Today’s readings: 
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17 

The progression of the Kings of Judah begins to move quickly. Remember this is David’s story, so we won’t hear too much of the story from the Northern Kingdom, only when conflict strife or some other interaction is necessary. As it is, in these few chapters we hear briefly on Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa and Jehoshaphat. The major difference between these readings and the story in Kings, is that the kings remain (for the most part) good and righteous in the eye of God. Honestly, its a much more pleasant read than what we had a few weeks back.

There is, however, an inkling, that something evil is under foot, when Asa removes the Asherah poles from Maacah. (2 Chronicles 15:16-17) Depending on the translation, Maacah is sometimes spelled with a “K”, and is referred to as his “mother” (NRSV) or “grandmother” (NIV). Either way, she has strayed from the ways of God. There is reference to “Maacah” as one of David’s wives (1 Chronicles 3:2). Perhaps she is the same, but that would be great, great grandmother.

Knowing the story of Solomon as told in Kings, we can recall the many wives who swayed Solomon away from God. Could this potentially be one of Solomon’s 700 wives? Granted that would make Maacah Asa’s great grandmother, and I’m ok with that. I honestly can’t say when the idea of “great” grandma’s came into being, so a reference to “Grandmother” might actually work for this one.

In the end, one of the queens of these great and (as Chronicles tells the story) faithful leaders of Judah has gone astray, so much so that Asa has to clean up her mess. Sounds like trouble to me! Again, knowing where the story will end, we will soon be on a slippery slope to exile for both Israel and Judah.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Wednesday, May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20 
Thursday, May 16: 2 Chronicles 21-24
Friday, May 17: 2 Chronicles 25-27

Today’s reading:
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12

Who sinned? Rehoboam or his father Solomon? That’s a great question for us to wrestle with, and an answer that is a bit vague and may leave us a bit confused. Here’s what I observed . . .

According to the story told in 1 Kings, Solomon “loved many foreign women” (11:7) who turned his “heart after other gods.” (11:4) There he built high places, offered incense, and sacrifices to the false gods of the other lands. It was a horrible and selfish demise to the leadership Solomon had provided. For his sin, God says, “I will surely tear the kingdom from you and give it to your servant. Yet for the sake of your father David I will not do in in your lifetime; I will tear it out of the had of your son.” (11:11b-12) With that, Solomon’s reign comes to an end with the inkling of turmoil for all of Israel soon to be on hand.

However, our reading from 2 Chronicles is much different. “King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. All the kings of the earth sough the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.” (9:22-23) Here, it appears that Solomon knows no wrong. He comes across as being nearly perfect and right with God. It isn’t until Rehoboam takes the throne that turmoil begins as he strays from the ways of God by ignoring the counsel of his advisers. Instead he responds, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins. Now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” Ouch. Talk about self righteous gains. Seems like being an heir to the throne gave him a bit of a complexion issue.

Regardless, the picture painted between the stories found in Kings and in Chronicles are much different. Why? For the limited Bible expert that I am, I would have to think it is to preserve the image and legacy of David. If Solomon is great, then his father must have done something right in order to make him so great. By passing the evil intention, sins, and fall of Israel/Judah on to Rehoboam, David is protected and preserved as good and righteous in the eyes of us the reader and of God. And remember, that is the purpose of Chronicles, it is a story looking back (many centuries later) at the rise of David and the Temple of God.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17 
Wednesday, May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20
Thursday, May 16: 21-24

Today’s readings:
Sunday, May 12: 2 Chronicles 6-8

Solomon prays bold words as the Temple is dedicated. Bold words that the nation of Israel needed to hear. Bold words that Solomon may need to be reminded of. Bold words that we all need to have written on our hearts and minds. Bold words with a great reminder of how we ought to live, as Solomon ends each petition with “then hear from heaven and forgive the sins one another.” When you . . .

• Wrong your neighbor . . .
• Your people Israel are defeated . . .
• The heavens are shut and there is no rain . . .
• When famine or plague come to the land . . .
• When enemies besiege . . .
• When there is suffering . . .
• When there is sickness . . .
• When there is sorrow . . .
• When foreigners are among you . . .
• When you welcome the stranger . . .
• When you go into battle . . .
• When you are taken captive . . .

To each of these . . . “then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of one another.”

Bold words in a bold prayer. Reminding us always that 1) God is listening. 2) God is still speaking. 3) we are called to act. 4) our actions should be that of forgiveness and love.

Perhaps in our world today, as much as it was in the days when Solomon dedicated the Temple, we ought to pray and respond to one another, “Then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of one another!”

