Crossroads Church

SOAP = Scripture Observation Application Prayer
 

S: 2 Chronicles 28 & 29

a) 2 Chronicles 28:23 He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him, for he said, “Since these gods helped the kings of Aram, they will help me, too, if I sacrifice to them.” But instead, they led to his ruin and the ruin of all Judah.

b) 2 Chronicles 29:11 My sons, do not neglect your duties any longer! The Lordhas chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and present offerings to him.

c) 2 Chronicles 29:36 Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because of what God had done for the people, for everything had been accomplished so quickly.

O: Ahh – how typical. Ahaz – the rebellious son can’t do what his parents role-modeled, and instead follows his bad-example-cousin that lives down the road. Yet, what surprise there is when he gets into trouble (28:6-8) and a when a no-good ‘friend’ double crosses him (28:20). Does our Ahaz learn his lesson and turn from his evil ways? Not for a minute. He buys the lies further and ultimately bring his entire country to destruction (29:23).

But then along comes Hezekiah, who observed the choices and consequences of Ahaz. Hezekiah walks into his role as ruler with humility, admitting that he is human, and wants the God of the universe to lead them (29:11). Does God teach Hezekiah and his people a lesson, to punish the people for following Ahaz before him? Not in the slightest.

A: What a slippery slope, this world we live in. We want what others have; we only see the bling and not the sting. We feel Closter phobic under the boundaries set by people that go before us and desire our safety. We start down a road of destruction, in control, choosing it - - but find ourselves a slave to it, leading to our ruin.

BUT, the story doesn’t end there. Do we want to turn our story around? God honors those that come humbly before Him, admitting their mistakes and asking for guidance. Just as with Hezekiah, God doesn’t continue to punish!! He shows up. He multiplies their efforts. He comes alongside them and makes the work (and it is WORK, to repair the consequences of the sins of your past) doable, he makes the load light. 2 Chronicles 29 is full of God softening people’s hearts, people that are lucky to be alive, and bringing them back to the safe comfort of living in His peace. Who wouldn’t want that. Just ask.

P: Jesus, I want to live in the safe comfort of your will for my life. I don’t have a clue how to do this life of mine wisely. I am an Ahaz in so many ways, please forgive me. Thank you for those seasons that you have already rescued me from, and for bringing me to this moment in my life. I am lucky to be alive, so now together, let’s make a difference with the rest of my life’s days. Amen.

You can use the Facebook comments here or the website's further below.  

<-- Back to Route 66 Page