All People’s are Commanded to Praise God! - Psalms 117-118

 Psalms 117:1 (ESV Strong's)

1 Praise the LORD, all nations!

Extol him, all peoples!

All People’s are Commanded to Praise God!

Most church worship services are filled with a mix of people that worship God differently.  Some can be singing at the top of their lungs and with arms extended high.  Others are quietly mouthing the words of the song, hands in pockets, gazing forward, with little expression.   Each, in their own way, are “worshipping” and “praising” God.   There is no specific way to worship and praise God.  We are not often told “how” (other than in Christ, through the Spirit), but are, as the above verse states, commanded to praise Him.   There is no doubt that their is much debate about how “emotion” plays into our corporate worship services.  But, whether. you agree or disagree that emotion plays a part, we are commanded to worship.   How we dress is often a debate in regard to worship.   But, however we dress, we are commanded to worship and praise God.   Whether are commanded in the book of Hebrews to corporately worship, but each church has its own opinion on what that looks like.   We are commanded to worship, not necessarily look like the church down the road.  The point of the above verse is that all peoples are commanded to worship and praise God.  The world will stand condemned in the end for failing to worship Him.   They might argue they have been good or nice or positive in their life about God.  But, if they have not spent their life worshiping and praising God through Christ, in the Spirit, they will be condemned.  Worship and praise is not an option.  It is a command.  

Walking with God Brings Security - 1 Chronicles 11-16

 2 Chronicles 11:13-17 (ESV Strong's)

13 And the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel presented themselves to him from all places where they lived. 14 For the Levites left their common lands and their holdings and came to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons cast them out from serving as priests of the LORD, 15 and he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat idols and for the calves that he had made. 16 And those who had set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came after them from all the tribes of Israel to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers. 17 They strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and for three years they made Rehoboam the son of Solomon secure, for they walked for three years in the way of David and Solomon.

Walking with God Brings Security 

To better understand the above text, we need to see what would later happen in the region, when God is NOT the center of your lives:

2 Chronicles 15:5-6 (ESV Strong's)

5 In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. 6 They were broken in pieces. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city, for God troubled them with every sort of distress.

The contrast between these final days of Rehoboam (who decided to allow God to reign in his life) and the later days of Judah and Israel is obvious.   When Rehoboam finally started to listen to God, priest and people came to him.  He was surrounded by those who wanted to serve God.  The lesson here is obvious:  When we desire to walk with God, God provides support and security.   

Make a Vow, Keep a Vow, With Respect to Others - Numbers 29-32

 Numbers 30:3-5 (ESV Strong's)

3 “If a woman vows a vow to the LORD and binds herself by a pledge, while within her father's house in her youth, 4 and her father hears of her vow and of her pledge by which she has bound herself and says nothing to her, then all her vows shall stand, and every pledge by which she has bound herself shall stand. 5 But if her father opposes her on the day that he hears of it, no vow of hers, no pledge by which she has bound herself shall stand. And the LORD will forgive her, because her father opposed her.

Make a Vow, Keep a Vow, With Respect to Others

When Jesus was asked to sum up the Law he stated: 

Matthew 22:34-40 (ESV Strong's)

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

When reading any portion of the Law and the Prophets we should remember these exchange Jesus had with the religious leaders of the day. We should look at all teachings in the Law through this lens.   This truth is really important to remember when reading the above text on “vows.”   In our zeal we might want to make a vow to God.  But, God warns us in this passage to make sure we understand that vows should be made in the context of community.   We can’t commit ourselves to a vow that impacts those around us, without their knowledge or, in the case of a father-daughter, consent.   Moses will go on to make the same statement, as above, in the context of marriage.   A wife should not make a vow that her husband does not also agree with.  Is is less about authority in the marriage and more about relationships.   We are to love the Lord with all our hearts and love others as we love ourselves.   If we do that we would not want to make a vow, even to God, that will hinder those relationships.  God does not hold us to vows that are contrary to the relationship we have with others.   He does not tell us to stop vowing.  He does tell us that if those around us do not want the vow, for whatever reason, we are not obligated to keep the vow.  

He is Able to Sympathize - Hebrews 1-4

 Hebrews 4:15 (ESV Strong's)

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

He is Able to Sympathize

God sent Jesus to represent Himself to man AND to allow Jesus to be able to represent man to Himself.  The later part of that statement is what the author of Hebrews is talking about in the above verse.  Jesus needed to take upon Himself a form of a servant in order to serve mankind as their mediator and intercessory representative.   Therefore, to be able to represent man, Jesus needed to feel every temptation that man would, could and should feel, yet, without sin.  See how the stories in the Gospels that demonstrate the truths of this verse.   In fact, the writer of Hebrews stated earlier in the book:

Hebrews 2:17-18 (ESV Strong's)

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

The prophet Isaiah stated that Jesus would come and be “acquainted” with our grief, sorrows and shame:

Isaiah 53:3 (ESV Strong's)

He was despised and rejected by men;

a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;

and as one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

So, if you and I experience temptation and succumb to it, did Jesus ever experience those temptations?

Did he ever get to the place of desire where he would do something against Gods will to satisfy that desire? (Satan tempted Him with turning bread to stones.)

