John 18:1-23
In these verses, we see Jesus is betrayed and arrested, then stands before the High Priest. Our faith is our dependency on God, a reliance that leads us to obey God. Instead of dependency, the Jews reject Jesus, continuing to stand in their own sufficiency of religious performance. They reject their Messiah.
Not only does Jesus experience a personal rejection; but He also experiences it from one of His chosen twelve. Unfortunately, Judas rejects and betrays Jesus, taking action to see His Master harmed and crucified. Realizing what he has done, Judas takes his own life.
Maybe you know the pain of rejection, abandonment, or betrayal from a loved one. Jesus understands. Maybe as a leader, you know what it feels like to have someone turn their back on you, and instead of being a support for the vision they become a critic who abandons the vision for your church, ministry, family, business, or organization. Jesus understands. Know this: God is faithful. He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Live with confidence. God’s got your back!
2 Chronicles 29-31
Chapters 29-31 contain the records of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah cleanses the temple and restores temple worship, stating their fathers “turned their backs” on God. Our faces, created with eyes to see, ears pointed toward the front to hear, and a mouth to speak are meant to be directed to the one we are giving our attention. When someone turns their face away from someone, that person turning is choosing not to give attention. That person turning is choosing to reject and leave that other person. Judah had despised and left Jehovah for other gods.
Hezekiah also keeps the Passover, a feast of forgiveness and atonement. In chapter 30, verse 9, he says about God, “He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.” Even though the people turned away from Him, God will not turn away from them. What a faithful God!
Hezekiah makes reforms with resources the people willingly bring into the temple, showing the people wanted a place of collective worship, but even more importantly, it shows they wanted the Presence of God on them as a nation.
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