Such As Set Their Hearts Came

“And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.”

- 2nd Chronicles 11:16

Photo credit: Giorgio Parravicini via Unsplash

In 2nd Chronicles 11 we find Jeroboam, king of the ten northern tribes of Israel leading his people into apostasy by setting up pagan idolatry and expelling the Levites and priests of the Lord. God’s people throughout the land heard the calling, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partaker of her sins (Rev 18:4).” They would not touch the unclean thing and instead forsook their earthly inheritance and followed the Lord. The Spirit cries out to us, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come to me (Exodus 32:26).” There is no concord between Christ and Belial. The Prince of Peace comes bearing a sword. His sheep hear his voice (that joyful sound!), and are willing in the day of His power.

The Spirit and the Bride say, Come, and the Lord’s temple is built stone by stone as they set their hearts to seek the Lord their God.

Selah.

The Key of David

“So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him."

- 1st Chronicles 11:9

Image credit: Victor Freitas via Unsplash creative commons license

Therein lies the key to all greatness – it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy (Romans 9:16).

God did not save us so that we could then glorify in our own strength in merit, he saved us for His own glory and purposes. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses (Ps 20:7), and others in their wealth, skills, or intelligence, but God’s people are each uniquely gifted to glorify their Lord who changes not, who renews our inward man day by day (2nd Corinthians 4:16).

God does not need us, we need him for even the most minute necessities of our day to day life. By his grace a lowly shepherd boy became the greatest king national Israel ever did see. If this God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

Selah.

Corrupt Communication

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Photo by Diego González on Unsplash

This is a difficult task when we’re steeped in corrupt communication and there is no topic off limits in the general public.

Most movies, shows, and music include sexual subjects, mixed up gender roles, filthy language, and a plethora of perverted ideas.

I used to believe this was true American style liberty, but came to realize these were symptoms of a Christ-rejecting culture. As a nation we lack sensitivity to the most perverse language and ideas. Most call this freedom, but it's actually slavery to our basest desires.

Paul commands us to avoid corrupt communication. This means foul language, gossiping, talking badly about others, but it also means not consuming Christ-rejecting media that allows for it.

Of course this is easier said than done, since filth and blasphemy have become commonplace, but we are called to separate ourselves from it all.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you…

-2 Corinthians 6:17

A curse word here and there might seem harmless, but the same institutions that promote corrupt communication have now opened the door for more twisted sexual and violent content.

We must reject the Christ-rejecters and all of their perverted media.