Was he ever tempted to “flex” and use the power he had over others for his own gain? (Satan tempted Him to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the Temple to make sure the angels saved Him.)

Did he ever get to the place where he wanted to take a short cut to success that would disobey Gods will? (Satan tempted Him to allow Satan to give Him the kingdoms of this world and avoid death and resurrection.)

Did he ever feel rejection and was tempted to retaliate or withhold his love? (The disciples, the their on the cross, the religious leaders; yet, He interceded for their forgiveness them while hanging on the cross.)

Was he ever betrayed and tempted to hold back forgive? (Judas and Peter and the rest of the disciples turned their back on Him).

Was he ever rejected by his family and tempted to be unkind?  (His family thought He was nuts).  

Was he ever singled out to be shamed by the public and acquiesced to their demands? (The cross!)

Jesus was tempted in all ways, yet without sin.  Here is what Peter would eventually write:

1 Peter 2:22 (ESV Strong's)

22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

Formula for Success - Acts 1-2

 Acts 2:42 (ESV Strong's)

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Formula for Success

As a leadership coach I am often asked, “What is the best way to find success?”   Many people want to know the “secret” or, better, the “short-cut” for success.   They often want a five step program that guarantees them success at the end.  Business management is all about “success” and “progress.”   In the above passage we have Dr. Luke’s summary of the early church.  It should be noted that most business management schools do not study the growth of the church in their growth management classes.  They study the Fortune 500 lists each year.  Those are the company’s that interest them for growth.  But, the Christian church actually sets the bar for growth.  There has been no other organization in the history of mankind that has grown at the rate and depth as the Kingdom of God via the Church of Christ.  In the above passage we see the necessary and correct way for growth and success.  There are a number of parts to the formula:

1.  Teaching:  Success begins with attention to God’s Word and our obedience to that word.   The early church spent much time in teaching.  In fact, in Acts 6 we see that the Apostles wanted support in the service areas of the ministry so they could give attention to the teaching of the Word.  

2. Fellowship:  The early church spent much time in “fellowship” with each other.  This is why in the tenth chapter of Hebrews that author makes sure the members of the early church, during suffering, do not stop assembling together.  There is something about the dynamic of people being together in order to hold each other accountable, encourage each other and/or praise God together.  

3.  Breaking the Bread:  The breaking of bread probably means remember the death and resurrection of Christ around the Lord’s Table.   It could mean and did end up as a festival (that the Corinthian church abused).  But, the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of the Church.  Foundational remembrances is essential for growth.  

4. Prayer:  The early church spent much time in prayer.   We only have to read the next few chapters in Acts to see their commitment to prayer. In John 17 we read that Jesus made sure they knew they would have access to God in prayer.  He died for that to be possible.  

These four areas are the key to success. It is doubtful that most of the business schools in the world would even teach any thing remotely about the Christian church.  But, true success, before God and man, is to teach and learn God’s Word, fellowship with God’s people, remember Christ’s sacrifice on a regular basis and pray to God in communion, adoration, intercession and requests.   

God Sees Our Actions - Obadiah

 Obadiah 1:10 (ESV Strong's)

10 Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob,

shame shall cover you,

and you shall be cut off forever.

God Sees Our Actions

A truth in the Word of God is that God sees man’s activities.  Not only does the above verse give us this truth, note:

Proverbs 16:2 (ESV Strong's)

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

but the LORD weighs the spirit.

Hebrews 4:13 (ESV Strong's)

13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

The prophecy of Obadiah is the Word of God against Edom.  When Israel was being taken captive by the Babylonians, the Edomites captured those Israels fleeing the Babylonians and turned them over to them.   This history of ill treatment steams all the way back to when Esau (the father of the Edomites) sold his birthright to His brother Jacob (who’s name would later be changed to Israel).  Esau deposed his brother for that.  When Israel came out of the Egypt, Edom would not let the nation simply pass through their land (Numbers 20:14-23).   God sees all this mistreatment of his people.   God judges this mistreatment.  In our world today we can often get down and out because of how God’s people are treated.   But, we can rejoice that God knows.  God is watching.  God will judge those who mistreat His people.   The book of Obadiah was written for us to learn that truth and lean upon it in times of struggle.   God is watching and will, at some point, destroy those who attempt to destroy and harm His people:

Revelation 11:16-18 (ESV Strong's)

16 And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying,

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,

who is and who was,

for you have taken your great power

and begun to reign.

18 The nations raged,

but your wrath came,

and the time for the dead to be judged,

and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,

and those who fear your name,

both small and great,

and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

Know the Conditions of your Flocks - Proverbs 26-27

 Proverbs 27:23-27

Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens.

 How many of us take the time to "know the condition of our flocks?" Do we take the time to study our life? Do we take the time to see what and where our life fits in regard to the plan of God? We cast our eyes on money, yet we know, as the verse says, it will not last forever. These five verses stress the importance of the principle: You sow what you reap! Know the conditions of your flocks ... it will pay off in the end. Solomon uses the picture of a "flock" of lambs and goats to illustrate his principle.   If we take care of our flocks our flocks will take care of us. Solomon contrasts "riches" that can be owned,  with the "flocks" that can be nutured. He contrasts the crown that disappears, with milk of goats that sustain us. The lesson of the story is that there are some things we invest in and trust that will not last. There are other things we can trust in, that not only will last, will sustains us later. "Know the condition of your flocks" and you will know the difference between that which disappears and that which sustains.  These verses really talk to us about our priorities.  We should be focused upon those things that sustain us in the long run.  The “flocks” can be your “skills;” your “resources;” your “friends;” or any number of things.  We are to know the “condition of our flocks.”   When we do we will focus the right aspects of our lives and “nurture” our flocks ... in the end, our “flocks” will care for us.   

