Bible Pathways - May 30, 2005

May 30
Read II Chronicles 31 -- 33
In Today's
Hezekiah destroys idols; firstfruits and tithes; Assyria invades
After the death of wicked King Ahaz, his godly son Hezekiah became king and assumed leadership of a nation where idol worship was both popular and prevalent. Furthermore, his father had placed the
Hezekiah could have mourned over the mess he inherited, either hating his father or blaming God for the wretched moral and economic conditions that prevailed throughout the nation. Instead, he appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites. . . . He appointed also the king's portion (share) of his substance for the burned offerings. . . . he commanded the people . . . to give the portion of the priests and the Levites. . . . And . . the LORD . . . blessed His people (II Chronicles 31:2-10).
Hezekiah observed the Passover (see 30:1-27). He reopened the
With the Apostle Paul, let us say: This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
Christ Revealed:
By Hezekiah's offering of the king's portion of his substance for the burned offerings (II Chronicles 31:3). The burned offerings were wholly consumed, symbolic of total surrender, and were offered as a sweet savor to the Lord (Leviticus 8:28; Numbers 15:3). God offered His King's portion in Christ Jesus who, in total surrender on the cross, was wholly consumed, even unto death. Christ . . . has given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor (Ephesians 5:2).
Word Studies:
31:10 store = abundance; 31:14 oblations = offerings; gifts; 31:16 courses = assigned tasks; divisions; 31:18 set office = devotion; 31:19 several = single; 32:6 comfortably = encouragingly; 32:8 rested themselves = relied; 32:17 rail on = belittle; denounce; 32:18 affright = frighten; 33:11 fetters = chains.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Steve
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:4