May 13, 2014 (Tuesday)
The books of First and Second Chronicles are much like First and Second Samuel plus First and Second Kings, with different emphases. Heavy emphasis is put upon King David and the building of the Temple. After the kingdom divided, Second Chronicles emphasizes the southern kingdom, Judah. The books emphasize the necessity of faithfulness to God by individuals and nations.
First and Second Chronicles – A devotional thought
Some scholars believe that these books were written for the benefit of those who returned to Judah from the captivity of Babylon. The books emphasized to them that their genealogy proves they are God’s chosen people, and the work of David, Solomon, and the good kings of Judah validate the assertion that God blesses a people who worship and honor Him instead of pagan idols.
Solomon’s dedication of the Temple includes never-to-be-forgotten 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.” In 1976, celebrating the Bi-centennial anniversary of our country, the choir of our church sang these words of John Peterson:
“Jesus is calling America
Calling her back to the fold
Jesus is calling America
Calling the young and the old..
Are we listening?