Perhaps a good example of this is the story of King David and his son Absalom.   Absalom was banished from the kingdom and then David brought him back.  But, David did not bring him into his household.  He had him stay in another location.  David did not “know” the conditions of his relationship with Absalom.  He ignored Absalom.   Since the son was ignored he went out to the city gate to convince David’s followers to follow him.  Here is what the Holy Spirit tells us:

2 Samuel 15:2-6 (ESV Strong's)

2 And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,” 3 Absalom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you.” 4 Then Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.” 5 And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

David did know “know” the condition of his relationship with his son.  David did not “know” the condition of the relationship with his followers.  David almost lost the kingdom, as a result.  He did lose his son.   Solomon warns us, “know” the contrition of your “flocks;” whatever those flocks might be. 

Worthless Pursuits, Deaf Idols - Psalms 114-116

 Psalms 115:4-8 (ESV Strong's)

4 Their idols are silver and gold,

the work of human hands.

5 They have mouths, but do not speak;

eyes, but do not see.

6 They have ears, but do not hear;

noses, but do not smell.

7 They have hands, but do not feel;

feet, but do not walk;

and they do not make a sound in their throat.

8 Those who make them become like them;

so do all who trust in them.

Worthless Pursuits, Deaf Idols

There problem with a mansion on the ocean is that it does absolutely nothing for you if you are told you have terminal cancer.  The problem with having expensive cars is that they can’t being you relief when you have lost your spouse, or child.   The problem with large bank accounts is that they can’t get your child our of addictive behavior.   The problem with silver and gold is that you can talk to it, but it won’t talk back to comfort you.   It can’t even sympathize with your circumstances.   Yes, of course, you can use silver and gold to purchase something to give you temporary relief from pain, angst and depression.  But, they have no healing power.  They have no power to restore.   Notice, however, Christ’s offering to us:

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV Strong's)

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

This is what the author of Psalm 115 is speaking to us.   It is only God who can give us relief from our many woes and ills.  He starts the song like this:

Psalms 115:1 (ESV Strong's)

To Your Name Give Glory

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,

for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

God deserves our praise and all the glory.   For it is His steadfast love and faithfulness that sustain us during times of disaster and ill:

Psalms 91:3-6 (ESV Strong's)

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his pinions,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

5 You will not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

We do not fear these things because “his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”   Talk to your silver and gold and see if they can say that and give you comfort. 

Forsake God; Accept Loss! 1 Chronicles 6-10

 2 Chronicles 7:18-22 (ESV Strong's)

18 then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.’

19 “But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will pluck you up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 21 And at this house, which was exalted, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?’ 22 Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore he has brought all this disaster on them.’”

Forsake God; Accept Loss!

Solomon has just finished building the Temple.  It was a glorious edifice that God filled with His glory (See 7:1-3).   Solomon dedicates the Temple to God and makes promises to always obey God (he and the people).   God is delighted with the Temple, the sacrifices and the commitment.  But, in the above passage, God warns Solomon and Israel what will happen if they disobey God.   Their disobedience will be loss and disaster on them.   Apparently, subsequent generations did not have the same devotion and commitment that Solomon and those of his time had.  The nation would start to reject God immediately after Solomon’s death.   God was true to His Word.   When we reject God’s truth we put our lives in peril for judgment.   God keeps His Word.  He keeps His promises to save and He keeps His promises to destroy.   Israel can rejoice in the fact that God keeps His Word.   But, they failed to obey it.  So, too, we must realize today that God keeps His Word and it is something that He will never go back on in His expressions of love toward His people.   If we forsake God, we can be prepared to accept loss.  

God Keeps His Promises ... Even the Bad Ones! Numbers 25-28

 Numbers 26:64-65 (ESV Strong's)

64 But among these there was not one of those listed by Moses and Aaron the priest, who had listed the people of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 65 For the LORD had said of them, “They shall die in the wilderness.” Not one of them was left, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.

God Keeps His Promises ... Even the Bad Ones!

In this section of Numbers, Moses was instructed to count the people to take a census of each tribe.   The census was done in order to see the size of each tribe.  Their size would determine their portion of the promise land when Joshua lead them into the land. The larger tribes would be given more land and the smaller tribes less land.   But, the census also was conducted to demonstrate a promise of God.   God had promised that those who originally came out of Egypt would NOT enter the promise land do to their unbelief; their disobedience to His Word.   They all would die in the wilderness.   This is the reason for the above passage.   God is reminding them that He said those things and He accomplished His promise.  God always keeps His promises, all of them.   He keeps the good ones and the bad ones.   God promised that He would destroy that generation while they wandered in the wilderness for forty-years.   God did that.  There were a number of ways that was accomplished.  Some simply died of old age.  Some died from plagues sent by God.  Some died by the hands of the enemies of the land they were about to possess.   All of them died, except Joshua and Caleb.  God kept His promise to them, as well.  Imagine that 600,000 men came out of Egypt and God said they would all die, except two!   That is the power of God and the exactness of His promises.   

