OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: 2 Chronicles 35:20–27
MEMORY VERSE
“[Josiah] would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command.” 2 Chronicles 35:22
BACKGROUND
Back when I was driving to college and back home again, the road to our house in the desert seemed painfully dull. Because it was long and straight, I found myself driving faster than I should have more than once.
First, I was given a warning from the highway patrol. Then I received a ticket. Then I was cited a second time in the very same place.
Refusing to listen can have unfortunate consequences. One tragic example of this is from the life of Josiah, a good and faithful king. When Necho, the king of Egypt, marched through Judah’s territory to help Assyria in battle against Babylon, Josiah went out to counter him.
Necho sent messengers telling Josiah, “God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me” (2 Chronicles 35:21). God really did send Necho, but Josiah “would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo” (v. 22).
Josiah was fatally injured in the battle, “and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him” (v. 24).
Josiah, who loved God, discovered that insisting on his own way without taking the time to listen to Him or His wisdom through others never ends well.
May God give us the humility we need to always check ourselves and take His wisdom to heart.
By: James Banks
INSIGHT
The arrangement of the Old Testament books in our modern-day Bibles differs from the Hebrew Scriptures of the first century ad; the content, however, is the same.
The book divisions in our Bibles are based on the type of literature (history, poetry, and prophecy). The Hebrew Scriptures in Jesus’ day were a compilation of twenty-four books (scrolls) that were divided into three major sections: the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Writings.
The arrangement was essentially chronological. Second Chronicles was in the “Writings” section. It was the last book of the Hebrew Bible.
By: Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
What do you need God’s wisdom for in your life? What will you do to listen to Him today?
(PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“…Listening to God is essential to walking with God/Listening to God is not a method…but a walk with a Person” Charles Stanley/Leanne Payne
“…Listening is the beginning of prayer/Listening to God’s voice is the secret of the assurance that He will listen to mine” Mother/Theresa/Andy Murray
It’s often in the gray areas of life that we fail most in listening to God. pr
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“Refusing to listen (to God) can have unfortunate consequences.”
PRAYER
“Ever wise and loving God, help me to be humble and to listen for Your wisdom today. Thank You that when I ask for wisdom, You give “generously . . . without finding fault” (James 1:5)
HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“YES, LORD; YES LORD…” Shirley Caesar
I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes”
To Your will and to your way
I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes”
I will trust You and obey
When your Spirit speaks to me
With my whole heart I’ll agree
And my answer will be, “Yes, Lord, yes”
I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes”
To Your will and to your way
I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes”…
Lord, I give You all the glory (Sing it)
For what You’ve given me
You fill my life ’til I overflow
Oh, I’m Yours to use
And anyway You choose
You’re the Lord of lords
So how can I say no?
I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes”…
If I never knew the fullness
Of living in Your will
I would never know,
How rich my life would be
In my willingness to find
Each thing that You deserve
For the blessing
You have showered over me
I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes”…
I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes”
To Your will and to your way
I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes”
When Your Spirit speaks to me…
I’ll do what You want me to do…
I’ll go where You want me to go…
I’ll wait for heaven, yes…
When Your Spirit…
When Your Spirit speaks to me
With my whole heart I’ll agree
And my answer will be,
“Yes, Lord, yes”
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE DAILY IN 2023
Numbers 28-33
Mark 8:22 – 9;1-29