember four things: audience, example, community, and culture.
Audience - Paul was writing this to a church. This was given to admonish the believers not to be lazy, and especially, to not feel entitled because of the gospel. This is not an instruction to unbelievers.
Example - Paul notes earlier (v.8), that he and his group worked while they preached and spread the gospel (see also Acts 18:2-4). This brings us close to the point of this verse and the whole paragraph, anyway, which is that we should not associate with unruly or undisciplined brothers (vv.6-7). Specifically, this is about protecting the character of the church body, so we are honoring the name of Christ
Community - Maybe the most important piece of context to keep, is the historic assembly of the church body in the first century. When we read through Acts 2:37-47, we get a significantly different view of what church meant to the first century believer. There was a unity, an equality, a selflessness that has never been equaled. In the midst of that, there were apparently some freeloaders. There were people trying to take advantage of the generosity of others, as they lived in community but did not actually contribute in any way. They were active among the people (like the busybodies of v.11), but they were not active for the church. This would potentially create a financial burden to the church, and even worse, create a culture within the church of selfishness, where people showed up with nothing, and expected to be fed. Furthermore, on that point, this was about literally eating together with people, as they went from house to house sharing meals.
Culture - We must remember that the early Christians were isolated from the culture they grew up in, because of their faith. It was not the norm to be a believer. Most importantly, with regard to the above verse, their governments were pagan. There was no such thing as a "Christian nation," and there didn't need to be. So instructions like the one above, had nothing to do with legislation or politics. This was about a close-knit group of people who needed each other in order to persevere in their new-found faith.

A) In today's culture, the spiritual application is probably the most important, since church meetings are not what they used to be, with large groups of believers meeting over meals. Unfortunately, the church did very much become a consumer culture, both physically and spiritually. I'm afraid that might have been a result of the church becoming a political entity throughout Europe, but I don't want to digress. Physically, I must always be willing to work, a job and for the gospel, even if I'm not eating actual food that my church (or other believers) are providing. I must never allow myself to be so complacent, as to be content simply showing up to church service to "get fed," whether that's spiritual or physical. Physically, I must be willing to work (and the verse above isn't even where I would begin an argument for working). Spiritually, I have to be willing to feed myself (i.e., worship at home, study my Bible, pray, etc.).

P) Father, thank You for grace. Thank You for making me able to work. Thank You for the understanding that I have, with my ability to learn. Thank You for providing work for my hands, that I can participate in providing food for my family. I know, at the core, You are our Provider. Help me to be humble, Lord. I want to see others with as much compassion and lovingkindness as possible. Help me to be an encouragement to brothers, believers, who are out of work. I have been unemployed, I know how hard it is. Help me to be bold, if I ever have to admonish someone for being unwilling to work, whether physically or spiritually. Help me to teach my kids to be willing to work, both physically and spiritually. I want to honor You with each day, and with my life. Help me to be generous with those in need. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/18/2016; 2 Chronicles 17:9

Today's reading: 1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2 Thessalonians 2*

S) "⁹ They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of the Lord with them; and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people."

2 Chronicles 17:9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 17

O) This chapter shows a succession from King Asa to his son, Jehoshaphat. Like his dad, he sought the LORD and took great measures to lead the kingdom of Judah well, in following after God. One of the more remarkable things he did, was commissioning traveling teachers, officials, priests, and Levites, who went throughout the kingdom, teaching from the law of God. The Bible places a lot of emphasis on teaching the next generation, and that is rightly on the fathers teaching their own children. However, at this time, the vast majority of the country didn't really understand who the LORD is, or how to serve Him. So, it was necessary to start somewhere. Since fathers couldn't teach their kids what they themselves did not know, teachers were needed.

A) There are a few things I need to bear in mind, when I think about following this example. First, I do know God, and the Bible, pretty well. I should not rely on some other teacher (or youth pastor, or speaker, etc.) to teach my kids about God. Certainly, there will always be things I don't know, and we can learn together. However, I can humbly acknowledge that I have a lot to teach my kids directly. Second, I have not been commissioned by anyone to be a traveling teacher. That kind of ministry would be fun, I think, but it's not what I have been called to do (at least, not yet). Finally, these teachers were not going beyond their borders. That is to say, they weren't trying to teach gentiles the way of the LORD. That is significantly different than now in two main ways. First, we are commissioned to spread the gospel to those who don't believe. Second, my physical neighbors and countrymen, may not be believers at all. What that really means, is that any teaching I might do, must be tailored to my listener. That's a good practice, anyway. If I am speaking to other believers, that's when it makes sense to talk about God's law as it currently stands (that is, the pursuit of righteous living, and sanctification, and all of the duties we have to love others and what that means). However, those things will mean very little to a person who doesn't even believe in Jesus. In that case, sharing the gospel is more about spreading hope, giving my testimony, and answering questions.