Hopeful Reservation - Philemon

 Philemon 1:22 (ESV Strong's)

22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

Hopeful Reservation

The above verse might seem insignificant in the entire book of Philemon.   The book is written to Philemon, from Paul, who was in prison.  Paul is writing about a man, Onesimus, who was a slave in Philemon’s house.  Apparently, Onesimus had stolen something from Philemon or defrauded him in some way and had run away.   We can conclude that he was arrested and put in jail ... right next to Paul.   Paul must have introduced Onesimus to Christ and now he was “useful” to both Paul and Philemon (the name Onesimus means “useful”).   Paul is writing to Philemon to tell him to take Onesimus back, in love and forgiveness as a Christian brother.  Imagine the grace and forgiveness that would have had to be in Philemon’s heart!   But, the above verse adds even richer flavor.  In this verse, Paul pivots away from Philemon, Onesimus, defrauding and forgiveness.  In one sentence he tells Philemon to prepare a room for him because he has great hope of coming to visit with him and Onesimus.   This entire church, that was meeting in Philemon’s home, undoubtedly was praying for Paul’s release (see verses 4-7).   Paul believes so much that God will answer his prayers and theirs, that he makes a reservation for a room in Philemon’s large house.   This is just a great picture of hope and faith in the sovereignty of God.  Paul is recognizing that a man name “useful” at birth was directed by God to his prison, where Paul could lead him to Christ and truly make him “useful” to both Paul and Philemon.   Some simply see a run-away slave.   Paul sees the sovereignty of God.  Paul now let’s Philemon know that his request to have Philemon forgive Onesimus is, or might be, followed by a visit himself.   Paul sees the power of God in all this.  He does not see his circumstances.   Paul sees opportunity for more of God’s power to be displayed.   In hope of God’s faithfulness Paul makes reservations for a room.   Amazing!!  He had nothing to believe his circumstances would change.  Only that God is always working and moving one person from here to there to complete His amazing plan.   Why not make a reservation today, with that same thought in mind!!! 

Only Christ Can Give Peace - John 19-21

 John 20:19-22 (ESV Strong's)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Only Christ Can Give Peace

After Christ’s resurrection, Christ showed Himself to His disciples.   In those meetings He was encouraging them, instructing them, and even correcting them.   In the above passage we read that Christ spoke to them, “Pease be with you.”   The Hebrews understood a phrase like this, as it was the standard way to greet someone by saying, “Shalom” (which is Hebrew for “peace”).   In the above passage we read, on two occasions, that Christ speaks the words, “Pease be with you.”   It should be noted that this is the first time we read those words after the resurrection.   Now that Christ has died for their sins and has defeated death, He also destroyed the hostility between God and man.  Note:

Romans 5:1 (ESV Strong's)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus broke down the enmity between God and man.  When Jesus says, “peace be with you,” He literally was delivering “peace” to them.   We have an entire world seeking peace.   But, we only get peace because Jesus speaks it into our lives.  It is by faith that we believe that Jesus provides us peace in the midst of our circumstances.  Jesus does not change the disciples circumstances.  In fact, after His accession to heaven, the disciples will all suffer more than they have ever suffered.   Yet, Jesus speaks to them, peace.   If we want peace in our lives despite our circumstances, we have to realize that it is only given by Christ and only received by faith in His Word; His promise to provide peace.   He does that by providing the Holy Spirit in our lives.  The Spirit gives us strength to have faith to receive faith in the midst of poor circumstances.   The disciples have just seen their Savior crucified.   They are about to see Him ascend to heaven.   They now have the Spirt of God to give them peace.  Remember, peace is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).   If we want peace, despite our circumstances we have understand that Christ suffered for us to have that peace and provided the Spirit for us to experience that peace ... despite our circumstances.  

No Where to Hide - Amos 5-9

 Amos 9:2-4 (ESV Strong's)

2 “If they dig into Sheol,

from there shall my hand take them;

if they climb up to heaven,

from there I will bring them down.

3 If they hide themselves on the top of Carmel,

from there I will search them out and take them;

and if they hide from my sight at the bottom of the sea,

there I will command the serpent, and it shall bite them.

4 And if they go into captivity before their enemies,

there I will command the sword, and it shall kill them;

and I will fix my eyes upon them

for evil and not for good.”

No Where to Hide

When God decides to discipline someone for disobedience to His Word, there is no place to hide.  Israel had disobeyed God’s Word in their hearts.  They had worship services, but they were void of heartfelt meaning.  Note what God says here through the words of Amos:

Amos 5:21-24 (ESV Strong's)

21 “I hate, I despise your feasts,

and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.

22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,

I will not accept them;

and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,

I will not look upon them.

23 Take away from me the noise of your songs;

to the melody of your harps I will not listen.

