31/05/2017 - WHAT THE LORD HAS NOT

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Now therefore, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.” 2 Chronicles 19:7

The selection of the judges was made from among the Levites, the priests and the leaders of Israel. Certainly many were waiting to be called to this honor, but since they did not proceed correctly many of t hem were not chosen to do so. How many aspire to a ministry but are not picked by the Lord? It is not man´s volitions that will determine his call to the mission, but it is the manner that the individual lives before the Most High, because God verifies the heart and not the external appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). The difference is determined by the consecration to God.

The ones that were chosen to judge the causes among men before the Lord did not live in any form or manner, or scandal; they were known as stalwart and “solid citizens”. Those who lead righteous lives will always be successful in God’s sight and presence. The wicked on the other hand will lose opportunities that would bring them good results. Those that were chosen sojourned the Land with their king and returned to Jerusalem, their home. 

When Christ returns only those that served Him with their hearts will go up with Him to heavenly Jerusalem. The king did not request but did order them to act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart. (2 Chronicles 19:9) This command is upon us. Those that live not with the fear of the Lord are attracted by demons to practices that are harmful to their success. Even worse is that they are excluded from eternity in Heaven, and are also destined to be condemned. 

The King of Judah exhorted his subjects to always present to the judges their differences between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances (v.10), so that the judges com show them how not to offend the Most High. When people have the fear of God, these things do not exist; however since we are not yet perfect, we often are led to provocations and reactions. In these cases a serious admonishing is sufficient solution to the problem.

They were to be impartial in their judgment to avoid complicity and guilt, so as not to draw God’s wrath upon them. Those who do not respect both sides to conduct a proper judgment don’t even imagine the devil’s influence which is over them. We have to give people what they deserve regardless of who they are. Beyond, during or after sentencing it is good to give them a message from God, so that if they do mend their ways, there will be no future problems.

The chief priest, Amariah would preside over them in any matter of the Lord. He was like a court of appeal. Zebadiah, son of Ishmael, prince of the house of Judah would preside over all the matters of the king that served as a review court. The officers and Levites on their turn would be present before them (V.11). Their hierarchy was the pest possible for those days and thus, the nation would live in peace.

They were commanded to put forth great effort to perform their task for God would be with the good. In God there is no iniquity, respect of persons or taking of bribes. Otherwise they are not fit to be servants. Amen!

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares