READING FOR OCTOBER 31, 2025: 2 CHRONICLES 19, HEBREWS 12, PSALM 115:9-18 2 CHRONICLES 19 So Jehoshaphat survived the battle against Aram and was able to return to Judah. Was he greeted with flowers, though? “Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord, and by doing so bring wrath on yourself from the Lord?”’ (vs. 2). We all have to make decisions about with whom to associate and from whom to separate. To decide wrongly is to bring God’s wrath upon ourselves and perhaps others in our circle of responsibility. In this case it should have been clear to Jehoshaphat because of the prophetic word of the Lord. Of course, it is always easier for us to judge from the outside. Let’s utilize that faultless resource that Jehoshaphat didn’t, the completed Word of God, when discerning what to do.
As stated yesterday, God’s judgment can be nuanced. Here we see the prophet factoring in Jehoshaphat’s prior obedience and overall faith in God. As we can see from the remainder of this chapter, Jehu the seer’s warning was a blessing from God in that it kept Jehoshaphat and all of Judah on track spiritually. Let’s consider the warnings in the Bible to us in the same way: expressions for our good, not at all an unloving word. In fact, rather than retreat into self-pity after this rebuke, we see Jehoshaphat exercising leadership to bring about justice throughout Judah. How wonderful to have a leader bent on eliminating corruption, supporting the fear of the Lord, and creating institutions that the country can trust. Let’s pray that our leaders would adopt some of Jehoshaphat’s active and righteous practices.
HEBREWS 12
This chapter begins by wrapping up the thought of Chapter 13. The first three verses are often quoted and preached on as an assurance of our faith. Since we have these great examples of faith (chapter 11), we should be able to run the race set before us. These persons, by their example, should us how to live a life of faith. We can learn from them and be able to overcome any obstacle.
We are called to persevere in faith. We are called to fix our eyes on the prize. The reward for finishing the race in faith. Eternal life in Jesus name.
We should not object to the fact that God will discipline a follower of Christ when they sin. As a good parent will discipline a child when they misbehave, God disciplines followers when we stray. It is through discipline that we learn right from wrong. It is through love and mercy that God corrects our misdeeds so that we can live faithful lives following Jesus.
Verse 14 is another oft quoted verse that may sometimes be mis-interpreted. We often fail to understand what is the Biblical meaning of peace. Peace in the Bible is completeness and wholeness. It is not necessarily the absence of conflict. As Christians, we should strive to READINGS FOR OCTOBER 31, 2024 (CONTINUED): HEBREWS 12, PSALM 115:9-18 live in such a manner that all persons can live complete and whole lives.
Sometimes that means not taking a stand where it will do more harm than good. And sometimes, it means standing up for the truth. It means fighting for the injustices of our society. It means helping those who are unable to take up the cause for themselves. We are called to live “holy” lives. We are called to live lives the emulate the life of Christ. As it says in the book of Romans:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2, NIV)
We are called to be set-apart (holy) and live our lives in a way that Christ can be seen in what we do. If we can do that, we will see God. We will see Jesus when he comes in glory. By faith, by holy living, we are Children of the Living God.
PSALM 115:9-18 Psalm 115 is a hymn of praise. It offers praise to God for God’s love and faithfulness toward God’s people. Verses 9-18 are a call and response. The people are asked to do something and they respond in faith:
Verses 9-11 – The people are called to trust in God. God is our helper. God is our shield and protection.
Verses 12-13 – The people respond that they will trust in God. They know that God remembers them and will bless them. Those whoare in awe (fear) of God, no matter their status will be protected by God.
Verses 14-15 – A blessing is spoken over the people of God. May God bless those who are faithful in every facet of their lives.
Verses 16-18 – The faithful respond by giving praise to God. It is not the dead , but the living who are called to praise God forevermore.
