2 Crônicas 16

2 Crônicas 16

Meyer - The emphasis is clearly on the word perfect. That was the point between Hanani the seer, and Asa the king. Asa’s mistake and sin lay in his resorting to Benhadad, king of Syria, as an ally against Baasha. Evidently he did not perfectly trust the delivering power of God; and in this failure of his faith, he forfeited the all-sufficient help which would have more than availed. As the seer said very truly, simple trust in God had brought deliverance from the Ethiopians and Lubim, though they were a much huger host than Baasha’s; and the same attitude in respect of Baasha would have secured a like result. God was only awaiting the appeal of Asa’s faith, to show Himself strong. What a mistake to send to Syria! Now, dear reader, this is very pertinent for your life and mine. We often complain that we are. bereft of help, and send off for Benhadad. And all the while the eyes of the Lord are looking pitifully and longingly at us. Nothing would give Him greater pleasure than to show Himself strong on our behalf. This, however, He cannot do until renouncing all other confidants and helpers, our heart is perfect in the simplicity and frankness of its faith. What an exquisite thought is suggested by the allusion to the eyes of the Lord running to and fro throughout the whole earth. At a glance He takes in our position; not a sorrow, trial, or temptation visits us without exciting His notice and loving sympathy. In all the whole wide earth there is not one spot so lonely, one heart so darkened, as to escape those eyes. Oh for the perfect confidence which will allow Him to act! It is for lack of this that we remain unhelped, and spend our days in the midst of wars and tumults. What God Sees The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Chronicles 16:7–9 Early in the morning, I quietly pad past a family-room window overlooking a wilderness area behind our house. Often, I notice a hawk or owl perched in a tree, keeping watch over the area. One morning I was surprised to find a bald eagle boldly balanced on a high branch, surveying the terrain as if the entire expanse belonged to him. Likely he was watching for “breakfast.” His all-inclusive gaze seemed regal. In 2 Chronicles 16, Hanani the seer (God’s prophet) informed a king that his actions were under a royal gaze. He told Asa, king of Judah, “You relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God” (v. 7). Then Hanani explained, “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (v. 9). Because of Asa’s misplaced dependence, he would always be at war. Reading these words, we might get the false sense that God watches our every move so He can pounce on us like a bird of prey. But Hanani’s words focus on the positive. His point is that our God continually watches and waits for us to call on Him when we’re in need. Why is it vital for you to regularly look to God for direction and guidance? How does it encourage you to know that God awaits your calls for help? O God, may You strengthen our hearts that we might be fully committed to You. Does God Have All? - General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was once asked the secret of his success. General Booth hesitated a moment, then with tears streaming down his cheeks he replied, "I'll tell you the secret; God had all of me there was to have. From the day I got the poor on my heart and a vision of what Christ could do, I made up my mind that God would have all there was of William Booth—God had all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will and all the influence of my life." The birth of the Salvation Army came about through a man who offered his life as a sacrifice to God. Vance Havner - TO GOD BE THE GLORY! The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. 1 Kings 18:39. When the fire fell on Carmel, the people did not say, "Elijah, he is the great prophet!" but "The Lord, He is the God." God's purpose is not to show us strong in His behalf, but Himself strong in our behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9). Facing Goliath, David prayed that all men might know not that there was a David in the camp, but "that there is a God in Israel" (1 Samuel 17:46). Elijah's prayer on Carmel was that "this people may know that thou art the Lord God..." (1 Kings 18:37). When that is our objective, then the fire will fall and we shall see revival. We begin with, "Hallelujah, Thine the glory!" and end singing, "To God be the glory, great things He hath done." Vance Havner - He Shows Himself Strong For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. II Chronicles 16:9. God is not waiting to show us strong in His behalf but Himself strong in our behalf. That makes a lot of difference. He is not out to demonstrate what we can do but what He can do. But God is on the lookout for candidates with hearts perfect toward Him. He is not a talent scout looking for somebody strong enough or good enough. He is looking for someone with a heart set on pleasing Him and an eye single to His glory. He will do the rest. What a wonder that God will use our lives to demonstrate Himself! But we like to demonstrate ourselves and do great exploits in God's behalf. That reverses the process and God does not get the glory. We have seen enough of what men can do for God; we need to see more of what God can do through men. He has shown Himself strong in our behalf many a time. And what He has done for others, He will do for you. Will You Be One? - Vance Havner "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." 