For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
John 17
What does Jesus pray for us (those who will believe the apostles’ message) in v. 20-26? How can you live into that prayer? As Jesus was one with the Father, so those who believe in Jesus have been made one with Him. Because each of us has been made one with Jesus, we should likewise be one with each other. I hear Him saying that unity among believers is the greatest testimony of Jesus as the embodiment of God’s love for us.
That takes me right back to the importance of not having intimate fellowship – being one – with those who are not seeking to be one with God through Christ. There can be no unity between God and a fallen world. As long as we cling to our flesh – our old human nature – we have divided hearts and broken unity. The current brokenness of the Church is the result.
2 Chron. 7-8
God responds to Solomon’s prayer. What promise does God give him? What warning? I noticed an interesting thing in God’s response to Solomon. I actually noticed the same thing in Solomon’s prayer from chapter 6. Both use the word “when”, not “if” with regard to the consequences of Israel’s unfaithfulness. “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people…” (2 Chron. 7:13). There is certainty in the fallibility of man and in the consequences of his sin. Just as certain, though, is the faithfulness of God. “I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14b).
The only variable, then, is our response to our sin and to God. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…” (2 Chron. 7:14a). That’s right – WE are the “if”. That’s our free choice. Will we continue in our pride, chasing after our own desires and either blaming God, calling His justice unjust, or defiantly ignoring Him? Or will we humbly die to self and seek God with a whole heart? Our need is certain. God’s response is certain. The outcomes are certain. What will we choose?