This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:
*Sunday: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81;
Acts 26:1-32; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 18:20-21
*Monday: 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40;
Acts 27:1-20; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 18:22
*Tuesday: 1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14;
Acts 27:21-44; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 18:23-24
*Wednesday: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18;
Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3
*Thursday: 1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17;
Romans 1:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 19:4-5
*Friday: 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36;
Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 19:6-7
*Saturday: 1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17;
Romans 2:1-24; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 19:8-9
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 5:25, 26
But these tribes were unfaithful to the God of
their ancestors. They worshiped the gods of the nations that God had destroyed.
So the God of Israel caused King Pul of Assyria (also known as Tiglath-pileser)
to invade the land and take away the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe
of Manasseh as captives. The Assyrians exiled them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and
the Gozan River, where they remain to this day.
Observation:
These verses speak of the tribes that opted to take
their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River when the Israelites
approached the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership. When they saw the
expansive lands of Jazer and Gilead and how well suited they were for their
flocks and herds, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh
asked Moses if that could be their land inheritance, even though it was on the
other side of the river, which formed a natural boundary for the Promised Land
(and a natural barrier against invading enemies). After much cajoling,
Moses reluctantly agreed. The problem is that these people were
vulnerable to the influences of the surrounding (pagan) world. In the
final analysis, they were the first ones to become unfaithful to God…and the
first to be taken into exile, never again to return to their homeland.
Application:
When we put ourselves in proximity of ungodly
influences, we increase the likelihood that we will end up making the wrong
choices and straying from God and God’s purposes for our lives. I am struck by
the fact that these tribes went into exile first…and there is no doubt they did
so because they “lived on the edge” in more ways than one. I want to place
myself in the center of God’s will for my life…not on the periphery. I want to
surround myself in the fellowship of God’s people rather than cavorting with the
world. I want to spend my time with those who influence me for the good, rather
than induce me to “get with the times.” In the end, I want to be a light
to the world...a light that is close enough to the world to be seen, and a
light that is bright enough to shine and make a difference.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me be a light that
shines brightly in a world of darkness, drawing people to you. I pray that your
Kingdom would be manifest in my life. Please lead me from temptation and
deliver me from evil, for Jesus’ sake and to your glory. Amen!
Have a great week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
No comments:
Post a Comment