P) Father, thank You for giving me a desire and ability to teach. I really do love sharing what I have learned. I also love learning. Help me to always desire a deeper knowledge of You. Let that be balanced with a love for others, as well. I want to know You more and better, and I want to share that with other people. I want them to know You more and better. Open my eyes and ears, that I may gain as much as possible from Your words. Let me pursue sound doctrine and good teaching. In all of it, I pray You are glorified above all else. To You, be all praise, honor, and glory, forever and ever. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/17/2016; 2 Chronicles 15:15

Today's reading: 1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1*
S) "¹⁵ All Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him. So the Lord gave them rest on every side."

2 Chronicles 15:15 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 15

O) This cannot be prescriptive, exactly, because Jesus commanded us not to swear oaths anymore. This cannot be taken as a promise, per se, because the rest they enjoyed was political in nature and also specific to the prophecy given to King Asa (vv.1-7). There are still principles to practice in this, that repentance is right, and that we will find God when we seek Him earnestly. Most importantly, though, this is showing us some of God's character. The Father is a good Father. He longs for reconciliation. He desires for us to have peace (although, it may look different than what we expect).

A) The most applicable thing in this, for me right now, I think is the rejoicing. Lately, my life has a lot of unknown things in it. I'm not sure where my career is going. I'm not sure where I'll be living by the end of the Summer. I'm not sure what will happen to the small group that we've been leading. Through all of that, it's easy for me to get distracted, and even a little depressed. However, when I can focus on who my God is, and what He wants for me (namely, that He desires reconciliation which He has brought through Christ, and He desires me to have peace in my spirit, which He has brought through Christ), then I have every reason to rejoice! It's not always easy to put my perspective where it should be, but this verse is another reminder that God hasn't changed. None of His promises fade. He is still as good as He was the day I found Him. When I first gave my life to Him, and I first felt the freedom and peace that came through my redemption, I couldn't help but smile. That is the rejoicing I want to keep. That is the rejoicing that is alluring to a stressed out, uncertain, and dying world. That is the joy of redeemed life.

P) Father, thank You for Your character. You do not change. Despite my ups and downs, You remain faithful and good. Thank You for the grace that is at work in me today, the same grace that has been at work in me since my creation. You are a good, good Father. I know that I will not always have peace around me, but if I am focused on Christ then I will have peace within me. I know there are still going to be hard days, but when they come, let me put my mind on who You are, and the promises I have in You, and who I am in Christ. All of this to Your glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/16/2016; 2 Chronicles 12:8

Today's reading: 1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1 Thessalonians 5*

S) "⁸ But they will become his slaves so that they may learn the difference between My service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries."

2 Chronicles 12:8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 12

O) The is was God's response to Rehoboam, when they had forsaken the LORD and committed adultery with idols. They were under attack from Shishak, the king of Egypt, with a great alliance of armies. When it was told to the people, that this was a result of their sins, they did repent. However, the judgment of God was not completely changed. They weren't destroyed completely, but neither were they completely spared this oppression. What is very notable about this judgment of God, especially how it is worded, is that it harkens to the first judgment Rehoboam made as king. In 2 Chronicles 10, we see when Jeroboam came to the new king and asked for respite, he made matters much, much worse. Thus, his people learned that serving Rehoboam would be harder than serving Solomon, which actually sparked the civil war. In the same way, Rehoboam would learn that serving Egypt (and their gods) would be harder than serving the LORD, the God of his fathers.

A) Parenting is sometimes about judgment calls. Sometimes my kids want things their way, and I know that their way will lead to pain, or loss, or tears, or struggles, but I let them have their way as an object lesson. As a means to discipline them, I will let them see how their way is worse. Similarly, God my Father will treat me sometimes, I think. The Bible shows us over and over, that sometimes God chooses not to fight about it. He knows His ways lead to life, and our ways lead to death. Sometimes, He will let me feel the pain, or loss, or tears, or struggles that are the result of my sins. However, in those moments of consequence, I need to remember the purpose is for discipline. His purpose is to drive me to repentance and sanctification. This is a comfort, even in the face of scary consequences to my sins. It is all for His glory, all by His grace. He is a good God. Suffering consequences for my own sins doesn't change that.