24 But let justice roll down like waters,

and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

They had worship but without mercy and justice in their hearts.  They had an outward display but not an inward disposition toward God and His heart.   So, God said He would discipline them.  They thought they could avoid the discipline of God and hide from Him.  The above passage tells us that this is not possible.  In verse four of the above passage we read, “... I will fix my eyes upon them for evil and not for good.”   God fixes His eyes upon us.  We are not able to hide from Him when we sin and disobey Him.   Others may not see our disobedience but God does.  He cuts us open like a knife to expose our sin:

Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV Strong's)

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

We can not hide from God!!

A Soft Tongue Breaks the Bone - Proverbs 25

 Proverbs 25:15 (NASBStr)

By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,

And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

There is a real skill when it comes to the art of negotiations.   Few people can actually accomplish the art of persuasion without first stumbling and touching the hems of offending.   When you have a point to make most people blast it out like a shell out of a cannon.   They wound the other party before they even get a chance to win they other person over to their way of thinking. In the above proverb we read about two elements of persuasion that are a must for would-be negotiators.  In the first line we read that good persuasion takes much time, patience and persistence.   We can't give up in the face of resistance and we can't give in when others don't agree, no matter their station or authority over us.   The second line of this proverb says that the cannon shell should be replaced with the jar of honey.    Perhaps this is were we received the old adage that "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar."  We don't have to blast our opinion to convince.   If we have a valuable opinion sometimes the best way to get others to hear it and accept is to create a warm and friendly path to our well and allow them to draw the bucket and drink from it out of their own will.   Simply hitting them with the arrows of our arguments isn't the best way, or a good way at all.   This proverb seems to tell us that if we want others to hear us and accept our view we should be patient, persistent and positive.

See further Titus 2:10

Praise the Lord! Psalms 111-113

 Psalms 113:1 (ESV Strong's)

1 Praise the LORD!

Praise, O servants of the LORD,

praise the name of the LORD!

Praise the Lord 

The title that the editors give this psalm is, “Who Is Like the Lord Our God?”   The title is taken from verse five of the psalm.    We do not know who composed the psalm, but the obvious purpose is contained in the above verse.  We are instructed to praise the Lord.   If we look at this psalm as an exhortation or imperative, we must realize that praising God is not a feeling or an emotion.  It is not something we do just because we are in a worship service or feeling good about God.  This is an instruction to “praise God” simply because He is awesome.   His “glory is above the heavens!” (v.4).  This is the writer’s reason for praising Him.   There is no one like Him.  (v.5).  This is a reason to praise Him.  He raises the poor from the dust of the earth to the leader of the kingdom (v.6-8).  This is the reason to praise Him.  He opens the womb of the barren woman (v.9).  This is a reason to praise Him.  So, we praise Him for who He is and for what He does.   This is an imperative we are to obey.   

Building to the Glory of God - 2 Chronicles 1-5

 2 Chronicles 2:4-7 (ESV Strong's)

4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the LORD my God and dedicate it to him for the burning of incense of sweet spices before him, and for the regular arrangement of the showbread, and for burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths and the new moons and the appointed feasts of the LORD our God, as ordained forever for Israel. 5 The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. 6 But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? 7 So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided.

Building To The Glory of God

Solomon is about to build the Temple.  David had it in his heart to build a magnificent Temple for God to dwell in, but God told him no.   But, God did tell David that his son, Solomon, would build it.  Here, in this section we see that promise of God coming to fruition.   Solomon will construct a Temple for God.  But, as he does, he needs help.  It is fascinating that he reaches out to a foreign king to give him both the materials he needs and the expertise he needs.   Solomon reaches out to Hiram, King of Tyre.  By the time we get to the prophet Ezekiel’s day, God will send a prophetic message to Tyre:

Ezekiel 26:3 (ESV Strong's)

3 therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves.

Yet, at this point, Solomon is reaching out to Hiram.   When he does reach out, Solomon takes great pains to show Hiram the “why” of the project.  He needed. Hiram to provide the “who, the what and the how,” but Solomon made sure the the king new the “why.”   We ought never to be afraid, no matter our endeavors, to make sure others know the “why” of our work.   We are all building something.  We are building something to the glory of God.   That was the point David had and the point Solomon wanted to finish.   In fact, note what happens at the end of the building project:

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (ESV Strong's)

13 and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD,

“For he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever,”

the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.

When we start with the “why” at the beginning we can make sure we get the the “why” at the end. 

Speak ONLY What God Says to Speak - Numbers 21-24

 Numbers 22:18 (ESV Strong's)

18 But Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God to do less or more. 

Numbers 22:38 (ESV Strong's)

38 Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you! Have I now any power of my own to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak.”

Numbers 23:26 (ESV Strong's)

26 But Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell you, ‘All that the LORD says, that I must do’?”

Numbers 24:12-13 (ESV Strong's)

12 And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, 13 ‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the LORD, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the LORD speaks, that will I speak’?

Speak ONLY What God Says to Speak

The above quotes are from the prophet Balaam.   We know very little about him.  He apparently was a known prophet of God.  Balak , the king of Moab, must have had some knowledge of him.  He would say this about him:

Numbers 22:6 (ESV Strong's)

6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

As we soon find out, Balaam’s commitment to ONLY say what God told him to say was only an outward commitment.  He would later give Balak insight on how to defeat and compromise Israel.  Note how Peter characterizes Balaam in the New Testament:

2 Peter 2:15-16 (ESV Strong's)

15 Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 16 but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

He wanted “gain” rather than righteousness.   The Apostle John said it this way:

Revelation 2:14 (ESV Strong's)

14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.