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17
Wednesday, May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20

Today’s reading:
Saturday, May 11: 2 Chronicles 1-5

As Solomon takes the throne he takes on the responsibility of building the Temple. Sure, we’ve heard the story in the book of Kings, still its beauty and splendor is captivating. One thing that caught my attention, at least this time through, was the Molten Sea.

Then he made the cast sea; it was round, ten cubits from rim to rim, and five cubits high. A line of thirty cubits would encircle it completely. Under it were panels all round, each of ten cubits, surrounding the sea; there were two rows of panels, cast when it was cast. It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; the sea was set on them. The hindquarters of each were towards the inside. Its thickness was a handbreadth; its rim was made like the rim of a cup, like the flower of a lily; it held three thousand baths. 
2 Chronicles 4:2-5 NRSV

My first observation was, “this thing was huge!!” My second thought was, “One giant swimming pool for the priest!!” Then all the logistical questions started ticking through my mind:

• How did they fill it?
• How did they draw water out of it?
• What was it used for? (I know it was ritual purification, but what else?)
• What happened to it?
• Why the oxen? (This isn’t the first time the image has come up, remember Aaron and the golden calf?) What is the significance?

I’m sure the list could go on, and I am absolutely sure, this was a stunning piece of the liturgical beauty of all things taking place in and round the Temple. Then of course the real reason I was struck by the Molten Sea, are the baptismal connections that we have to our worship today. Granted, the baptismal fonts at most of our churches aren’t nearly as impressive but the gift the bring is.

Baptized into Christ death and resurrection, we are inundated the unending waters of God’s grace. For every sin we commit, the baptismal waters continue to flow and wash them all away. Can you imagine the waters that have flowed over you and me? I can, and perhaps they are enough to fill the Molten Sea, if not that and then some to overflowing.

I think that is ultimately why I was struck by the image of the Molten Sea. Its a visual reminder of the vastness of God’s grace given in baptism!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Sunday, May 12: 2 Chronicles 6-8
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12
Tuesday, May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17

Today’s readings:
Thursday, May 9: 1 Chronicles 25-27 
Friday, May 10: 1 Chronicles 28-30

The first half of Chronicles comes to a close. With that David’s life comes to an end. The great King of Israel has gracefully transferred his power and authority over to Solomon. What a transition! It’s full of grace and acceptance. As Chronicles tells it’s story, there is no struggle over succession between brothers, it is simply divine will. This is as God intents, we are essentially told. For Chronicles, this highlights the importance of the lineage of David . . . great, mighty . . . one with the LORD. Also, for Chronicles, the importance of the Temple, which is spelled out in detail and handed over for Solomon to now to construct.

For us the reader, its a positive read, and a much more uplifting version of this portion of Israel’s story. I’m intrigued to read on to see how the rest of the story is told as other kings take the throne. So with that, we’ll turn the page to 2 Chronicles chapter 1.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Saturday, May 11: 2 Chronicles 1-5
Sunday, May 12: 2 Chronicles 6-8
Monday, May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12

Today’s readings:
Tuesday, May 7: 1 Chronicles 18-21
Wednesday, May 8: 1 Chronicles 22-24

If we look at the story of Chronicles as a “re-telling” of Israel history told in the days after the Exile, then we begin to get a better sense of the story being told. I know I, reading straight through the Bible first looked at this as “why do we have to reread this all over again.” Now, with fresh eyes, I have a greater appreciation for how Chronicles tells Israel’s story.

And what is the story being told . . . David!

Missing are the stories of David’s lust and hunger for all sorts of things. There is no Bethsheba bathing and lusted after. There are no words from Nathan, “You are the man.” Instead, we have a much more graceful story.

David . . . is mighty.
David . . . is resourceful.
David . . . unifies Israel and subdues the surrounding nations.
David . . . makes great plans for the Temple.
David . . . worship and honors the LORD at all times.

As we all know, history has two sides to every story. Chronicles presents one. Kings presents another. Each has its purpose. Each emphasizes the point needed to be made. For now, that point is, David is the mighty appointed one of God!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Thursday, May 9: 1 Chronicles 25-27
Friday, May 10: 1 Chronicles 28-30
Saturday, May 11: 2 Chronicles 1-5

Today’s readings:
Monday, May 6: 1 Chronicles 15-17

Today, I received this as an email from my Bishop, Daniel Beaudoin. It’s a great summary of what we are reading as we journey through Chronicles, so I though I would share. I hope you enjoy!

