As the rain and snow

“By a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

“And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

‘This is the covenant that I will make with them
    after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
    and write them on their minds,’

“then he adds,

‘I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.’

“Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:14-25

The writer set outs the basis for his coming admonition by stating the reality of Christ’s finished work and backing it up with the Lord’s living words. In Christ we are forgiven, and given access to God. The Holy Spirit indwells all believers and bears witness to His word. The confidence he describes is unshakable because it is rooted in Christ’s single perfect sacrifice. This is a solid foundation and impetus for rich and genuine communion with the Lord and faithful living in His world.

Confidence: the quality or state of being certain of your abilities or of having trust in people, plans, or the future; a feeling or consciousness of one’s powers or of reliance on one’s circumstances

A Christian’s confidence comes not from certain abilities or awareness of personal capability, but from Christ’s power and our trust in Him. The world sees and is driven very differently. Since our confidence is made possible by and comes from our Savior, we can live out faith distinctly from the world while living very much in it.

We can avail ourselves of open access to God’s throne, praying boldly with full assurance of faith. Regularly draw near in fellowship, confession, seeking His will and wisdom, and interceding for others in concentrated, earnest prayer. We can hold fast our confession when disparaged for our devotion or asked for the reason for our hope, speaking in the confidence of what is true. We can maintain strong bonds of fellowship, mutual love, and service to others. (Ephesians 6:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15)

How are we doing in these areas of prayer, witness, and encouragement? How will we put into practice afresh the confidence we own because of our faith in Christ? As we live, Jesus serves as great high priest, ever interceding for us and welcoming us to His throne at any time. (Hebrews 4:16; 7:25; Romans 8:34)

Father, daily remind me of my confidence so I live boldly for You.

“‘Woe to those who are at ease in Zion,
    and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria…
You put far away the day of disaster
    and bring near the seat of violence.

“‘Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory
    and stretch themselves out on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock
    and calves from the midst of the stall,
who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp
    and like David invent for themselves instruments of music,
who drink wine in bowls
    and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
    but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile,
    and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away.’

“The Lord God has sworn by himself, declares the Lord, the God of hosts:

“‘I abhor the pride of Jacob
    and hate his strongholds.'” Amos 6:1a,3-8a

The prophet’s condemnation for selfish living is stark and sure. Those at ease are those oblivious to God’s highness and insensitive to His world because their priorities are consumed with self. Ears clogged with self-congratulation and eyes that see only with lust lead to hearts that grow callous to God’s word and will.

In a madding world swirling with demands, pulling at limited resources, interrupting our schedule, and agitating our Feng shui, our flesh can tend toward withdrawal and ease. I need, I want, my desires, my bucket list, self care. Turning in on self narrows our view of wider causes and distorts our perception of what is true and important.

We seek security in the mixed religion of Samaria as idol fetishes and strange affections intermingle with our devotion to the Lord. We can no longer distinguish truth from lies. We overindulge in entertainment and luxury by falling for alluring advertising and shutting off our senses to outside needs. We melt into idleness and idols because we’re consumed with self-protection and comfort. And we’re never fulfilled. The Lord abhors attitudes and actions that establish such cold, dispassionate strongholds against His kingdom ways. (2 Kings 17:24-33)

Our Suffering Savior will not stand for indifference and indulgence, a heartbeat and lifestyle that is opposite of His. He announces woe while in mercy offering transformation. Will we take it? As we submit to sanctification, His Spirit undoes what comes naturally apart from Christ and replaces it, perhaps slowly but in grace surely, with godly mindset and choices. He can replace greediness of soul with generosity that truly satisfies. (Isaiah 53:3-6; Mark 10:45)

How and where do I spend my time and resources? When does consulting God and patterning my decisions by His word come into play? As I humble myself and set aside selfish impulses, where has He redirected my desire? How can I begin to lavish my time, attention, and spending on His kingdom agenda? With whom will I be extravagant in encouragement, praise, love, and compassion? Where can He multiply my generosity? Spending ourselves for the Lord bears eternal, joyous return. (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38; Colossians 3:1-2)

Father, swallow my deepest heart desire in all that is of You, so I indulge only in Your grace and ways and word and will, and spend what You’ve entrusted me on others and for Your glory.

“The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their kinsmen,.. in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent,.. keepers of the entrance…  So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south… The four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God. And they lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.