2 Chron. 16:9 It was Moody who heard someone say that God was waiting to show the world what he could do through one wholly surrendered man, and who said, "By the grace of God, I'll be that man"—and he was! God is ready to do that at any time: he is waiting for the man whose heart is perfect toward him—not faultless but blameless, completely set on pleasing him. Our Lord said, "I do always those things that please him." If we told the truth, we should say, "I do always those things that please him—meaning myself," or "I do always those things that please them—other people." Yes, God is ready to show himself strong in somebody who, according to the prayer of Epaphras, stands perfect and complete in all the will of God (Col. 4:12). That person might as well be you. "But I am not qualified!" do you lament? "All the fitness he requireth is to feel your need of him." The Philippian saints were at Philippi but in Christ Jesus. Whatever your situation here you can be in his will! Will you be one in whose behalf God may show his power? Set your heart completely on pleasing him and see what happens! "Henceforth... Wars" "Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars." 2 Chron. 16:9 King Asa made a splendid beginning. He did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He cleaned up idolatry and built fenced cities. The Lord gave him rest and the land was at peace. He gained a mighty victory over a million Ethiopians, was encouraged by Azariah the prophet to even greater reforms and put down even his idolatrous grandmother. But in the face of a new crisis he weakened and allied with Syria, thus leaning on the arm of flesh instead of the Lord his God. Stern is the reproof of Hanani, the prophet: "Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars." Trouble sets in when we begin to take some of our weight off God and lean on ourselves or others. From henceforth, from the day you start that sort of thing, you may count on wars within and without. "From whence come wars and fightings among you?" One reason is, we fear that God's promise is not enough, we must supplement that with resources of flesh. So we make unholy alliances: we call in native ability and personal shrewdness, we accept help from others. It is so easy to fall into the old carnal way of meeting danger. But God is enough: "It is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power" (2 Chron. 14:11) UNLEASHING GOD'S POWER The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. --2 Chronicles 16:9 God saw the Israelite soldiers cowering in fear before the Philistine invaders. He must not have liked what He saw. But He didn't step in to help the Israelites -- until Jonathan and his armor bearer took daring action. God also saw the people in a mountain area of Haiti, in the early 1940s, who were living in poverty and spiritual bondage and voodooism. He didn't like what He saw. But He didn't intervene until Wallace Turnbull started living and working among them. Wallace taught them to farm more efficiently and to read and write. He treated their diseases. And he told them about Jesus. As a result of his initial work, thousands of people in that area have become Christians. Over 40,000 children are being given a Christian education. These results came because God unleashed His power and blessed the efforts of Wallace and those who helped him. God often unleashes His power through His people. The prophet said, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9). The power of God will be unleashed To meet the world's needs, f we will just step out out in faith And follow when He leads. --Sper If we attempt great things for God, we can expect great things from God. From God's Viewpoint The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. —2 Chronicles 16:9 Astronaut Jack Lousma described how earth looks from space. He wrote: "With the naked eye we could see freeways, airports, and cities . . . , white clouds and the snow on the mountains. We could see the green-and-brown patchwork of the farmers' fields and the beautifully painted deserts. . . . When we were over Chicago, we could see most of Hudson Bay . . . , Washington, DC, and Baltimore. We could see two-thirds of the way down the Mississippi River and out to Denver." What intrigues me about this amazing out-of-this-world vantage point is its vast range yet intricate detail. It reminds me of God's perspective of His universe and of the inner world of each of His children. The Bible says that the "eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth" (2 Chronicles 16:9). Even more striking is the fact that He knows all about us—even our secret thoughts! (Psalm 139:1-4). We cannot fully know God's greatness, Wisdom, power, and care; But it's enough to know that He In love hears every prayer. —Hess Others see what we do, but God sees why we do it. A Loyal Heart - Henry Blackaby “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His. You have been foolish in this matter, for from now on, you will have wars.”—2 Chronicles 16:9 If your heart is loyal to God, you do not have to look for Him, He is already looking for you! God told King Asa that He continuously watches for those who are steadfast in their commitment to Him. When He finds them, He makes His presence powerfully evident to them. King Asa had experienced God's awesome power when he faced a menacing army from Ethiopia (2 Chron. 