124 Monday, May 4, 2009

124

1 Kings 015 – 017; 2 Corinthians 005

So many leaders and yet so many not following the Lord. It is imperative that when someone is leading that they lead with integrity. These kings were supposed to be upholding the law, the covenants of the promise, and uphold the glory of God. They knew these truths and yet went about their business as if these things did not matter. Here is what is said of Abijah, "He continued to sin just like his father before him." The heros of 1 and 2 Kings are those kings who do rise to the challenge to lead the people in a Godly way.

Has it sunk in how far Israel has fallen? They were united under God, following God with purpose and passion, and set up as a light to the world. Then sin entered in and was never dealt with properly, the result? A civil war. We now have a north and a south in Israel. It took Israel hundreds of years to get to the pinnacle and only a few years to fall.

The longing for a better place is a theme throughout the Bible. It is a desire that is a Godly desire. Since it is a Godly desire we must let God help us with this desire for a better place. If we try to satisfy this longing on our own then we will really mess up. Paul is addressing the issue of our bodies being just like tents, looking toward our resurrection bodies. The bodies that God had intended from the start for us to have are so much better. Paul then takes this truth and applies it to our lives. “If our bodies are wearing out then this place shouldn't get us down, it should be a reminder that this whole place is not our home.” This place is to keep us looking forward.