The End and The Beginning - 2 CHRONICLES START

Every year ends when a new year begins. This blog has been the one consistent in my life for the last few years when it comes to personal devotions in the scriptures. I have most enjoyed how this work has kept me coming back to the books of the Bible to hear God speak and I pray that you have been blessed and guided to discover the God of the Universe through the Word He gave to the world. 

I begin this last night of 2020 with a new book, 2 Chronicles. Remember the Chronicles are accounts of the Exiles returning to Israel from Babylonian captivity. They are learning who they are again and remembering Who made them who they are. 

2 Chronicles 1:1 (ESV) Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.

We enter 2 Chronicles on the hopes of God's chosen king, the son of David. Solomon was specially selected from the sons of David. He was the 2nd child of Bathsheba (the first child died in judgment of David's sin) and Solomon's rise to the throne reminds us that God can take even our worst moments and use them for good.

2 Chronicles 1:2–3 (ESV) Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to all the leaders in all Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses. 3 And Solomon, and all the assembly with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon, for the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness, was there.

Solomon's first listed act in the Chronicles account is an act of worship. This is important as Kings records him establishing the kingdom through political means. As Israel returns to the promised land, they are instructed to keep seeking God as their first priority.

Moreover, Solomon was exceedingly interested in worshipping the Lord. 

2 Chronicles 1:6 (ESV) And Solomon went up there to the bronze altar before the LORD, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.

In that context, God gives Solomon his "blank check" moment. 
2 Chronicles 1:7–10 (ESV) In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” 8 And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 O LORD God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?”

We are asked to see a few things. First, worship invites the Word of God into our lives. Second, every new season in our lives demands wisdom above all else. Solomon does not ask that his job be easier with the defeat of his enemies or more money. Instead, he seeks wisdom so that he might be better equipped to handle whatever obstacle came his way. I can think of no better plan. We never know what the future holds, but if we have wisdom, we can engage the unexpected well able to handle what might make others shiver.

2 Chronicles 1:11–12 (ESV) God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.”

I cannot think of a better way to start a new year than with worship and a prayer for wisdom. The past year was tough, filled with problems. This year will also have its share of issues. A date on the calendar is NOT really a new beginning but it does present us with a new sort of chapter in our lives. Will we embrace this year with worship and seeking God's wisdom? I believe we should and I believe we will be blessed when we do. 

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