PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Chronicles 13-14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Abijah grew in strength. He married fourteen wives…” (2 Chronicles 13:21)
These words remind us how the Lord speaks through cultural sins and weaknesses.
The Chronicler was inspired to write a motivational record of David’s line.
The point is that Abijah relied on the Lord, and stayed true to the Lord.
At that time, having many wives was a sign of strength, not weakness.
We should not read this verse as the Lord’s way of saying polygamy is good.
The underlying message is true: we do better when we rely on and stay true to the Lord.
But it is not because of our rightness that the Lord helps and blesses us.
Like polygamy here, we have our own views and practices that are not good.
The Lord is patient and gracious with us, and discerns the inclination of our hearts.
We have our own cultural biases and limitations that do not reflect the creation design.
But like the people then, we do not realize them, and even think of them as strengths.
This ought to humble us and remind us that NO ONE is saved because they are right.
We can be wrong – we are no doubt wrong in ways that we don’t realize or admit.
Yet the Lord graciously works with us in our weakness, and accepts our flawed sincerity.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for judging others for how they deny their wrongs when I am just as guilty of it, even though I don’t realize it. Remind me again of the extent of your grace for me, and how others need it too.
“victorious because they relied on the Lord” – Abijah and Asa both relied on the Lord. Asa removed many of the detestable religious practices and there was peace in the land.. He depended on the Lord for the strength to face a larger Cushite army – and the Lord defeated them. I can look back and see how God has kept me safe – it could certainly have been a lot different. But in the face of uncertainty today: COVID – economy – climate change severe weather – old age – I need to take the same attitude and rely on the Lord! He is ‘my strong tower’ – he can help me face the enemy – whatever that is!
Where is my strength? I too need to rely upon the Lord each and every day for He is my strength and power to meet the challenges of this day. Each and every day, I need to put God first. Today belongs to Him and in His power I go forward doing His will.
1. There was a reason why God brought the truth to you
And called you from the darkness to the light.
Within your heart, he saw the longing that you had
To search for him and practice what is right.
You promised him in prayer to do his will;
He helped you then, and he will help you still.
(CHORUS)
With Jesus’ blood He bought you,
to God you now belong.
So he will make you firm,
and he will make you strong.
He’ll guide you and protect you,
as he has all along.
Yes, he will make you firm,
and he will make you strong.
2. God gave his own beloved Son in your behalf;
On this account, He wants you to succeed.
If He did not withhold the gift of His dear Son,
Then never doubt He’ll give the strength you need.
He won’t forget the faith and love you’ve shown;
He will not fail to care for all His own.