TEXT: 2 Chronicles 14:2-12; 2 Chronicles 15:1-8; 2 Chronicles 15:15; 2 Chronicles 15:17; 2 Chronicles 16:1-2; 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 A common problem with believers and a cause for their backsliding and struggling is the thought that PERFECT STRENGTH WILL ACCOMPANY PERFECT HEARTS.
2 Chronicles 14:2-12 KJV And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: (3) For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: (4) And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. (5) Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. (6) And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest. (7) Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered. (8) And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour. (9) And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah. (10) Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. (11) And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. (12) So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. 2 Chronicles 15:1-8 KJV And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: (2) And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. (3) Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. (4) But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. (5) And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. (6) And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity. (7) Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. (8) And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 15:15 KJV And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. 2 Chronicles 15:17 KJV But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. 2 Chronicles 16:1-2 KJV In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. (2) Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 KJV And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. (8) Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. (9) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
This lengthy text shows the story of ASA.
2 Chronicles 15:15 KJV And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. 2 Chronicles 15:17 KJV But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. But notice 15(3) Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. 15(5) And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. So when we read 16:1 we realize something occurred for the Lord to allow vexation to come. 2 Chronicles 16:1-2 KJV In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. (2) Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, The very aspect of vexation ot them coming in and going out was attributed by the prophet to the lack of obedience to God and trusting in Him. So Asa did not start lacking trust in God when things started going wrong.
Asa stopped trusting God before he sought Syria's king for help instead of God after the trouble began with Israel in the north.
16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. PROTECTION AND SAFETY AND REST are associated with those who FULLY TRUST GOD.
God said THE EYES OF THE LORD look for something and that alone.
He cannot be found by people who seek Him but who do not have this all-important feature. A PERFECT HEART.
Its the PUSH that is the problem.
God is telling us that we only need a PERFECT HEART, and God will supply the perfect power. No person has the perfect power to live right.
Jesus said WITHOUT HIM WE CAN DO NOTHING. People confuse having a perfect heart with perfect strength.
Revelation 5:6 KJV And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. THE EYES SENT FORTH INTO ALL THE EARTH here on the lamb are mentioned in 2 Chr. 16:9.
He has perfect sight.
In an unfair world, God does NOT OVERLOOK the honest soul. IT IS WORTH IT TO BE HONEST.
And He has perfect sight. As His seven eyes of perfect awareness look for perfect hearts, please note he does not look for the seven horns with those perfect hearts.
GOD DOES NOT EXPECT TO FIND YOU WITH SEVEN HORNS.
We have got to lose this lie that states we must perform flawlessly before God.
Notice these 7 EYES of perfect awareness, look for perfect hearts, and not perfect strength. Matthew 18:21-22 KJV Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (22) Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Luke 17:4 KJV And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT WHEN OUR STRENGTH IS GONE.
Notice in this story who is protected by God, without his own strength, and what his condition is, itself. Zechariah 3:1-4 KJV And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. (2) And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? (3) Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. (4) And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. Satan was attacking this high priest.
Filthy garments represent the fact we cannot make ourselves live right and clean before God.
We do not cause iniquity to leave us.
Zechariah 3:6-9 KJV And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying, (7) Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by. (8) Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. (9) For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. AND HE MENTIONS SEVEN EYES.
Joshua and Zerubbabel were heading up the rebuilding the temple.
Zechariah 4:6-14 KJV Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (7) Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. (8) Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (9) The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. (10) For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. (11) Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? (12) And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? (13) And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. (14) Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. He talks to Joshua in Chapter 3 to encourage him. God speaks to Zerubbabel in Chapter 4 to encourage him. Men may mock at the weak instrumentality of these two men.
HE HAS THE SEVEN HORNS! HIS SEVEN EYES run through the earth and don't miss a single heart who is perfect towards him no matter how small and weak they are! Just like Asa, who said his army was small, but a large army coming against him is nothing for God to deal with, as he trusted GOD...
They were building a temple of stone.
Matthew 16:16-18 KJV And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. THE ROCK is the stone. 1 Peter 2:3-6 KJV If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (4) To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (6) Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. JESUS IS THE STONE. NOT BE CONFOUNDED!!!
We have to get this idea out of our heads that WE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE PERFECT STRENGTH in ourselves.
You cannot have perfect strength in yourself no matter how perfect your heart is. THE REASON THE GATES OF HELL WILL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST THE CHURCH IS BECAUSE ITS ON THE ROCK.
"WHO IS WORTHY?" Revelation 5:2-5 KJV And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? (3) And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. (4) And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. (5) And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. THE LAMB!!!
If you are fooled by satan, you will think you must have perfect strength and never slip up, if you really had a perfect heart.
Do not the the devil cause you to throw your perfect heart away and start living dishonestly, as though honesty doesn't pay. THE LAMB PREVAILED!
We know Job did not have perfect strength although we read this: Job 1:8 KJV And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Job 3:25 KJV For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. Perfect strength means lack of fear of any kind. But God still called him perfect.
Read about the Church on the Rock.
Matthew 16:18 KJV And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Put the same house on sand and watch what happens. Matthew 7:21-27 KJV Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. THE ROCK PROVIDES THE STRENGTH.
WE READ THE STONE, THE ROCK was engraved. John 6:27 KJV Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. SOMETHING IS ENDURING!!
Zechariah 3:9 KJV For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. HERE IS THE SEAL Matthew 3:16-17 KJV And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: (17) And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Jesus ALONE well pleased the Father!
And when HIS POWER is manifested, something strange and wonderful happens. Revelation 5:10 KJV And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. HE PREVAILED, but WE ARE KINGS.
What a ROCK TO STAND UPON. WHAT SAFETY!!! When the devil comes to assault you on your worthlessness...
2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Ephesians 6:10 KJV Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. I am strong when I am weak, because HIS STRENGTH SHINES THROUGH when I know I have none. . |