14:9). God gave Asa victory, despite the overwhelming odds he faced. In spite of this miracle, the next time Asa faced an enemy he failed to trust God. Even though the army Asa faced was smaller than the one God had previously defeated, Asa's faith in God faltered. God encouraged Asa to take courage in knowing that God never rests or sleeps. He is never distracted, but diligently seeks individuals whose hearts are completely committed to Him. Life's challenges sometimes seem impossible. Do you feel you are too weak to fight the battle? Don't give up! Keep your heart loyal to God, for He constantly watches over you, and He desires to demonstrate His strength in your life. God is willing and just as capable of giving you victory in your current challenge as He was with those in times past. The question is not whether God is looking for His people, but whether His people are seeking Him. Take comfort in God's promise that He watches over you and He wants to give you victory (See Experiencing God Day by Day: Daily Devotional - Page 224) R C Neighbor - “To show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” (2 Chron. 16:9.) God holds me, and His love enfolds me, He will never let me go; God calls me, and His grace enthralls me, Wondrous peace He doth bestow: Oft new mercies do appear, Oft I sense His presence near; God fills me, and His glory thrills me, Oh, what joy in Him I know. God guides me and securely hides me ‘Neath the shelter of His wing; God hears me, and His love endears me, All my help from Him doth spring: Toward Him now my heart doth turn, Toward Him all my fires do burn, God knows me, and His arms enclose me, How my heart to Him doth cling. What more could we ask or desire than to have a Lord who actually shows Himself strong in our behalf? He holds us; He enfolds us; He hides us, and He guides us. There is just one thing He asks of us in return: He wants our hearts to be perfect toward Him. Our Lord has our names written upon the epaulets of His shoulders, the place of His strength; He carries them engraved upon His hands, the place of His help. He is our Jehovah-Jireh. Our Lord has loved us with an everlasting love, and He will not let us go. He says, “because I live, ye shall live also.” He stakes His life as security for ours. How can we help but love Him? How can we withhold from Him the praise of our lips? I love Him, O, I love Him Because He first loved me; I’ll worship and adore Him Through all eternity. I love Him, O, I love Him, He is my joy and song; I’ll sing His praise forever And serve Him all day long. TAKING A STAND The LORD searches all the earth for people who have given themselves completely to him. He wants to make them strong 2 CHRONICLES 16:9 NCV The year 1951 was a magical one for the University of San Francisco. The school wasn’t known for its football team, but that year the right combination of talent and coaching came together, and the team finished the year undefeated with a 9–0–0 record. Hours after the San Francisco Dons won their final game, Orange Bowl officials invited the team to play. It was a dream come true. Playing in a bowl game would make it much easier for the team’s players to have a shot at a professional career in football. In addition, the university stood to gain the financial backing it needed for its struggling football program. But 1951 was also the height of the Jim Crow era in the South. African Americans were not welcome as equal participants in the white-dominated Southern culture. The bowl invitation arrived with a condition. Burl Toler and Ollie Matson, the two black members of the team, were not welcome. Knowing full well what it would cost, every member of the team turned the invitation down. The football program didn’t receive the funding it needed, and it never really recovered. But several members of the team went on to play pro football; three members, including Matson, were inducted into football’s Hall of Fame. In 2006, surviving members of the 1951 team were at the university’s graduation ceremonies receiving honorary doctorates. All three thousand people present rose to their feet to give them a long standing ovation for their act of courage taken fifty-five years earlier. There will always be forces seeking to sway our children to compromise their values and do something other than the right thing. As dads, we lead the way, teaching our children to stand up for what is right, even when everyone stands against them. God, please grant my children and me the courage we need to stand for what is right, even when our stand is not popular or accepted. Give us the wisdom to understand the times and to know which choice is best. Amen. Hearts Fully Committed -- Joni Eareckson Tada For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 CHRONICLES 16:9 It all began when I received a letter from a quadriplegic in China. He had recently come to Christ and now saw his disabled friends as his mission field. He couldn’t use his hands, and so he needed a power wheelchair to get around. He wrote, asking for help. Where am I going to get such a chair, and how will we get it to China? At the same time, I received a late-night call from John, a friend in Ohio. His disabled wife had recently passed away. “We just purchased a new $20,000 power chair. My wife hardly used it. Think you can find someone who needs