“Some of them had charge of the utensils of service,.. others were appointed over the furniture and all the holy utensils,.. the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices…  Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.” 1 Chronicles 9:17,19,23-24,26-29,32

Varied were the assigned duties of Israel’s priests, mighty men for the work of service of the house of God. The gatekeepers were keepers of the thresholds in this office of impeccable trust, guardians of the entrances and chambers and sacred contents. They were entrusted with the duty of watching, the importance and vitality of their work evidenced in the careful recording of it. (1 Chronicles 9:13)

Every place of worship that proclaims the true God is a place to be kept. As members of churches, we each have responsibilities to guard our gates and treasures. East, west, north, south- from every direction will come temptation to sloth and spiritual malaise, insidious false teaching, temptation to gossip and divisiveness, disingenuous relationships and immorality. Every member is given the trust of guarding, maintaining, watching, protecting, reinforcing. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:14-18; 4:3-4; 1 Peter 5:8-10; 2 Peter 2:1)

How committed are we to the unity, purity, and health of our churches? How well do we watch? Do we recognize the danger of specific intruders like divisiveness, complaining, complacency? How alert are we to their destructive presence, and how can we counteract them? Is there gossip to dispel, griping to quell, weakness to address, a need to fill? In what area(s) of service is the Lord employing us to protect sound teaching, steward resources, or promote growth?

In our own lives, how vigilant are we with the gates to the Spirit’s temple? A pure church is made up of members made righteous by Christ and constantly cleansed through careful soul inspection and confession that maintains individual communion. Are we participating in church as those washed clean, unencumbered by secret sin or festering resentment? Where have pride, greed, selfishness poisoned our attitudes toward fellow believers or the church as a whole, so we pollute the threshold? How will we deal with these deterrents to wholesome, fulsome worship and unity in fellowship? (Psalm 32:1-8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16)

The Lord calls His people to watch and serve, and enables those duties as able Helper. How will we keep this trust today?

Lord, help me vigorously, joyfully keep Your gates, to the building up of Your church and praise of Your resplendent glory.

“I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness…

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works…

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1-7,10-13,21

David lived in the grit and tumble of responsibility, conflict, and passion. He also had a deep relationship with his Maker, and his high view of God constantly lifted his soul above the daily quagmire to the heavenlies. Whatever his urgencies and commitments and competition for attention, his lens was the Lord’s excellence. In the midst of life’s noise, his ongoing song articulated God’s fame for all to know.

Beholding, pondering, meditating on God’s splendor and majesty move the senses that were created to praise Him. One who takes time and focus to marvel and contemplate will fill with rapturous applause of heart and mind that must be expressed. Joy becomes an imperative to extol, and praise, and declare to saints and generations the glorious excellencies of the everlasting God.

When do I take time in quiet to marvel at the Lord God, and in concentrated prayer to exalt Him for His greatness, faithfulness, and wondrous works? What changes do I need to make in resolve, or schedule, to make that happen? Where have I recently beheld His hand in a changed attitude, an answer to prayer, wisdom imparted, inspiration quickened, impatience softened, a promise kept, or the explosion of color in a new day? How am I translating the gratitude in my heart into melodious worship that pleases Him? (Psalm 141:2; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 8:3-4)

Think about the measure of words used in a day. Are my interactions with others pregnant with babble about myself, be it information or advising or boasting? How often do I speak instead of my Lord, and use my words to communicate with others what marvelous things He has done? With whom do I share His delights and power and beauties? How am I declaring His abundant might and dominion to the next generation? How might my messages inspire others to wonder at His love, creativity, and care? How might I translate His graces and purposeful kingdom rule into a message of salvation, that others want to know Him as I do?

Lord God, keep me meditating all You are, proclaiming Your loveliness, and praising Your goodness, and so bless Your high and holy name.

“Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
    I will sing praises to my God while I have my being…

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
   who executes justice for the oppressed,
    who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
    the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the sojourners;
    he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
    but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever,..
    to all generations.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 146:1-2,5-10

The psalmist’s soul wells up and spills over with praise as he ponders the works and ongoing work of his God. Not only had He created the heavens and earth, but He abides, constantly keeping faith, upholding and furthering His promises. As energetic help and hope, He at once executes justice, feeds, frees, illumines, lifts, and loves. He hovers and hems in, watching over to guide and protect, upholding to comfort and sustain. There is nothing the Lord neglects, yet He never wearies nor is confused. What a God! (Isaiah 40:28)

In the mire of conflict and demands, we need daily pause and refocus to take in God’s very present, sublime involvement. There is no urgency He does not see, no catastrophe He does not rule, no problem He cannot solve. He who created the rolling spheres is the Potentate of time and worthy of our trust. (Psalm 46:1)

O Christian, do we realize God’s power and the bounty He affords? Do we relish the security of His keeping, and the nourishment He provides? How freely are we living and serving, unfettered from shame, unweighted by regret? How do His love and lifting buoy our spirits and sustain our hours? Will we trust Him for justice and seek Him for insight? Will we delight in all He is and does and praise Him forever? (Romans 12:17-19; Hebrews 9:14)

How differently can I take on today and assess the future if I trust God’s abiding? For what divine activity will I depend on Him this day? For what will I sing His praise?

“Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my vict’ry wins…

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows o’er me roll,
even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul…

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
storms about me, night o’ertakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry…

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
more than all in Him I find;
He hath granted me forgiveness;
I am His, and He is mine!
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving;
He is with me to the end.” ~J. Wilbur Chapman (1910)

Lord, cause me daily to marvel, praise, go forth, and rest in all You wondrously, faithfully do.

“Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end,  will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.  Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory...

“When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

The Shekinah glory was a constant for Israel in the wilderness and the tent of meeting, yet it did not ever appear exactly the same one day to the next. Always present, ever changing. And once the Prince of glory came and died and was raised, He ushered in a new glory that can be ours in salvation. (Exodus 40:34-38; Isaiah 4:5-6)

As the earth spins and years come and pass, the nothing new under the sun of every day is never the same. Physically and practically life is dynamic, not static, and spiritually in the unseen realm the Lord is constantly changing us. Sometimes we resist that changing, preferring how I am and how things are, thank you. But the soul set on Christ will welcome and rejoice in God’s transforming work from the inside out, and will see His glory in it. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Where is the Lord’s Spirit prompting transformation, and what are we doing about it? Are we stuck in neutral, stagnant or complacent, or moving forward with the Lord? Is there any inward or outward evidence of our being changed from glory to glory? What would our co-workers and loved ones say?

What aspects of our character are becoming more pleasing, more reflective of Jesus? What changes in desire, refinements of behavior, or softening of hard edges and speech have taken place? What impulses and reactions and habitual practices need His work, and how willing are we to admit and submit to it? Where can we yield today to be made more like Jesus, and so portray and exude our Maker’s glory?

“Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n to earth come down,
fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
all Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love Thou art;
visit us with Thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.

Finish then, Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see Thy great salvation
perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.” ~Charles Wesley (1747)

Lord, sweep me up in Your bundle of vibrant, dynamic life, changing me to be more like You every day so I reflect Your glory. (1 Samuel 25:29)

“When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.  [He] commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam.., and Achbor.., and Shaphan.., and Asaiah.., saying,  ‘Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written…’

“Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. [He] went up to the house of the Lord, and with him the men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. The king stood and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and testimonies and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.

“The king commanded Hilkiah the high priest… to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. And he deposed the priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places..; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon and constellations… And he brought out the Asherah from the house of the Lord, outside Jerusalem,.. and burned it… and beat it to dust… And he broke down the houses of the male cult prostitutes.., where the women wove hangings for the Asherah.” 2 Kings 22:11-13; 23:1-7

It was the Book of the Law that gripped and shook King Josiah. Not only was it good, but it was the word of the unchanging, covenant-keeping God. Its tenets struck deep, with conviction, and begged a mutual commitment. Josiah’s humble confession and public covenant compelled its keeping. (Hebrews 4:12)

The reason we remain stagnant spiritually and otherwise is that we never move off complacency. A wish or want might flit by, but until we’ve committed we’ll likely not make any significant changes. Intuition might nudge that something needs be done, but flesh says I’m fine as I am, and have always been.

A covenant with the immutable, gracious God sets us in the right direction and inspires growth and obedience. It carries us through challenging and changing seasons by securing heart devotion. We struggle with weaknesses of our flesh, but the tether to an unchanging God secures His standard and intercession. As we put away destructive practices, we gradually replace them with good. Every bit of keeping fosters more and stronger keeping. (2 Kings 23:21-25; Romans 8:31-34)

What niggling habits and strange gods do we tolerate? Have we discerned godless inclinations, and boldly removed the high places of ego and greed we fondle with selfish affection? When we covenant to obey, the Lord gives grace and wisdom and help. (2 Kings 23:10-16; Hebrews 4:16)

Father, in gratitude for Your steadfast love and grace, fix my commitment and obedience to You, and for Your glory.

“He holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.  For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

“Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,  a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.” Hebrews 7:24-8:2

The permanent and forever High Priest, Jesus, alone saves completely, to the uttermost, by His limitless perfection. He whose death interceded for ours continues to intercede on our behalf, pleading before His Father from His right hand. The all in all gave His all, His faultless blood, to make us spotless and holy.

Yet how easy it is for us to live half-heartedly in the comparatives. Go with gusto, then gripe and grouse. Give generously, but give in to greed. Devote time and effort, but withhold some pet places. Believe in God, but avoid surrender. What a stark contrast we are to our excellent, wholly sacrificial Savior!

If we really believe Christ’s priesthood is permanent, why do we hide in shame and live in constant defeat? If it is true Christ is always praying for us, why do we fret and fear? If He has once for all put our sin and its power away, why do we keep yielding to temptation? What difference can it make in our attitude toward sin and daily life if we took Jesus’s superlatives literally? Permanent forever. Highly exalted. Perfect sacrifice. Unceasing intercession. High. Holy. True.

