The Kings

Sadly, I begin by quoting Erin's opening statement from last week, "So here we are, stuck in the drama of the kings." I find the stories of the kings quite tragic. The kings consistently chase after other gods, leading their people to continue to sin. Each king is evaluated on the basis of his faithfulness (or lack of) in God. Most of the kings do what is evil in the Lord's sight rather than pleasing Him. Jehoahaz is a good example. 2 Kings 13:6 reveals the truth that the kings as well as God's people continually refuse to be free on God's terms. It says, "But they continued to sin, following the evil example of Jeroboam. They also allowed the Asherah pole in Samaria to remain standing." We can learn a couple of significant lessons that continually present themselves in our reading.
1) The leaders of God's people must choose to follow God with a whole heart not just for their own benefit, but also because the people WILL follow their leadership.
We've been members of several churches over the years and as I reflected on those memberships, I was amazed to realize that the life and ministry of each church took on the life and attitudes of the pastor and staff. I have especially been aware of this truth in our current church. As our pastor has challenged us over the last two years, there has been what I guess you could call a complete overhaul of the church. God has pruned, weeded, and added to the congregation. To think that my walk with the Lord could have such an influence is both humbling and frightening. How many leaders have led members of their flocks to stray because they themselves were in bondage? Leaders have a greater responsibility to make liberty in Christ a reality in life, because the quality of the lives following them is at risk. It is our responsibility, however, to constantly test our leadership to make sure what they teach is Biblical.
2) In order to consistently walk in the freedom of Jesus Christ, we must discipline ourselves to study God's Word, pray and read godly books that help us walk in freedom. Meditating on Scripture and memorizing God's Word are both great tools that help as well. Of course being an active part of the church is very important to our growth. However, it is dangerous to depend upon our pastor and leaders to provide our total spiritual nourishment. We need more than a leader on our road to freedom. We need a Savior. We need Jesus Christ to save us not only from eternal separation from God, but also to continue His saving work in us for the rest of our lives. Over the years, I have found no other way to grow as a child of God than to actively digest His Word and allow God to use it to have His way with me.
I was sharing with Amy last week about a book by Neil Anderson, VICTORY OVER THE DARKNESS. It is sad to me that many of God's people remain unchanged after their salvation experience. I quote from the book, "I believe that the greatest determinant of mental and spiritual health and freedom is a true understanding of God and a right relationship with Him."
I know of no other way to overcome that determinant than to make the study of God's Word the most prominent activity in our lives. Isaiah gives us a complete picture of God and works at showing his people that the only way to know God is through surrender and trust. In Chapter 6:9-10 God uses Isaiah to teach a vital truth. We cannot understand God or even turn to Him unless our spiritual eyes and ears are open and sensitive to His voice. He tells us in 7:9b, "Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm." And in 8:13, "Make the Lord of Heaven's Armies holy in you life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble." Isaiah beautifully refers to Jesus, the Messiah in Chapter 11. He says in verse 2 that " the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord." How inspiring and encouraging it is to know that the same Spirit "rests" on us - lives in us! We can experience and grow in the wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of the Lord because we have the living Spirit of God in us. In John 14:16-17 Jesus encourages his followers with this promise: " I will ask the father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you." That promise is for all who believe on the name of Jesus Christ.
The kings have no excuse in choosing to disobey God. God has already told them what He requires of them in Deut. 10:12-13, "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases Him, and love Him and serve Him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good." Right now, God is telling me the same thing, so I pass it on to you. God constantly has to remind me that I have gotten off track - I feel so blessed that I can experience that conviction through the power of the Holy Spirit, receive His forgiveness, and get back on track (when I choose to instantly repent).

Praise God that Isaiah offers us the hope of a Savior who overshadows the sad examples of the kings. I pray we let that hope fill our hearts and minds as we continue in our reading of the kings.