Day 180, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Kings 14:29; 2Kings 15:8-20; 1Chronicles 5:23-26; 2Kings 15:21-29; 2Kings. 15:6-7; 2Chronicles 26:22-23; Isaiah 6:1-13; 2Kings 15:32-38; 2Chronicles 27:1-9; 1Chronicles 5:11-17; 2Kings 16:1-9; 2Chronicles 28:1-21
Bringing Order Out of Chaos.
Sometimes, we experience chaos in our lives. Everything is confused, the wheels of our lives seem to come off, and we spin out of control. For most people, these times are short-lived. For others, living in chaos is the only life they know. It may be someone else's choices that are causing chaos for them or their own sins and poor choices.
An attitude of rebellion against wisdom and a lack of discipline often lead to debt, drunkenness, violence, lies, and sexual immorality. These are some things that can cause continual chaos in our lives and the lives of our loved ones, but if we are wise we can reduce or eliminate it.
Just before Assyria conquers and takes the ten northern tribes of Israel into exile, Israel experiences much chaos. Continual coups and assassinations of kings, idolatry, and wickedness abounds. God is concerned about his people! In a glorious heavenly vision of himself on the throne surrounded by worshipping angels, he calls Isaiah to be his new prophet. The LORD tells him to warn the people of judgment, although most will not listen.
What caused chaos for Israel? The Israelites ceased to fear the LORD. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7, NIV). In the days of King Jeroboam, son of Nebat, Israel deported her priests, whose duties were to instruct her in the ways of the LORD. Jeroboam set up idols in the towns of Bethel and Dan and instituted religious festivals in place of those in Jerusalem. He instituted priests in Israel, who had no Levitical origin, to service his new religious system (1Kings 12:26-33).
The northern kingdom of Israel continued in her sins for over 200 years and multiplied in wickedness. She did not listen to the prophets of God who spoke messages of judgment and mercy to turn her back to the LORD. Instead, Israel prostituted herself before gods of human imagination, fashioned from wood, stone, and precious metals. They were lifeless and unable to help her, but she was deceived into believing they were powerful.
Israel did not seek God's help but made alliances with nations that were idolaters. Israel became just like them. She was rebellious and had many kings before Assyria conquered her and took her away (2Kings 15:8-31).
In the U.S. today there is much chaos, and the reason for it is the same as it was for Israel—no fear of the LORD! To restore order, we parents, teachers, and ministers must consistently instruct and lead people to live righteously toward God and others. And, if we can or have the authority to do so, we should stem the tide of ungodliness and chaos by stopping evil behavior.
In today's Bible reading, the nation of Judah also has problems. After the godly reigns of Uzziah and Jotham, Ahaz is enthroned but does not follow their good examples. Instead, he leads the nation into extreme wickedness and idolatry. God punishes the nation because of him.
The Arameans (from Damascus, north of Israel) defeat Judah and take many captives back to their land. Then the Israelites slaughter the armies of Judah, killing 120,000 in one day. They also loot their treasuries and take 200,000 captives, leaving them decimated.
The LORD is angry—Israel has gone too far! God warns the Israelites to return their captive brothers or they will experience his wrath. Afterward, Judah faces an attack by Edom, and they carry away captives. Ahaz tries to get help from King Tiglath-Peleser of Assyria, but he gives him trouble instead of help (2Chronicles 28:20).
Are we rebellious toward God? Do we refuse to listen to his words spoken by his messengers? We will not experience the LORD's blessings that way.
Do we disobey our laws? Unless the laws are against God, we are to obey them. The governing authorities are God's ministers for our good (Romans 13:1-7). We certainly do not want to end up in jail or pay heavy fines for our actions.
Are any of us a rebellious husband or wife? Do we spend most of our money drinking or gambling? If so, we could lose our job, house, and family. We certainly do not want to do that! Let us choose to live in the fear of the LORD so we can avoid chaos! Living in the fear of the LORD is obeying God and turning away from evil behavior.
Has a life of rebellion already brought chaos to our lives? How do we change it? Whether one of us or another person causes the problems, the answer for restoring stability is to confess our sins with an attitude of genuine repentance. We can seek the help of the LORD for forgiveness and restoration (more...). After that, we should listen to the Word of God (the Bible) and obey it. This will lead to a disciplined and ordered life. If we fear the LORD and walk in his ways, he will bless and help us to avoid trouble. God wants us to live peacefully, as much as possible, with everyone (Romans 12:18).
If another person causes chaos, we should pray for him and firmly confront him. If he does not listen (and if it is possible), we should separate ourselves from his influence or send that person away until there is genuine repentance. That is what God had to do with Israel and that is what we may have to do to bring some peace. That is not easy. May the LORD help us as we seek to live for him to bring order out of chaos.
Take-Away Lessons
to bring order out of chaos
• Parents, teachers and other leaders must consistently instruct and lead people to live righteously toward God and each other. We must also try to stem the tide of ungodliness and chaos by stopping evil behavior.
• We must live in the fear of the LORD. The fear of the LORD involves living out a righteous life in reverence for his person and considering his judgment for our actions. We need to obey the LORD and turn away from evil behavior.
• We must confess our sins and lead a disciplined life, listening to the Word of God and obeying it.
• We must exercise tough love and insist on order, and (if needed and possible) remove the offender from the situation.
Focus Verse
Proverbs 28:2, NIV “When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.”
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Looking Ahead: How do we stand and not be swept away if A Flood of Adversity comes into our lives? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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