THE LORD SPOKE (June 25)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Chronicles 6-7

Though it was especially "crafted" for a specific occasion, Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple is in many ways a model prayer for us. His introductory remarks to the people gathered (II Chron. 6:4-11) incorporate the five main points of Old Testament biblical theology in an anthem of praise:

PRESERVATION (II Chron. 6:5) - "out of Egypt"

POSSESSION (II Chron. 6:6) - "I have chosen Jerusalem" (and all that relates to Eretz Israel)

PROMISE (II Chron. 6:10) - "the Lord has kept the promise that he made"

PRINCE (II Chron. 6:10) - "David...sit on the throne"

PEOPLE (II Chron. 6:11) - "the covenant of the Lord that he made with the people of Israel"

(Note: The fact that these five points invariably appear at such defining moments in Scripture is a confirmation of their importance as a synopsis of biblical theology.)

Solomon's public prayer continues with adoration (II Chron. 6:14-18) and moves to confession. In this case it is thoroughly mixed with supplication. He defines the proper occasions for approaching the throne of grace:

• when we have sinned against another person (II Chron. 6:22-23)
• when we have been defeated because of our sin (II Chron. 6:24-25)
• when we are distanced from God because of our sin (II Chron. 6:26-27)
• when we face natural disasters or disease (II Chron. 6:28-31)
• when we are distanced from God's people (II Chron. 6:32-33)
• when we are doing battle with an enemy (II Chron. 6:34-35)
• when we are captive to anyone or anything because of our sin (II Chron. 6:36-39)

Just look at what this prayer teaches us about our need to repent and the promise of God's forgiveness and restoration:

• "when they turn back and confess" (II Chron. 6:24)
• "forgive the sin...and bring them back" (II Chron. 6:25)
• "teach them the right way to live" (II Chron. 6:27)
• "deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men)" (II Chron. 6:30)
• "so that they will fear [= reverential awe] you and walk in your ways all the time" (II Chron. 6:31)
• "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chron. 7:14)

Those words were addressed to Israel (note the context carefully) but they are forever applicable to any people whose God is the Lord - people group or individual.


New Testament: Philippians 2

It’s hard to read Philippians 2 - or even to think about it - without your mind sticking on vs. 5-11. That great passage about the self-emptying (Greek: kenosis) of Christ dominates the landscape. The explanation of how He voluntarily suspended the independent exercise of His divine attributes will captivate your thought for a long time. This amazing Christological gem will make you love Him even more every time you think about it.

But there’s much more in the same chapter. From the pristine statement on Christian unity (vs. 1-4) to the positive examples of Christian friendship (vs. 19-30), the chapter rings with hope and encouragement. If we would follow Paul’s Spirit-directed advice, what a difference it would make: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

If we would follow the examples of men like Timothy and Epaphroditus, what a difference it would make. Paul’s relationship with Timothy was like that of a father and son, happily joined together in the family business (Phil. 2:22). Paul could trust him implicitly and often leaned on him for encouragement and strength. Consider the evidence of this in the first and second epistles of Timothy.

Epaphroditus too. As an emissary from the Philippian church (Paul calls him a “messenger” but the same word is translated as “apostle” elsewhere), Epaphroditus had ministered to Paul’s needs. We’re not told the exact nature of that situation but Epaphroditus got sick (vs. 27) and almost died (vs. 30) in the process. What a friend!

But we’re back again to the supreme example of our Savior. The Lord Jesus did die for us (vs. 8). He came down - oh, what meaning there is in that phrase. He left heaven’s glory to take on human flesh and all its weakness. He “humbled Himself” for sinners such as I. As a result, His name is above every name and God has highly exalted Him. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. I gladly do so now.

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace.
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!