Balaam was a man after his own heart.  He outwardly said the right things, but inwardly he was seeking his own fame and gain.   This is completely contrary to what God asked him to do.  He would have been wise to do what he said he was going to do: Only speak what the Lord tells me to speak.   

Teach Healthy Doctrine - Titus

 Titus 2:1 (ESV Strong's)

1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Teach Healthy Doctrine

Paul is writing a letter to young pastor Titus to make sure he knows how to handle himself in the church as a minister of the Gospel.   In the above verse Titus is instructed to teach “sound” doctrine.  The Greek word for “sound” in this text is:  hygiainō.  It means “healthy.”   Titus is being instructed to make sure that the doctrine he teaches is in accordance with the sound doctrine Paul has taught him and the other churches.   Paul has just finished telling Titus what unhealthy doctrine looks like. The problem in our English Bibles with chapter breaks, is that when Paul wrote this letter to Titus there was no break in form of “chapters.”   Her are the instruction that appear just prior to Paul telling Titus to teach “sound” (healthy) doctrine:

Titus 1:9-15 (ESV Strong's)

9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.

It is on the heals of this passage that Titus is told to be sound in his teaching.  There is nothing worse than false doctrine.   There is nothing worse than teaching that leads people away from the sufficiency that is in Christ.   Unhealthy doctrine being taught to a church makes for an unhealthy church.   Teach healthy doctrine.  

What it Means to Pray in Jesus Name - John 16-18

 John 16:26-28 (ESV Strong's)

26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

What it Means to Pray in Jesus Name

In the above verses we have the final conversations recorded between the disciples and Jesus.   Jesus has just told them, on two earlier verses to “pray in my name.”   Note:

John 16:23-24 (ESV Strong's)

23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

In verse 23 and in verse 24, as well as 26, above, Jesus tells His disciples to pray “in my name.”   But, what does that mean.   Jesus, in verse 26, plainly says that to “pray in my name” but that He is NOT saying He will be taken our prayer requests to God, on our behalf.   What Jesus is saying is that He is dying for us, to give us direct access to God the Father.   In Romans 8:34 it does say that Jesus intercedes for us.  But, in the above passage, He is not speaking to them about His intercessory ministry.  He wants them to know that His coming death will be opening up complete access that we may go directly to the Father.  Why?  Because, the above verses state, God loves us.  Jesus states: “... for the Father, Himself, loves you.”    The great fallacy of other faiths is that we have to have an intermediary to go to the Father.   We do not.  Christ’s death opens the way that we can go directly to the Father.  We pray “in Jesus name” because Jesus gave us access through is death.  God wants us to fellowship with Him in prayer directly ... in Jesus’ name.  

God’s People Can Face Punishment for Sin - Amos 1-4

 Amos 3:1-2 (ESV Strong's)

1 Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt:

2 “You only have I known

of all the families of the earth;

therefore I will punish you

for all your iniquities.

God’s People Can Face Punishment

The book of Amos is a “turn or burn” type message.  Israel is being told to repent or else.   The above verses start the “or else” portion of the prophet’s message.   Throughout chapter three and four we see some areas that God will judge Israel since they disobeyed God’s Word.   In verse two, above, we see that the entire nation will be judged.  God called only them from among the nations and yet they turned their back on Him in disobedience.  He would bring punishment on the wealthy for how they sought wealth over Him:

Amos 3:15 (ESV Strong's)

15 I will strike the winter house along with the summer house,

and the houses of ivory shall perish,

and the great houses shall come to an end,”

declares the LORD.

He would punish them for over indulgence and disrespect:

Amos 4:1-2 (ESV Strong's)

1 “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan,

who are on the mountain of Samaria,

who oppress the poor, who crush the needy,

who say to your husbands, ‘Bring, that we may drink!’

2 The Lord GOD has sworn by his holiness

that, behold, the days are coming upon you,

when they shall take you away with hooks,

even the last of you with fishhooks.

He would punish them for false worship:

Amos 4:4-5 (ESV Strong's)

4 “Come to Bethel, and transgress;

to Gilgal, and multiply transgression;

bring your sacrifices every morning,

your tithes every three days;

5 offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened,

and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them;

for so you love to do, O people of Israel!”

declares the Lord GOD.

He would punish them for lack of repentance:

Amos 4:6-7 (ESV Strong's)

Israel Has Not Returned to the LORD

6 “I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities,

and lack of bread in all your places,

yet you did not return to me,”

declares the LORD.

7 “I also withheld the rain from you

when there were yet three months to the harvest;

I would send rain on one city,

and send no rain on another city;

one field would have rain,

and the field on which it did not rain would wither;

God’s people, when they turn their back on God, will suffer punishment.   

A Lazy Man Gets Robbed

 Proverbs 24:30-34 (ESV Strong's)

30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,

31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;

the ground was covered with nettles,

and its stone wall was broken down.

32 Then I saw and considered it;

I looked and received instruction.

