December 9

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR DECEMBER 9, 2025: 2 CHRONICLES 26, REVELATION 5, PSALM 119:161-168        2 CHRONICLES 26 This a case where looking at the history of the kings from the accounts of both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles gives us a fuller picture of what happened than by looking at only one of these books. 2 Kings 15 places the start of Judah’s King Uzziah’s reign at the 27-year mark of King Jeroboam II’s reign of Israel. It informs us that the Lord afflicted him with leprosy, but it doesn’t say why. 2 Chronicles then builds upon this information. 

We learn here that at the start he followed the positive actions of his father, Amaziah. The text also mentions he actively sought God and that as long as he did so, God blessed him. Obviously, there is an application for us in that it is totally in our interest to seek God. Our Bibles are all sitting there, waiting to be opened, read, and obeyed. God is eager at all times to hear our prayers. Do we want God’s blessings? We can have them if we seek Him. 

In Uzziah’s case, God’s blessings included victories over the Philistines, Arabians, Meunites, and Ammonites. Uzziah also directed significant facility and agricultural improvements along with greatly strengthening the nation’s defenses. This included the development of advanced military technology. All these successes made Uzziah famous throughout the nations. As with so many successful leaders in the Bible and even in Christian ministry today, this fame and these successes made Uzziah proud, which in turn led to tragic sin: ”But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was untrue to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense” (vs. 16). 

This was similar to the sin that Israel’s first King, Saul, committed when he offered sacrifices himself instead of waiting for Samuel. Being the leader does not mean one has no limits and need not follow God’s commands. To their credit, 80 priests tried to stop him. This only enraged Uzziah, though. So, God took over and struck him with leprosy while he was offering incense. This kind of experience is what sometimes is called the “severe mercy” of God-- inflicting pain so that we stop committing sin, which is far worse than the pain. Uzziah completed his reign but lived separately from all other people. When he died, he was remembered, not for his great accomplishments, but by the phrase, “He had leprosy” (vs 23).Let’s stay dependent upon God and give Him the glory, not foolishly take it for ourselves. 

REVELATION 5: Chapter four presented a fascinating picture of the throne of God. This chapter continues that scene by explaining that the one who is at the very center of the throne is the only one who is worthy to open the scroll that will reveal God’s plan for the earth. This one at the center is called:

  • The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
  • The Root of David
  • The Lamb

DECEMBER 19, 2025 CONTINUED: REVELATION 5, PSALM 119:161-168                                                 These titles show that this is none other than Jesus himself. (Remember from chapter 1, this book is focused on Jesus from the beginning to end.) Jesus is at the center with an ever-increasing circle of worshippers around him. Closest to the throne are the 4 living creatures and then the 24 elders we met in the last chapter. These 28 beings sing a new song which focuses on why the Lamb is worthy.

  • He was slain.
  • He has purchased people from every tribe and language with his blood.
  • He has made them into a kingdom and to serve as priests.
  • He has called them to reign on the earth. 

Now we discover that beyond the 24 elders, there are 100,000,000 angels in loud worship. Can you imagine the volume of 100 million angels singing at the top of their voice? In yet another circle of worshippers beyond the angels, we find a multitude of creatures from heaven, earth and the sea. What a majestic scene and what majestic songs they sing. Their songs cry out that the one at the center is worthy of:

  • Power 
  • Wealth
  • Wisdom
  • Honor
  • Glory

  This Praise scene causes us to reflect on these questions:    

  • Have I received the offer of salvation that comes through his blood? 
  • Is Jesus at the center of my life?                                                                     
  • Do I allow him to sit on the throne of my heart?
  • Do I worship with loud songs of praise?

PSALM 119:161-168 These verses sing with joy over God’s word. Sure, rulers persecute the Psalmist without cause. But what is that compared with the pleasure he finds in God’s word? He views the Bible as one might view priceless treasures won in battle. He literally can’t stop praising God throughout the day (seven times) for the gift of His word. Do we think this Psalmist needs psychiatric help, or might we see where he’s coming from? In fact, the Psalmist contends it’s his love of the word that brings sanity and inner peace, not mental delusion. He unreservedly puts all his eggs in this basket without fear it will someday let him down or be found an embarrassment.  The more he obeys God’s word, the more he loves God’s word. Is this how we view the Bible? If not, what else do we find more interesting and relevant? Has it brought us the joy, hope and peace that the Psalmist finds in the Bible?