The Bible Challenge
May 20, 2013 or Day 134
II Kings 16-18, Acts 26, Psalm 111
Reading today’s chapters from Second Kings sounds almost like the 7th century BC report from CNN. The chapters are filled with political intrigue, shifting international alliances, a conquering empire, Assyria, on the move and two kingdoms, Israel and Judah struggling to survive. Set against this is the continued unfaithfulness of God’s people and their rulers. That unfaithfulness, despite repeated warnings from a long line of prophets, has devastating consequences. Assyria swallows up the northern Kingdom of Israel and institutes a harsh policy of colonization and refugee resettlement that forever reshapes the political and theological landscape. The author of Second Kings wants to convey clearly a sobering warning: disobedience and rejection of God’s ways has life-draining consequences.
However, in Judah, Hezekiah, rises to power. Finally, a “good” king who acts to reestablish worship of God and remove the objects and practices associated with the worship of other gods, which, in case we are not paying close attention, includes the sacrifice of children. But, as chapter 18 ends, Hezekiah and the people of Judah confront the threat and taunts of the general of the Assyrian army. Which raises the question in whom do the people of God place their trust? That is a question worth praying over in our lives. When we are hard pressed and feeling vulnerable, when we experience times of testing, where do we look for guidance and in whom do we trust? Then as now, the answer is clear: turn around and return to God.
Repentance and return to God remains a central theme in the Apostle Paul’s ministry. In chapter 26 of The Acts of Apostles, Paul testifies to the resurrection of Jesus before King Agrippa. Paul once again witnesses to the amazing grace experienced in his own life. He, the one who vehemently persecuted the followers of Jesus, was himself knocked off his horse by the light and power of the resurrected Jesus and given a new mission-- to declare to the gentiles the saving love of God in Jesus Christ. His words are passionate and compelling. Agrippa acknowledges their force: “Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?” Agrippa asks. Paul movingly replies, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am -- except for these chains.”
Paul teaches me that there is power in giving voice to the experience of grace in each of our lives. Where and how has Jesus touched your life? How is the Holy Spirit inspiring you and me to give voice to our compelling witness to God’s saving love?
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman
May 20, 2013 or Day 134
II Kings 16-18, Acts 26, Psalm 111
Reading today’s chapters from Second Kings sounds almost like the 7th century BC report from CNN. The chapters are filled with political intrigue, shifting international alliances, a conquering empire, Assyria, on the move and two kingdoms, Israel and Judah struggling to survive. Set against this is the continued unfaithfulness of God’s people and their rulers. That unfaithfulness, despite repeated warnings from a long line of prophets, has devastating consequences. Assyria swallows up the northern Kingdom of Israel and institutes a harsh policy of colonization and refugee resettlement that forever reshapes the political and theological landscape. The author of Second Kings wants to convey clearly a sobering warning: disobedience and rejection of God’s ways has life-draining consequences.
However, in Judah, Hezekiah, rises to power. Finally, a “good” king who acts to reestablish worship of God and remove the objects and practices associated with the worship of other gods, which, in case we are not paying close attention, includes the sacrifice of children. But, as chapter 18 ends, Hezekiah and the people of Judah confront the threat and taunts of the general of the Assyrian army. Which raises the question in whom do the people of God place their trust? That is a question worth praying over in our lives. When we are hard pressed and feeling vulnerable, when we experience times of testing, where do we look for guidance and in whom do we trust? Then as now, the answer is clear: turn around and return to God.
Repentance and return to God remains a central theme in the Apostle Paul’s ministry. In chapter 26 of The Acts of Apostles, Paul testifies to the resurrection of Jesus before King Agrippa. Paul once again witnesses to the amazing grace experienced in his own life. He, the one who vehemently persecuted the followers of Jesus, was himself knocked off his horse by the light and power of the resurrected Jesus and given a new mission-- to declare to the gentiles the saving love of God in Jesus Christ. His words are passionate and compelling. Agrippa acknowledges their force: “Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?” Agrippa asks. Paul movingly replies, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am -- except for these chains.”
Paul teaches me that there is power in giving voice to the experience of grace in each of our lives. Where and how has Jesus touched your life? How is the Holy Spirit inspiring you and me to give voice to our compelling witness to God’s saving love?
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman
St. Gregory's, Boca Raton
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