As we read through the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, you might find yourself asking, “Didn’t we just read all of this in 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings? Why the need for so much repetition?
The books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings tell the five-hundred-year story of Israel’s monarchy from King Saul through the Exile into Babylon. By the time you make it though 2 Kings, you have truly accomplished a marathon of reading. And how do we celebrate? By dutifully reading 1 Chronicles which begins with nine chapters of genealogical lists. 
You might be interested to know that in the Jewish Scriptures 1 and 2 Chronicles do not follow 1 and 2 Kings. In the Jewish Scriptures 1 and 2 Chronicles are placed at the very end. Why? Because that’s where they belong. 1 and 2 Chronicles are not a repeat of 1 and 2 Kings. 1 and 2 Chronicles are a retelling of 1 and 2 Kings from a much later time in Israel’s history.
Many Bible scholars date the writing of 1 and 2 Chronicles between 400 and 300 B.C. God’s people have returned from Exile and are back in the Promised Land. They have rebuilt the Temple and reconstructed the wall around Jerusalem. I cannot emphasize enough the impact the Exile had on God’s people. Like the Exodus out of Egypt, the Exile to Babylon proved a profound event that marked God’s people for centuries afterwards. It caused many of God’s people to ask, “After all that occurred (the destruction of the Temple, the destruction of Jerusalem, the Exile), how do we know that God is still with us?”
As you read through 1 and 2 Chronicles with these new insights, and consider your own community of faith, how might you answer the question, “How do we know that God is still with us?”

  Our next readings:
Tuesday, May 7: 1 Chronicles 18-21
Wednesday, May 8: 1 Chronicles 22-24
Thursday, May 9 1 Chronicles 25-27

The reading for:
Sunday, May 5: 1 Chronicles 12-14

These few chapters of Chronicles revisit the Ark’s trip to Jerusalem. What should have been a day full of celebration turns into a day of fear an trepidation.

• The Ark travels from Hebron.
• One of the oxen stumble.
• Uzzah reaches out to protect the Ark.
• God’s anger burns.
• Uzzah is struck down and dies on the scene.

An unfortunate moment for Uzzah, which turns into a blessing for Obed Edom. Wouldn’t you like to have been him? Wouldn’t you like to have your house blessed to be the home of God’s Holy Covenant? Wouldn’t you love to have the Holy of Holies sit in your midst. Wow! What an honor that must have been. For Obed-Edom, it was an honor, and we are told, his family was “blessed” because of it.

Perhaps, if there is anyone in the Bible that I would like to have been, I believe I might choose Obed-Edom. But then, come to think about it, we already have that same blessing that Obed-Edom once had! Saint Paul writes:

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 6:19a)

We are a dwelling place for God. We are the house of God’s Spirit freely given to us. We are blessed much like Obed-Edom as we become the home of the Holy of Holies. That is a true blessing.

May you be blessed like Obed-Edom, and may you remember that God’s covenant is written upon your hearts as the Holy Spirit dwells within.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

  Our next readings:
Monday, May 6: 1 Chronicles 15-17
Tuesday, May 7: 1 Chronicles 18-21
Wednesday, May 8: 1 Chronicles 22-24

The reading for:
Saturday, May 4:
1 Chronicles 9 – 1 Chronicles 11

Well that was short! Our few chapters of Chronicles summarized 1 Samuel chapter 9 through 2 Samuel chapter 5. Talk about short and concise. Made for a pleasant reading through these few chapters especially when compared to all the names we’ve been reading.

To simplify things, our writers have removed the drama and tension between Saul and David. There’s no David and Goliath. There’s no fear and David living on the run. There is little tension. Instead, our story shifts to a bit more positive nature, with the story of the Kings and the blessings that they shared as they lead the nation of Israel.

I honestly can’t say how long that positive nature will continue, after all, we know how the story of the kings comes to an end with sin, greed, and eventual exile. But at least for now, lets enjoy the readings we have as we continue to read on!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Sunday, May 5: 1 Chronicles 12-14
Monday, May 6: 1 Chronicles 15-17
Tuesday, May 7: 1 Chronicles 18-21

1 Chronicles 3 – 1 Chronicles 5
1 Chronicles 6
1 Chronicles 7 – 1 Chronicles 8

Name after name after name. By now you are probably tired of reading all the names of Ancient Israel. You might also wonder the point of reading all these names. I realize they aren’t that much fun to read through yet they are part of the story, and the story that is being told is the linage of the coming Messiah. Which means, this is the story of the coming of Christ. Each one of these names lead and point to the one we gather to worship, praise, and adore. For that, each and every one of these names is important. So keep reading, one name at a time.

Also, a bit of encouragement, the story of Chronicles begins soon, so keep reading on.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings:
Saturday, May 4: 1 Chronicles 9-11
Sunday, May 5: 1 Chronicles 12-14
Monday, May 6: 1 Chronicles 15-17