it?” Remembering the quadriplegic in China, I blurted, “Of course!” Then I wondered, How are we going to get a hold of this wheelchair? There’s crating and shipping and … Before I could say another thing, John added, “We received some financial gifts at the funeral. … I’d love to cover the costs of sending this chair to whoever needs it, no matter how far away.” I was breathless. I told John about the man in China. We rejoiced together, utterly amazed at how the eyes of the Lord were on a quadriplegic on the other side of the earth, and his eyes were on a widower in Ohio with a slightly used wheelchair too. And the Lord wanted to strengthen the hearts of both! It happens in China. It happens in Ohio. And it can happen to you. Of all the places in the earth, God has his eyes on you. He desires to strengthen the hearts of those who are fully committed to him. How can you demonstrate to the Lord today that he has your undivided heart? Is there anything hindering you from being fully committed to Christ? Dear Lord Jesus, I want my heart to be completely focused on you. Please look upon me today, and in your great mercy, strengthen my faith and give me an undivided heart! (See Pearls of Great Price: 366 Daily Devotional Readings - Page 24) Watching Over Us Topics: GOD’S PROTECTION Bible Verses: 2 Chronicles 16:9; Ezra 5:5 On February 26, 1844, occurred one of the major disasters in the history of the United States Navy. The Princeton, the most powerful warship of that day, commanded by Captain Stockton, was taking the President, members of Congress and government officials down the Potomac River. Onboard were President John Tyler, and the Secretaries of State and the Navy. For the entertainment of the guests, the great gun on the Princeton called the “Peacemaker” was fired. At the second discharge the gun burst, killing the secretary of state, the secretary of the navy, and a number of others. Just before the gun was fired, Senator Thomas Benton of Missouri was standing near it, when a friend laid a hand on his shoulder. Benton turned away to speak with him, when, much to his annoyance, the secretary of the navy, Thomas Gilmer, elbowed his way into his place. At that moment the gun was fired and Gilmer was killed. That singular providence had a great impression upon Benton. He had been a man of bitter feuds and quarrels, and had many a fierce quarrel with the statesman Daniel Webster. But after his escape from death on the Princeton, Benton sought reconciliation with Webster. He said to him. “It seemed to me, Mr. Webster as if that touch on my shoulder was the hand of the Almighty stretched down there, drawing me away from what otherwise would have been instantaneous death. That one circumstance has changed the whole current of my thought and life. I feel that I am a different man; and I want, in the first place, to be at peace with all those with whom I have been so sharply at variance.” God is not only always watching, He is active in our lives in more ways than we can ever know. FULLY COMMITTED OR FOOLISHLY CLEVER? For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war. 2 CHRONICLES 16:9 It had seemed like a prudent move. Strategic diplomacy, some might say. “Let there be a treaty between me and you,” [Asa] said, “as there was between my father and your father” (2 Chronicles 16:3) —what could be better than such negotiations? What could be better? A lot, said the Lord to King Asa, through Hanani the seer. “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand” (2 Chronicles 16:7). And after years of trusting God against the Cushites and the Libyans, the idols and the Asherah poles, Asa made a poor choice. “You have done a foolish thing,” said Hanani. Having trusted in the Lord in the past, Asa now was trusting in a foreign ruler to bring peace and, later, would be relying only on his physicians to heal his foot disease. We shake our heads. Having trusted in God and found him trustworthy, how could Asa place that trust in anything or anybody else? Then we remember our own temptation to do for ourselves. We say, “God would have done something by now if he were going to.” Or perhaps we cloak our misplaced trust in words such as, “Maybe I’ll just try this too. The Lord helps those who help themselves, right?” In what areas of your life are you trusting something or someone other than the Lord? Turn over those situations to God. He willingly helps all who come to him, fully committed, worshiping him. PRAYER O God, I trust you to … (See NIV, Once-A-Day: Worship and Praise Devotional: 365 Days) David Jeremiah - You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees. O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.… Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. Your eyes, Lord, are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. The ways of man are before Your eyes, and You ponder all our paths. God, You know my heart. Your eyes, O Lord, run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Yourself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to You. Jesus knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. It’s frightening to think how well You know me, Lord. You see the sins I try to hide—and the sins I’m so comfortable with that I don’t recognize them as sin. Yet You love me! Teach me to love You better! GENESIS 16:13; PSALM 139:1–4, 6; PROVERBS 15:3; PROVERBS 5:21; LUKE 16:15; 2 CHRONICLES 16:9; JOHN 2:24–25; JOHN 21:17 Andrew