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As I read through the Bible this year, I am repeatedly saddened by how many times I observe this phrase: "He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord." My Logos search claims that it is used 752 times in the Bible. I did not count them myself, but I did count forty-three kings of Israel and Judah and noted that only seven "did what was right in the sight of the Lord." Idolatry and pride were as rampant then as they are now.
Craig Groeschel says, "The hardest person to lead is yourself." Kings Solomon, Joash, and Amaziah began well with hearts on fire for God, but they did not finish well. Things were not favorable for the Kings who led badly and turned their hearts away from God. Pleasures and pride turned these leaders from God to the vanities of life. Many times, God inflicted tribulation on their rule in hopes they would turn their heart back to Him.
How important is support from the Lord God of Heaven? What must one do to receive the backing of provision and encouragement from the Lord? Answer: God is looking for wholehearted and devoted leadership. "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him" (2 Chronicles 16:9). God is seeking to pour out His provision on leaders with clean and blameless hearts. He desires purity.
"Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully" (Psalm 24:3-4). God desires purity! The only way God views my heart as pure and innocent is because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 56:3). My sin is as far as the East is from the West (Psalm 103:12).
Pray this Scripture and admit your need for Him: "For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you" (2 Chronicles 20:12). May God answer as He did here: "Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you" (2 Chronicles 20:15,17).
Lord, please give us the strength to lead well and keep our eyes on You! May we run to You and You alone for our support. Thank you for viewing us as blameless because of Jesus. Thank You for the ransom that you afforded at Calvary and for making us pure in You.
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