Pastor Bob DuPar
June 30, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Kings 17:1-18:12; Acts 20:1-38; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 18:6-7.

Observation

2 Kings 17 speaks of numerous people groups who worshipped God but also continued to worship the gods of their cultures. Verses 40-41 put it this way,

“They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshipping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.”

Not much of a legacy to pass on to your children. Their mentality was that if they worshiped every god they would receive whatever blessing or benefit that god had to offer. Or, so they thought. Never mind that these gods, beliefs, principles, and practices were in direct conflict with one another.

Finally, I knew the day and passage would come: Hezekiah – the one king who honored God and tore down the high places, abolishing the idol worship and shrines. Listen to the commentary on his life:

“Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.” (2 Kings 18:5-7)

Paul’s words in Acts 20:24 are inspiring and challenging,

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Application

Often times are problem is not that we fail to worship God; it’s that we worship God and other things, rather than God exclusively. Hezekiah is a great model of single-focused devotion to God.

Acts 20:28 spoke to me: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.” Many kings looked out for themselves but not their people. Excellent leadership requires both.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to follow You and You alone. Grant me wisdom and discernment to lead and be aware of not only myself but also those around me.”