"And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart." (2 Chronicles 25:2, KJV)
I used the KJV because is seems to be the most accurate translation of our text. Strong's indicates that the word which other versions translate as, "whole, wholeheartedly, loyal," is literally, "perfect." In another passage, the word is translated, "was not wholly devoted to the Lord." This is akin to 2 Kings 17:41, "Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols." This has happened to all of us at one time or another in our lives. And this is the key to local, national, and global chaos.
The word "perfect" has been diluted over the years. No one wants to talk about perfection, because everyone loves to parrot just how imperfect we are. "Perfect," has become to most something to avoid. In the "Sermon on the Mount," however, Jesus says perfection is the objective of our Father for every citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, every member of the Church, "the household of faith." One time a person complained to Ern Baxter that he was preaching perfection. To which Baxter replied, "What do you want me to do, preach glorious imperfection?" I suspect that the vast majority of people would respond, "Yes."
Our text speaks of a leader who was a sad commentary on many leaders today. They do, "right in the sight of the Lord" (NASB), but there is something in them which is idolatrous, not totally surrendered to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom; it is the classic "heart" issue. How one "remedies" this I'm not sure. The objective, however, of our Lord Jesus Christ is unmistakable, "Be perfect, therefore, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." Instead of some "mean" command beyond our reach, this tells me that the Living Triune God has nothing but the very "best" for you and me. Jesus says, "My Father's house has many rooms (mansions); if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"(NIV) Every Word in the Bible, "the Words of God," tells the human race that everything and all things Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has for us is, as Genesis tells us, "very good." You and I just need to work through our self-limiting prejudices, our excuses for our weaknesses and sin, and align ourselves, not with pop religion, but with, "The Word of God," Jesus Christ. Read, study, obey what He commands and we will have the life He promises. The principle of the Kingdom of God/Heaven is, "He did that which was right in the sight of God...with a perfect heart."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess that what You hold before me seems "impossible." But I thank You that, "with [You] all things are possible." I desire to do, "that which [is] right in the sight of [You] with a perfect heart." Amen.
**********************
* We really appreciate any prayers for our upcoming Spring Mission to Berlin/Bosnia.
* Important prophetic articles at: jhs58.blogspot.com
I used the KJV because is seems to be the most accurate translation of our text. Strong's indicates that the word which other versions translate as, "whole, wholeheartedly, loyal," is literally, "perfect." In another passage, the word is translated, "was not wholly devoted to the Lord." This is akin to 2 Kings 17:41, "Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols." This has happened to all of us at one time or another in our lives. And this is the key to local, national, and global chaos.
The word "perfect" has been diluted over the years. No one wants to talk about perfection, because everyone loves to parrot just how imperfect we are. "Perfect," has become to most something to avoid. In the "Sermon on the Mount," however, Jesus says perfection is the objective of our Father for every citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, every member of the Church, "the household of faith." One time a person complained to Ern Baxter that he was preaching perfection. To which Baxter replied, "What do you want me to do, preach glorious imperfection?" I suspect that the vast majority of people would respond, "Yes."
Our text speaks of a leader who was a sad commentary on many leaders today. They do, "right in the sight of the Lord" (NASB), but there is something in them which is idolatrous, not totally surrendered to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom; it is the classic "heart" issue. How one "remedies" this I'm not sure. The objective, however, of our Lord Jesus Christ is unmistakable, "Be perfect, therefore, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." Instead of some "mean" command beyond our reach, this tells me that the Living Triune God has nothing but the very "best" for you and me. Jesus says, "My Father's house has many rooms (mansions); if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"(NIV) Every Word in the Bible, "the Words of God," tells the human race that everything and all things Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has for us is, as Genesis tells us, "very good." You and I just need to work through our self-limiting prejudices, our excuses for our weaknesses and sin, and align ourselves, not with pop religion, but with, "The Word of God," Jesus Christ. Read, study, obey what He commands and we will have the life He promises. The principle of the Kingdom of God/Heaven is, "He did that which was right in the sight of God...with a perfect heart."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I confess that what You hold before me seems "impossible." But I thank You that, "with [You] all things are possible." I desire to do, "that which [is] right in the sight of [You] with a perfect heart." Amen.
**********************
* We really appreciate any prayers for our upcoming Spring Mission to Berlin/Bosnia.
* Important prophetic articles at: jhs58.blogspot.com
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