33 A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.

A Lazy Man Gets Robbed 

In the above proverb, Solomon is trying to tell the reader that laziness, in the end, will leave you with nothing,   He observes a field that is apparently owned by a sluggard.   This person has in front of them a field that contains a vineyard.  It should be noted that in Biblical days this would be a blessing for anyone.  To have both the land and the opportunity would have made this a wealthy person.  But, this person’s opportunity soon became a witness to their lazy approach to life.   Rather than till the land they decided to take a nap instead.   The result is that this laziness robbed them of the very riches they could have had.   There are a lot of people who have opportunity in front of them.  But, they would rather sit on the couch than avail themselves of riches that comes from hard work and diligence.   God gives us opportunity to harvest what is in front of us.  But, those who are lazy would rather sleep and fold their hands in rest.   Laziness is a thief that steals the riches that are available to us.  Most lazy people would rather have what others own than to go out and work for what they themselves could have.   A lazy man gets robbed ... by himself. 

God’s Love is Good - Psalm 108-110

 Psalms 109:21 (ESV Strong's)

21 But you, O GOD my Lord,

deal on my behalf for your name's sake;

because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!

God’s Love is Good

God loves us.  That thought should be the one thought that permeates our minds.  We get so many bad thoughts in our minds.  The world tries to shame us.  The world tries to marginalize us.  The world tries to set standards for us that we can never achieve.  But, God simply loves us the way we are.   In this psalm the writer is talking about how someone has betrayed him (in the New Testament this passage will be used in correlation with Judas and his betraying Jesus).  When we have other trying to hurt us, or betray us, or causing us harm, the one thing we can rejoice about is that God’s love is permanent.   This is the truth in this song.   We will always have others who don’t show us unconditional love and have our best interest at heart.   But, the truth is, God does.  He loves us, encourages us, equips us and continues to make sure He protects us.  His love is completely unconditional.    That is the knowledge of God that cast down the poor strongholds of our minds.  We often think we are only valued when we have the love and/or appreciation of others.  In reality, we are loved continually by God.  That should be the thought we spend mediating upon.  

Faith is About Obedience - 1 Chronicles 25-29

 1 Chronicles 27:23-24 (ESV Strong's)

23 David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the LORD had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.

Faith is About Obedience

In the above passage we have the recap of an earlier event.  David, in his pride, wanted to count all the men in Israel that were 20 years and older.   It is apparent that he did so out of pride.   Joan, who was commissioned to complete the task tried to persuade David to not move forward.  But, David prevailed.  Joan was concerned that this was not according to God’s Word, that he did not even complete the task.   The above passage tells us why all this was displeasing to Joab and disobedient to God.   God had already told David that He would make Israel as the “stars of the heavens.”  When David set out to number Israel he doubted God and God’s promise.  This is the same reason those in the nation of Israel that were brought out of Egypt did not enter the promise land.   Disobedience is not faith.   God expects us to believe His Word, follow His Word in obedience.  That is faith.   David acted in the flesh and God sent a plague to punish the people.   God takes following His word, seriously.   

The Constant Need for Cleansing - Numbers 18-20

 Numbers 19:9 (ESV Strong's)

9 And a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and deposit them outside the camp in a clean place. And they shall be kept for the water for impurity for the congregation of the people of Israel; it is a sin offering.

The constant need for cleansing!

The above passage gives the people of Israel the instructions of what to do after the Red Heifer Sacrifice.   A red heifer was slaughtered and sprinkled on the tabernacle.  It was then take outside the camp and, under the observation of the high priest, it was to be burnt in its entirety.   This red heifer was a symbol of Jesus being taken outside the city of Jerusalem and killed, to make purification for mankind.   In the above portion of the sacrifice, we have what happens after the red heifer is burned.   The ashes are to be collected and properly stored, outside the camp.  They are to be used later to purify those who come in contact, later, with a dead corpse.   The point here is the Christ’s sacrifice is not only applicable at our justification moment, it is constantly purifying us in our daily practice sanctification.  For a person to receive this purification they had to come to the priest to be sprinkled by this purification water.  So, too, we have to come to Christ, daily, to get power to live a sanctified life.   Jesus was killed outside the camp for our daily purification.  

2 Timothy 3:12-13

 2 Timothy 3:12-13 (ESV Strong's)

12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Godly Life Equals Persecution

The world is falling apart. You can hear that thought from any person walking on the street these days.   In fact, as we compare over the last years and decades, things are going from bad to worse.  Deception is everywhere.  In politics, in business, in marriages, in friendships.   These are things you can read on the front of the news cycle everyday.   Yet, almost 2,000 years ago, Paul stated this would happen.   And, here it is.   He also stated that those who would live in Christ and want to live a godly life, will be persecuted.   We are seeing that, as well, on the streets of world.   Those who dare to stand for godliness are shamed, ridiculed and defamed.   Christians have become “shy” as a result.   To stand tall in a slouching world takes the power of Christ.   Paul is telling the church that there will come a day that standing tall of Christ will not be acceptable behavior to world around us.   We are in those days.   Saying you believe in Christ will probably not get you persecuted, as of yet.  Staying you believe in Christ and that means certain behaviors in our society are sinful and wrong, will get you in extreme trouble in our world.   We can believe in Christ but we can not speak about godly behavior.    In fact, we can believe in Christ and practice and allow ungodly behavior and be totally accepted in our society.   But, that is not Biblical Christianity.   If we live a godly life in Christ Jesus one of the earmarks of that walk will be persecution.   Expect it.  It comes with the territory.    

