The eyes of the Lord
This week I have been reading 2 Chronicles.
It’s the second part account of the history of Israel.
However, it specifically focuses on the kings of Judah after the death of king Solomon which saw his kingdom divided.
Chapter 16 covers the reign of Solomon’s great-grandson king Asa.
He had relied on the help of a foreign king to help him when threatened by the king of Israel.
This did not please God and so he sent a prophet (or seer) to reprimand him...
“At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.””
This may seem like a hard-hitting rebuke! However it does reveal God’s heart.
Firstly, we see that God wanted a relationship with the king Asa, as he spoke to him via the prophet.
God did not leave king Asa to rule on his own.
Secondly, the prophet Hanani showed king Asa a bigger perspective of God - that He was actually looking for ways to help, to get involved, with the king and others who were committed to following His ways!
Today, God does not leave you on your own. He wants to have a real relationship with you.
And he is actively looking how He can help and strengthen you, as you live your life for Him!
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader