Encouraging weary women to hope in Christ alone
We’re continuing in our study of 1 and 2 Chronicles in the First 5 app with a weekend audio teaching. I’m amazed at how, even though we recorded this teaching weeks ago, God has provided such a timely and relevant message for these days of crisis we’re living through now. I hope it encourages you!
To hear today’s teaching or read a transcript, head over to First 5 or download the First 5 app and join us in our study!
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We’re studying 1 and 2 Chronicles in the First 5 app, and today I’m sharing a teaching from 1 Chronicles 9. Here’s a preview:
1 Chronicles 9:2 (ESV) “Now the first to dwell again in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.”
Five years ago, our family got a puppy. Samson is a small but mighty furball who brings much joy to our children’s lives, and I’m grateful. But he can be inconvenient at times. Samson has developed gastrointestinal issues and he often makes a mess that I’d rather not clean up.
When I read about the duties performed by the gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 9, I wonder if they ever felt the same way. I know they were grateful to return from and be restored as the people of God in Jerusalem. But perhaps disappointment crept in when they realized the service their role required.
Some of the tasks listed in this passage aren’t glamorous jobs. I’m not a morning person, so opening the tent of meeting each morning wouldn’t be my first choice. (1 Chronicles 9:27) Leaving home to fulfill a seven-day shift at the gate had to be inconvenient. (1 Chronicles 9:25) The work of organizing utensils, mixing spices and making flat cakes might have grown monotonous. (1 Chronicles 9:28-31)
And yet, we get a glimpse of the significance of the men’s work as their diligence is recorded in the Word of God. In some instances, such as Mattithiah the baker, we even know their names. (1 Chronicles 9:31) These men served sacrificially so that the people could worship God as He had commanded, and God recognized their efforts.
If you’d like to continue reading, head over to First 5 for the rest of the teaching, or download the First 5 app and join us in our study!
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Just two weeks ago, I had no idea what a gift it was to spend time chatting with friends after church. My kids often get annoyed with me when the church building empties and I’m still talking. They line up in height order in front of each other in what they call the “kid totem pole”. The oldest rests his chin on the head of the middle child, who rests his chin on the head of the youngest, and they give me puppy-dog eyes that beg me for lunch. It’s one of the many small pleasures I’m missing right now.
We’re all grieving the loss of normal life and routine, and our grief is appropriate. So many earthly pleasures have been taken away in such a short time—big ones like spring break trips and little ones like annoying the kids by talking too long after church. And yet, the Lord is at work. All the good right in front of us can often distract us from the ultimate good that can only be found in the Lord. When so much of life is stripped away, we see the treasure of Christ more clearly.
“Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you . . . You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness is joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:1-2, 11)
The happiness that the world offers can be taken away in days or even minutes. Many of these pleasures are good gifts—sharing a meal with a group of loved ones, learning in a classroom, singing a hymn with our church family, trying to find a table in a crowded coffee shop to catch up with a friend.
But in the Lord, we find the fullness of joy and pleasures that last forever. He is the source of all the good things we have, and He is our refuge when so many good things have been taken away. Nothing can separate us from the goodness of His great love for us in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39)
And by the way, somebody should warn my kids to pack a sandwich when we go back to having church services. One day when we’re there together again, I just might never leave.
No matter what you face this week, your greatest joy can be found in the goodness of God.
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“Coronavirus is ruining everything.”
“It feels like coronavirus has taken over.”
“We get more bad news every day.”
“Everything seemed better a week ago.”
These are a few of the statements I’ve heard my kids and their friends say in the past few days. They mirror many of the thoughts that have run through my head, along with the question of whether life will ever be normal again. These are hard times.
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:5-6)
When our enemy seems to be winning—whether it’s man or virus—we can still face our days without fear. Why? Because the Lord will answer when we call to Him. He has set us free from the power of death and given us eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Lord is on our side, and He always wins.
If you look at these verses in your Bible, you’ll see that Lord is printed in small capital letters. The Hebrew word used in these verses is the covenant name that God shared with His people. It’s His name that reminds us that He always keeps His promises. He’s not just the king on the throne—He’s also the faithful Father who cares for His people.
While a lot has changed in the last week, one thing hasn’t changed: the truth of God’s promises. Coronavirus can’t ruin His good plans for us. Our heavenly Father, not a virus, rules over our world and our lives. The good news of the Gospel gives us hope and peace every day. While we pray that our situation improves, we remember that God is with us and will be faithful in all circumstances.
No matter what you face this week, the Lord is on your side.
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