Another year is about to pass by. Depending on how far one sees, 2022 may have been challenging or expectant. How was it for you? Was it a drudgingly daily-grind or a challenging one yet full of hope and contentment?
Whatever the circumstance we are not left to ourselves. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.1 We are left with the Scripture and tasked, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.2
Reading through 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, now 1 Chronicles, I find it assuring to know and understand that we have a covenant keeping God. Despite our ills God is faithful. Through the Divided Kingdom, am amazed by the contrast shown between Israel (10 tribes) and Judah (2 tribes). For David God kept for himself Judah. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. . . . And your house and kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be shall be established forever.3 The son of Solomon was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Amaziah his son, Hezekiah his son, Maanasseh his son, Amon his son, Josiah his son.4 All these sons, a direct lineage from David, became king one after the other. Some did good in God’s sight; and the others, mostly evil—God kept his promise to David. Proving that our righteousness is not merited through our good works but by God’s grace.
Read the gospels for yourself, ask for revelation, and accept the gift of salvation through Jesus if you have not done so. He came that we may have life.
Study the letters (or Epistles) that you may walk according to what pleases God; E.g., Paul wrote Galatians to address a group of churches in Galatia, where he had earlier preached. He wrote, a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.5 He made it clear to believers that they enjoy complete salvation in Christ (chs. 3-4); Paul showed how the gospel of grace leads to true freedom and godly living (chs. 5-6).6 He likewise wrote Ephesians to display the scope of God’s eternal plan for all humanity. A mystery hidden for ages now made known in Jesus Christ. The 1st three chapters focus on what Christians should believe. Dead sinners are made alive and gain eternal salvation. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.7 The last three chapters explain the implications of God’s grace for the church, for individuals, and for families.8
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.9
I pray that your 2023 be blessed. And that you rejoice in the Lord always.10
Notes:
1. Romans 11:33, 36
2. Romans 12:2
3. 2 Samuel 7:1-17
4. 1 Chronicles 3:10-14
5. Galatians 2:16
6. Commentary Introduction to Galatians ESV
7. Ephesians 2:8-9
8. Commentary Introduction to Ephesians ESV
9. Titus 2:11-14
10. Philippians 4:4