A New Standard of Love - John 13-15

 John 13:34-35 (ESV Strong's)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

A New Standard of Love

In the above passage we are in the final words of Jesus to His disciples.  He is about to give His life for them and is giving them His final teaching and/or instruction.   They might be asking, after hearing the above passage, “In shan’t we is this instruction new?”  Take a look at what God told Moses to write in Leviticus 19:18.

Leviticus 19:18 (ESV Strong's)

18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.

Not only did God tell them about loving others way back in Moses’ day, but Jesus, himself, had already preached the sermon on the mount, telling them to love each other.   He also told them that they ought to love each other like he did (He washed their feet).  But, this is “new” in the sense that He would soon die for them.  That was the ultimate standard of love that has not been mentioned. In Moses’ word we are to love each other like we love ourselves. That is not the same, in our minds, as dying for someone.   However, that is what is new in Jesus’ instructions.  He is giving them a new standard of loving others in the community of faith.   IF and/or WHEN we were to love in this way, Jesus goes on to say that people will know that we are His children when they see this type of love being carried out in our lives. The reason for this thought is that the world would never think this way.  They would not lay their lives down for others.  Maybe for family members, but not for others they don’t really know.   The philosopher and Christian apologists, Francis Sheffer, once said, “The church is to be a living people in a dying culture.” The world is dying and we are the living.  But, we show we are the living by being willing to be the dying for our brothers and sisters of faith.   This is God’s new standard of love.  

Good News in the Middle of Bad News - Joel

 Joel 2:32 (ESV Strong's)

32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.

Good News in the Middle of Bad News

Joel is a prophecy of judgment and condemnation on the nation for their repeated sins and unbelief toward God.   Joel is telling them the reason they are being taken captive by the cruel nation of Babylon.   He wants them to know that sin in the lives of the people of God will always have judgement.   However, he also wants them to know the good news.  The good news is that God will redeem those those repent.  The good news is God is going to provide for them redemption through His Son, their Messiah.   That is the point of the above verse.   Joel is telling the nation that they do have hope.  God will not abandon those who are faithful in repentance and seek after Him.  In the midst of the bad news, we have the good news.   Sometimes we need to hear and experience the bad news so that we have deeper joy and thankfulness of the good news.  The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ.   In the midst of this prophecy of doom and gloom and judgment and justice, we have the good news of Christ’s redemption.   We can rejoice that God is providing for us, in the midst of our sin and sinning, redemption.   

His Steadfast Love!! - Psalms 105-107

 Psalms 107:8 (ESV Strong's)

8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

Psalms 107:15 (ESV Strong's)

15 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

Psalms 107:21 (ESV Strong's)

21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

Psalms 107:31 (ESV Strong's)

31 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

His Steadfast Love!!

As parents, when we want to emphasize something to our children we repeat the imperative.  We continually repeat the imperative.   We learned that from our father ... our Heavenly Father.  When God wants to emphasize something, He, too, repeats it.   In the above passages we see that God, on four occasions, in this passage, made sure we were very much aware that God has steadfast love and He does amazing works to the children of man.   Each of these refrains is written after the writer unfolds some type of person who is crisis.  After the writer demonstrates that God rescues them from their dilemma, he writes the above truth.  We ought to spend our days giving thanks to God for His steadfast love and His wonderful works to mankind.   James said this way:

James 1:17 (ESV Strong's)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

God is good in His steadfast love and His wonderful works to man!!

God’s Transition Plan - 1 Chronicles 20-24

 1 Chronicles 22:17-19 (ESV Strong's)

17 David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, 18 “Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not given you peace on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and his people. 19 Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD.”

God’s Transition Plan

The transfer of leadership is a key component of any corporation or organizational transition plan.  When one leader steps down and another rises to leadership, it is the subordinate leaders who can make or break the transition.   Subordinate leaders who thought they should have the job of new leader, can often sabotage or hinder the work of the new leader.   They can often be consumed with envy or jealousy.   Subordinate leaders often think the new leader should keep doing what the old leader did.  The are not in favor of the new leader who might take them into new endeavors.  They can also challenge the work of a new leader.  Then there are the subordinate leaders who do think the work ought to go some place new and they fail to accept the direction of the new leader.   David may have thought these things as he was ready to hand the leadership of the kingdom over to his son, Solomon.   This is why we have this section of David’s transition plan.  The transition plan was written by God.  God had a plan and He wanted Solomon, not David to carry it out (see 1 Chronicles 22:6-10).   But, even though David was on board with it and Solomon was in line with it, David, in the above text wants to make sure the subordinate leaders are understating God’s transition plan.  David communicates the plan plainly to them.  His words carry great sway over them.   It is imperative for David to make sure that the rest of the leaders are understanding their role in supporting Solomon.  In doing so they are supporting God’s transition plan.   Communication and clarity are David’s tools.   Failure to communicate the plan and clearly lay out what God wants would only muddy the waters.   The smooth transition of power is done so with God’s transition plan communicated in a clear and concise manner.  This is what David does in this section.