Today’s Reading, 1 Kings 16 & 2 Chronicles 17
Focal Scripture: 2 Chronicles 17:9 “They taught throughout Judah, having the book of the Lord’s instruction with them. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people.”
Yesterday we saw what it looked like when bad leadership leads to poor instruction. Today we are going to see what takes place when leadership has a real plan to instruct and teach the word of God. I can tell you from first hand experience that teaching the word brings great growth spiritually for adults and students. Everywhere I have been I have systematically taught through the scriptures. I have went verse by verse and took as long as was needed to drive home the truth. I didn’t preach short messages either. I spent the time in the test to explain it in context, make application, then challenge young people to live out that truth. Even though lives were radically changed it always started off with struggles.
I would be told that students can’t be taught the Bible that way and that it was too much for them to comprehend. I would have adults say I expected too much and that the students couldn’t meet that standard. However, none of that was true. The students always rose to the challenge. Students learn very difficult content in school. Coaches have unrealistic expectations for players. In school and sports parents push their kids to be better and get better. They will invest in tutors and spend hours at practice. If that same passion was applied to the Bible our churches and culture would be different.
In today’s reading we see the plan put in place to counteract the bad kings leadership and vision. The plan is simple, open the Bible and teach the people. Leave nothing out and talk about every verse and the implications it has on individuals and groups. People are not changed by behavior modification. People are changed by the word of God and the Holy Spirit.
The challenge I have for you today is to make sure you are at a place where you are being instructed. A place where the preachers and teachers cover everything in scripture. Even the parts that are difficult and need much explanation. The only way to combat biblical illiteracy is to immerse yourself in scripture.
So your plan as a church leader and as an individual must be to spend time with God in the Bible. Remove one thing in your life that takes up your time. It can be a tv show, music, reading, social media, or even a hobby. As believers we have to stop making excuses and prioritizing everything else other than God and his word. Our families and our churches need passionate disciples.
Let me also say if your church leaders or pastors don’t challenge you to go deep it might be time to examine if you are in the right place. If your leader is not passionate about these four things you have an unqualified pastor leading your church or ministry.
- Personal walk with God (Bible reading and prayer)
- Training people to understand Bible basics, doctrine, and theology.
- Treating and talking about people the way Christ sees them (avoid complainers and gossips)
- Loving all people, especially those who are different.
I know at times my tone might come off as rigid when I write and that is intentional. However, I hope you can sense my passion and love for people. Christians are called to be examples and leaders. We are called to be zealous for our faith. This includes our Bible knowledge and our love for others.
Our plan is simple from God. Be transformed, know the scriptures, obey the scriptures, share the scriptures and love people.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Kings 17-19
