40 Weeks of your Life: 2 Chronicles
07-24-2006
by Vicky Beeching

There is a lot of over lap between Chronicles and the books of Kings, which we read a recently. So as you read Chronicles, take in all the details, as you'll notice that although Kings included similar stories, often they are presented from different angles and perspectives. If God ever repeats Himself, we know it's for a good reason and to add emphasis to what He is saying. So having two similar texts means there must be important things

2 Chronicles gives us a chance to learn more about Solomon - David's son and heir. He is known as the wisest man who ever walked the earth. I'm inspired as I read 2 Chronicles 1:10, where Solomon asks God for wisdom to rule the people. God replies that because he didn't ask for riches or honor, God would grant him wisdom plus honor, wealth and greatness. It shows that Solomon was seeking the right stuff - knowledge and understanding to be a good shepherd of God's people. Because of his good heart, God knew he could also trust him to be faithful be with success and honor.

2 Chronicles, like some of the other books we've read recently, gives us a whistle-stop tour of the many leaders of that period. We read many names, and hear that some honored God in their season of leadership and others did not. It makes me want to be a leader who really pleases God and honors Him in the time I have on this earth. How about you?

This is the last of the history books we'll be reading for a while... The shorter and more story-driven books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther are next… But it was worth getting through the long detailed books that are now behind us as they give us the setting and the historical framework to understand the books ahead. Now we know about the different kings and rulers, we are familiar with David, Solomon and God's promise of their kingdom never ending. When we finally end up in the New Testament we will see this promise fulfilled in the birth of Jesus- the descendant of David who will sit on the throne forever!