by Josh Moody Today’s Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 13-16, Psalm 143, Luke 11:14-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 2 Chronicles 13-16: The history of these chapters proceeds along fairly familiar lines to those who have been following the sacred history of these times, but in particular the chronicler takes pains to point out an especially significant spiritual lesson. Namely, that when we rely upon God, then God provides for us. The story of these chapters emphasizes this lesson over and over again:

They cried to the LORD…And when the men of Judah shouted, God defeated Jeroboam… (13:14-15). The men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers (13:18). The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God (14:7). The LORD is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you (15:2).

What could be clearer? Cry to God, pray to him, seek him, rely upon him, and God will give you the victory (13:15), you will prevail (13:18), the promises of God will be yours (14:7), and God will be with you (15:2). This is not “salvation by works,” but the expression of a real relationship with God in covenantal fidelity. It’s like any relationship: if you love God, you will obey his commandments (1 John 5:3). All of us sin on occasion, but those who are in Christ repent of their sins and seek him anew. They live now a live of consecration to God. And such people find that, despite the inevitable suffering of this world, despite the opposition and persecution that can come to those who follow Jesus, there is still a palpable and real sense of God being with us. Rely on him, and find that you will “prevail.” To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>