P) Father, thank You for letting me hurt myself - just enough. Thank You for letting me feel consequences, when they will teach me to better listen to You. Thank You for being such a good Father to me, that I can always trust Your judgments. Thank You for not always letting me feel the consequences for my sins, but let that never be cause for me to repeat mistakes. Whatever it takes, Lord, I want to serve You better and better. I want to be more and more like Jesus Christ. I want to live more and more according to Your ways, which lead to life. So, I invite Your discipline, because You are the best Father. I invite Your discipline because it will produce good character in me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/15/2016; 2 Chronicles 8:11

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25, 26, 27; 1 Thessalonians 4*

S) "¹¹ Then Solomon brought Pharaoh's daughter up from the city of David to the house which he had built for her, for he said, 'My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy where the ark of the LORD has entered.'"

2 Chronicles 8:11 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 8

O) This is one of those verses that is a warning, because we know the whole narrative. In the context that Solomon's many foreign wives turned his heart to idolatry, this verse shows us a little bit of how he got to that point. Clearly, by his own words, Solomon knew that his matrimony was not holy, or else she could have stayed. Instead of addressing this the right way, he rationalized a compromise where he had no right to negotiate.

A) Compromising with sin, always leads to new sin. In my life, I must be careful to have appropriate responses to temptation. I cannot rationalize the temptation, and try to come up with my own ways of dealing with it. I must seek God's word, and follow His ways, or else all of my rationalizing is nothing more than deluding myself.

P) Father, I don't want to be a fool. I know I cannot deceive You, but I also don't want to deceive myself. Give me open eyes, to see my temptations clearly. Give me open ears, to hear the convictions of the Holy Spirit. Help me respond correctly, with confession and repentance, instead of trying to justify my desires with autonomy that doesn't belong to me. You are sovereign, I am not. Let Your will be done, and disallow mine. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/14/2016; 2 Chronicles 7:11

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 22, 23, 24; 1 Thessalonians 3*

S) "¹¹ Thus Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king’s palace, and successfully completed all that he had planned on doing in the house of the Lord and in his palace."

2 Chronicles 7:11 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 2 Chronicles 7

O) We don't have an exact timeline for the life of Solomon, so this is somewhat speculative. However, it does seem that things went well for Solomon, in his relationship with the LORD, while he still had the mission of building the temple of the LORD. We see a few different times, when Solomon would hear from God in a dream, and their communication was fairly direct. However, this verse may give us some clear insight as to when, and possibly why, Solomon's reign went off track. While the temple (and his own palace) was being built, he seemed intent on following God, and serving God, the way his father had (King David). But, at some point those two tasks were finished. At some point, he lost the vision of living his life for serving God, and serving God's people. Perhaps, because his reign started with such clear goals, he was able to keep himself pointed in the right direction. The failing, then, was that he didn't have a vision for what to do, once these first two great tasks were done.

A) There are a lot of ways to measure success, and this world doesn't want me to forget them. There is financial gain, influence, position, possessions, and even family status. However, none of that will matter, if my life is not driven by a mission to serve God. My success can only be measured in what I am doing, what I have done, for my Lord. Solomon had a vision early in his reign over Israel, and it seems it kept his relationship with God on track. In a similar way, I know that when I was a teenager, I had tasks to do that kept my focus on serving Jesus. When those tasks were over (because of move), and I didn't acquire new vision for how or why I needed to serve Jesus, my relationship with Him fell by the wayside. In my life, I must be careful to keep a vision for where I am going with God, and what I am doing for Him.

P) Father, thank You for drawing me into relationship with You, Lord. Thank You for having a plan for my life, for the grace at work in my redemption. Please forgive me, when I lose focus. Help me to keep my eyes on the prize, and to remember who I am in Christ, and why You have redeemed me. Help me measure my success by what I am doing for You, and find my value in Christ alone. I know that a life of service to You, will bring peace, joy, and fulfillment to me. I know, that ultimately, my life is in peril if I am not seeking to serve You. Help me keep the gospel in the forefront of my mind. Help me to be kingdom-oriented with my motivations and intentions. Be glorified in my life, that's my goal. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.