How would it change our worship if we rejoiced in the always and everlastings of our infallible Savior instead of focusing on temporal troubles and needs? What magnificence, excellence, resplendence of the high King have we witnessed recently? What fresh praise will we offer to our all in all for His perfect blood and saving, keeping power?

“I hear the Savior say,
‘Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.’

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.

For nothing good have I
Where-by Thy grace to claim;
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

And when, before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
‘Jesus died my soul to save,’
My lips shall still repeat.

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.” ~Elvina M. Hall (1865)

Lord, let me never forget Your astounding supremacy and excellent, eternal, salvation, and so live exalting You, alone worthy of the highest honor and praise.

“‘Yet even now,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
    and rend your hearts and not your garments.’
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
    and he relents over disaster.” Joel 2:12-13

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
    for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
Take with you words
    and return to the Lord;
say to him,
    ‘Take away all iniquity;
accept what is good,
    and we will pay with bulls
    the vows of our lips.
Assyria shall not save us;
    we will not ride on horses;
and we will say no more, “Our God,”
    to the work of our hands.'” Hosea 14:1-3

The prophets’ renditions of God’s call are full of love, longing, mercy. Even now, though you don’t see the whole stain of your sin. Even now, though you feel justified for your actions, and think you were only giving what another deserved. Even now, though you were ignorant, unaware, of your offense against Me. Even now, though you think My grace is not big enough your shame. Even now, I want you to have the same sorrow I do over your sin, and receive my mercy. Return! I am here to receive and restore!

Even now, it’s not too late, for anyone who heeds this gracious call. Return to Me, my beloved. Come, let us reason together. I will uncover your subconscious but hideous motives, your wayward thinking, your abhorrent hidden attitudes, your every offense against My holiness. And I will deal with them by applying them to the cross. I will plunge them in Christ’s blood and make you clean. Return! (Psalm 139:23-24; Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9)

Why is it so hard for us to admit our folly, rebellion, pride? Because by their very nature they resist honesty, exposure, and conviction. Our enemy the devil masquerades as an angel of light and does all he can to disguise or distort truth. He is a wily liar, and works to distance us from God. WOUld we ask the Lord to open our eyes, to see ourselves as He does? Where can we identify that we have strayed, and what steps can we take this day to return to the Lord, humbly, hopefully? (Joel 2:21-27; 2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 Peter 5:8)

The blessings of returning are varied and good. Restored fellowship with and deeper knowledge of God (and often His people). Redeemed lost time. Spiritual fruit. Are these our desire? What is holding us back from rising from our procrastination, the pleasures of sin, or apathy, to return to the Lord with all our hearts? Restored communion with Him results in unfolding praise.

“Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!

Fatherlike he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!” ~Henry Francis Lyle (1834)

Lord, help me resist the world, never Your loving call, and humbly move forward as Your redeemed child for the glory of Your name.

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem… And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel.  He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.  He built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, ‘In Jerusalem will I put my name…’ He burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. And the carved image of Asherah that he had made he set in the house of which the Lord said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my name forever’… They did not listen, and Manasseh led them astray to do more evil than the nations had done whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel.” 2 Kings 21:1-7,9

The Lord had preserved a remnant in David’s line. The Lord had favored Judah, giving her land once occupied by pagan nations. The Lord had captured his father Hezekiah’s heart and abundantly blessed his reign. He witnessed his gratitude and learned of God’s faithfulness. But Manasseh made his own choices and turned his own way. He shrugged off the identity as God’s chosen, he spurned God’s favor, and he invited strange gods into his heart. (1 Kings 11:31-36; 2 Kings 18:1-7; Isaiah 38:16-20)

Before we shame Manessah for squandering his heritage and opportunities, we must take stock of our whats and whys. It can be that we slide ahead without willful obedience, assuming subconsciously another’s good reputation will cover us, or we’ll come around later. We may rebel against comparison, or shrug off another’s example out of stubborn independence, bent on exploring for ourselves. We might weakly surrender to wayward lusts. The tug of war in a Christian’s soul is real and sometimes intense. Every slip makes easier the next.

Jesus saves in an astounding application of grace, and sanctifies us through development of our will. He tests our allegiances, giving opportunity to grow by deliberate choices. He’s on our side, but gives leeway for our decisions. How do we handle our freedom? Where do we insist on doing things our way? (Genesis 22:12-14; Job 1:8-12; Romans 8:31-34; Ephesians 6:10-12)

The sad thing about poor choices is that often they affect others too. My prideful initiative, aggression, and indulgences never stand alone, but hurt others in their wake. My attitude or example can stain the image of the Christ I bear or lead others astray. (2 Kings 21:19-22)

For my part, will I first thank the Lord for His? Will I seek His word and will, then in obedience, His glory over my own? How consistently and persistently am I cooperating with the process of sanctification?

Father, make me holy. Help me stand firm in Your word and yield to You alone.