Mary Crisp Jameson - copyright material







Friday, February 2, 2018

If Only!

     The Old Testament is filled with wars and battles and with kings and how they ruled.  The majority of these kings did "evil in the Lord's sight."  A few kings did "what was pleasing in the Lord's sight; however failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never committed themselves to following the God of their ancestors."  King Amaziah "did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly."    I found it refreshing when I came across what was said about King Josiah in 2 Kings 23, "Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses.  And there has never been a king like him since."  Then there was King Uzziah who, as long as he "sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success."  However, scripture went on to tell me that "when he became powerful, he also became proud which lead to his downfall2 Chronicles 31 tells us that King Hezekiah "sought his God wholeheartedly.  As a result, he was very successful." 
     I have always had a tendency to skip over a lot of the readings regarding these kings and their wars, but there is a lot in the Old Testament to be learned about living.  These scriptures teach patience for many of the Kings did not wait upon the Lord's direction.  These scriptures teach fear and reverence for God.  They teach about the rewards of obedience and the results of disobedience.  They show us the nature of God and about His forgiving heart when we turn back to Him. 
     Reading through the Old Testament reminds me of our Nations today.  If only the people would unite together; if only leaders would lead according to God's direction; if only we would tear down our pagan shrines; if only we would all commit to following God; if only we could rid ourselves of our prideful nature -- what a work could be done. 
     Finally, if only I would commit wholeheartedly!  It would be good to hear, "well done, thy good and faithful servant."
    

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