You Can Read the Bible

Yesterday’s reading ended during the reign of Asa, who, the author claimed, did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.  Especially after the Prophet Azariah encouraged him to “…Take courage!  Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded,” Asa put away the detestable idols…and he repaired the altar of the LORD in front of the Temple, and led all Judah, Benjamin, and remnants of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon to enter into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul…

However, after 36 years of apparent faithfulness, Asa seeks the help of the Arameans to thwart a challenge from the Israelite king, Baasha.  Think about this: the king of Judah made an alliance with a former vassal to protect his kingdom from the king of Israel – and he bought this protection with silver and gold from the treasures of the house of the LORD.  From one perspective, the gambit paid off; but the prophet Hanani sees otherwise, and tells Asa about it.

Asa is succeeded by Jehoshaphat, who also walked in the earlier ways of his father David, which produced security and prosperity for Judah.  But in chapter 18, Jehoshaphat is enticed to ally with the king of Israel – Ahab – for a raid against Ramoth-Gilead in Syria.  But Jehoshaphat wants to first seek the input of a prophet of the LORD, which is a positive development…and sets the story in a new direction.

All of the prophets brought before Ahab promise that he will succeed; Jehoshaphat is unconvinced, for reasons that are unclear.  “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah, son of Imlah,” Ahab replies, “but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil.”  You’ll have to follow the banter closely, but remember that dialogue often reveals character.  Ahab is fairly one-dimensional, but what do you make of Jehoshaphat?  Of Micaiah?  Of the other prophets?  And of the Syrian response? 

Our verse for this week is Matthew 25:40: And the king will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.”

2 Chronicles 16 through 18.  Now let’s read it!

2 Chronicles 16 - 18

You Can Read the Bible is supported by Bellefield Presbyterian Church and blessed with its wonderful volunteers, including: Dave Moore, Jose David Aguilar Posada, Meagan Carter, Fiona Carter, Tanya Carter, Greg Burdette, Madeline Kulp, Andie Young, Justin Ray, Gary Liberati, Maureen Hinchman, Ken MacLeod, John Dolan, Roberto Cantillo, Charlei George, Josh Brown, Jeanne Griffith, Zachary Fritts, Dan Hinchman, Sophia Young, Lynette MacLeod, Gladys Cantillo, Grace Watson, Marianne Seah, Ian MacLeod, Liz Zimmerman, August Hall, Paza Boyd, Kristin Horner, Daniel Young, Paul Griffoen, Ben Moore, Meredith Carter, Bob Willson, Rosie Wagoner, Nick Bersin, Rhonda Hall, Helen Dolby, Emily Moore, Rick Zimmerman, Matt Jones, Kiana Jones, Jane Carter, Marilyn Long, Renee Hairston, Heather Weaver, Carol Williams, Anita Woolley, Andrew Thorpe, Emily Wenz, Matt Carter, and many others.

A special note of thanks to Dave Moore, the Moore family, Maureen Hinchman, the Hinchman family, Jose Posada, the Posada family, and to the Carter family. This would not have happened without your unwavering efforts, sacrifice, and support! Thank you!

We provide You Can Read the Bible in all of its many forms and formats as a ministry service to grow disciples within the church universal. This is not a substitute for your local church community, but it could be a resource to use within your local church and for you personally.