12/11 Reading (2 Chronicles 32-34; Ephesians 2)

2 Chronicles 32: This is the final chapter to focus on Hezekiah. In this chapter Judah is invaded by Assyriaā€™s King Sennacherib. Sennacherib sent letters to Jerusalem mocking God and telling them no gods were able to save people in the past and it wouldnā€™t happen this time either. Bad move on his part. God sent a messenger down who utterly destroyed Sennacheribā€™s army. He went home in disgrace and was murdered by his sons in his temple. The rest of the chapter focuses on the last years of Hezekiahā€™s rule, which was primarily good. Ā 

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12/8 Reading (2 Chronicles 26-28; Ephesians 1)

2 Chronicles 26: Amaziahā€™s son, Uzziah, takes over as king. As with the two kings before him, his reign started well in that he followed God and did what he was supposed to do. Eventually, he failed to do this just like his two predecessors. His sin was that he went into Godā€™s sanctuary and burned incense. Only priests who were descended from Aaron were allowed to do this. God inflicted him with a skin disease and he lived alone until he died.

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12/5 Reading (2 Chronicles 16-19; Colossians 2)

2 Chronicles 16: Now we get to the end of Asa. This happens because instead of following the advice given to him earlier (trust in God), he makes a pact with another King when he is attacked by Israel. A seer, Hanani, told him this was a mistake to not rely on God and he will suffer for this. Asa gets angry and throws Hanani into jail. Asa is then afflicted by a disease in his feet and dies. Thereā€™s an interesting verse here: ā€œBut even in his illness he [Asa] refused to seek the Lord and consulted doctors insteadā€ (2 Chron. 16.12). No wonder some refuse to seek medical attention when they are ill. Verses like this just strengthens the resolve of those who choose to solely rely on the power of prayer when they or a loved one are afflicted with something. Not good!

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12/2 Reading (2 Chronicles 10-12; Psalms 70-72)

One of the things Iā€™ve started to notice throughout this journey is how I feel connected to things in a different way. Iā€™ve always been a big fan of Christmas songs (just ask my lovely bride). Itā€™s one of my favorite times of the year. However, this year feels a little different. I feel a different type of connection to the music and the discussions than I have in years past. I mentioned this to one of my F3 brothers and he said this made perfect sense because the words have a different meaning now. Thatā€™s probably it, but I want to go deeper. I need to go deeper. The only problem is that nothing is coming to mind at the moment. One thing that I need to do better is to write down these thoughts as they hit me and then compile them into one of the reflections like this.

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11/30 Reading (2 Chronicles 4-6; Romans 15)

2 Chronicles 4: This chapter provides a detailed description of the equipment inside the Temple.

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11/29 Reading (2 Chronicles 1-3; Romans 14)

Introduction to 2 Chronicles: This book begins with the Solomonā€™s reign and shifts to focus on the history of Judah during the divided monarchy and exile. I noticed that there is no mention of the Northern Kingdom in the introduction. This comes from the NRSV introduction: ā€œThe writer excludes the independent history of the Northern Kingdom because he regards both the kingship and the sanctuaries of this new state as an affront to God (13.4ā€“12)ā€ (p. 617). Kinda harsh.

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11/28 Reading (1 Chronicles 28-29; Romans 13)

1 Chronicles 28: As I read the notes to this chapter I was reminded of the fact that Iā€™m surprised that there is so much difference between Chronicles and what was in Samuel and Kings. Itā€™s most likely because the Chronicler wants to put people like David in a better light, but that doesnā€™t make it right. For example, the notes for this chapter point out that in 2nd Samuel, it wasnā€™t entirely clear at first who would succeed David. There was even an attempt of a rebellion by Adonijah. In 1st Chronicles, David apparently made it clear that Solomon would be his successor.

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11/27 Reading (1 Chronicles 25-27; Romans 12)

1 Chronicles 25: Organization of the temple musicians by David.

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11/24 Reading (1 Chronicles 19-21; Romans 11)

1 Chronicles 19: Davidā€™s conquests over the Arameans and the Ammonites. They fall easily.

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11/22 Reading (1 Chronicles 13-15; Romans 9)

1 Chronicles 13: This chapter is about the first time that David tried to move the Ark. I find it interesting that the version told here doesnā€™t exactly match the first time we learn about Davidā€™s attempt to move the Ark in 2 Samuel 6. I thought the Chronicler had access to the original sources.

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