John 17
This prayer of Christ to the Father is a prayer for His followers, knowing He Himself will soon be ascended. He prays for peace in the union of knowing God. Whenever we face trouble in this world, our comfort and rest is found in our relationship with God. We can know His peace and His power in time of need. We can be confident in His grip when we know the certainty and depth of His love.
2 Chronicles 26-28
Chapter 26 records Uzziah’s reign in Judah. The people of Judah make Uzziah king at age 16 and reigned 52 years in Jerusalem. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord. His reign paralleled with Zechariah. As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. He conquered much territory; but instead of giving God the credit, Uzziah became lifted up in pride. King Uzziah went into the temple to burn incense before the Lord, something only the priests were consecrated to do.
80 priests tried to stop the king from trespassing the temple, but the king was furious with the priests. Just then leprosy broke out on his forehead. He was leprous until the day he died.
Today, let’s honor leaders in the church for the work they do. Trust them, their staff, their accountability boards, and their counselors to fulfill their calling. For a subordinate to step in and try to do the job of a leader is highly dishonorable, not only to the leader, but also to the Lord.
In chapter 27, Jotham became king in Judah at age 25, and he reigned for 16 years. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord.
Chapter 28 records the rule of King Ahaz. His description is that he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord as his father David had done. God compares the descendants of the throne to David. Ahaz worshipped idols. Because of his sin, God caused Syria and the northern tribes of Israel to attack and defeat Judah. Israel had taken their brothers captive, but a prophet rose up to instruct them to return the captives to Judah.
In verses 16-21, we read about other enemies that came against Judah because of King Ahaz, saying the king encouraged moral decline. Let’s be the kind of people that seek to obey God and call on His name!
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