His-tory...

I was thinking about God's story today, and how when you look back- you see it clearly, but when you are in the midst of it, you can't figure anything out. Today has been so fun, and so relaxing. I love those kinds of days, where anything goes. Now that I have to get ready to head to work, lets see if I can "hold that thought".

Taking account of the last year, and all it's changes- I can see so clearly where God's hand was in the midst of it all. Had we just stayed comfortable, stayed with what we wanted- we would never have the joy we have now, having fought the battles and won. What an awesome gift God gives us...our struggles. (Weird. Saying that feels a little scary!hehehehe)

Yet another excerpt for you. This was a scene where the Assyrians were talking about the Israelites/Jews. I wonder how many world leaders in Egypt, Assyria, even Rome over the years expected this "tiny nation" of Yahweh followers to disappear- rather than what happened, with them impacting every country in the world through Jesus. No one cares about Assyria anymore, but Israel is still present in the news. How interesting. "His-Story" most definitely.

"That evening Iddina went to see the Assyrian high priest, unloading his arsenal of anger and frustration on him. "How can Yahweh be the god of war, the god of fertility, the god of the dead- and the god of everything at the same time?" he shouted...Iddina struggled to contain his temper and disguise his fear.
(High Priest of Assyria speaking) "Why does it bother you so much, my lord? Judah is an insignificant country with an obscure religion. Soon both will disappear from the map and from the history books as if they had never existed. A thousand years from now, no one will even remember the name of their god, much less worship him. But the Assyrian religion, her gods- they will endure throughout time." pg 278 "The Strength Of His Hand" by Lynn Austin

Ever wanted more faith?

Yet again- great books can truly heal a heart. I always get frustrated that I don't have more faith, that I get discouraged so easily- but then this little novel said it in a way that got my attention. Eavesdrop on King Hezekiah and his grandfather's conversation with me:
"...Yahweh revealed Himself to you as the Eternal One, whose plan reaches throughout all the ages. That's why the people wanted to celebrate; Yahweh revealed Himself to them, and they hungered for more. As long as you continue to seek Him, son, your love will continue to grow. And as you express your love for Him through obedience, He'll reveal more of Himself to you."
"Will I ever have a faith like yours?" (King Hezekiah speaking)
"That's up to you. The only way to grow in faith is to put your faith to the test. You must place yourself in His hands and let Him prove Himself faithful. Unless you make up your mind to trust Him, you'll never know that Yahweh is faithful."

This was from the second book in the Chronicles of the Kings series, and King Hezekiah is trying to decide if he can risk rebelling against the Assyrians. He is a newborn to His faith, and His grandfather spends the beginning portion of the book teaching him about the Torah- having him memorize scripture, and testing all his political decisions against what God would say.
Yeah, like I said- phenomenal series. Not for the literary merits, but for the INCREDIBLE message. Even the 5th book, although it doesn't have a historical accuracy note, draws your heart to 2 Chronicles 33 to find out what King Manasseh REALLY did.
Needless to say, I got through all 5 books in about 3 days because they are just that good. (And I have nothing else to do with my free time since I live in the 'burbs.)Buy them, borrow them, whatever- summer reading must haves when you are lying by the lake, sitting on the porch, or like me- can't sleep and hate t.v.

"Hear O Israel, Yahweh is our God. Yahweh alone." The beautiful shema that is said as the motto in all 5 books. If only we still applied that fiercely. Our idols don't look like the Israelite's false gods- but our pride, self interest, love of money, beauty and earthly pleasure are just as deadly.

You will cry at the greatness of our God, and His amazing mercy. You will laugh, and you will be outraged at the ugliness of our sin. Yeah...wow.

Excerpt taking from "Song of Redemption" Lynn Austin

Gods and Kings...

Nice and busy here, but Saturday was kind of strange. For the first time in longer than I can remember- I could feel boredom setting in. My kids both had an event that day, so once I dropped them off, I really didn't have anything I HAD to do, or WANTED to do. It was slightly panicky. No horses to work, no cleaning to do, no weeds to pull, nothing.
So, I decided to indulge in another treat- and picked up a fiction book I bought a long time ago, but never started reading. It was one of those books you find on the $2 table, that you know sounds good, but if it is a stinker, you won't be out too much.

The title is "Gods and Kings" by Lynn Austin. Wow. I was totally surprised to find so much sound doctrine, encouragement, and Jewish history in one little novel. I wouldn't say it should win a literary award- the writing is mediocre, but the characters are fanastic, and the story touched my heart- because it follows the Bible so closely. Borrow it from me, order it and buy it for yourself, whatever- but you will love it!

The setting is towards the end of King Ahaz's reign, and then focuses on King Hezekiah. It starts with Hezekiah as a boy, and as his father is a total idolater, he is forced at a young age to watch his half brothers be sacrificed by fire to the false God, Molech. Needless to say, it is terrifying. Yet, through his father's wickedness, the story shows how God has already chosen Hezekiah to be the King to lead the Israelites back to Him. Isaiah and Micah the prophet are key characters, as well as Hezekiah's grandfather, the high priest Uriah, and Hezekiah's dear mother.

There has been obviously some fictional license to develop the characters and dialogue, but as I read 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, as well as portions of Isaiah to see how closely the story followed the true events, I was pleased to see the events were right on. And to read as a boy turned King gets saved and brings hope and light to a wicked place- ah! What a great story. Lots of Biblical quotes from the prophets and the Law as well. There are 5 books in the series, and needless to say- I am anxiously awaiting the UPS guy for book 2. :)

Here is an excerpt from the first book. Hezekiah's mother has snuck away to see her father, Zechariah, who is imprisoned for teaching Yahweh's laws to his grandson. Lots happened due to events I would rather you read about (Muhahahaha). What you should know is Zechariah was the High Priest under King Uzziah, Hezekiah's great grandfather. Because Zechariah failed to teach Uzziah God's ways, he has watched Judah be destroyed by the idolatry and evil that first, Uzziah, and now King Ahaz have brought. He starts out in the story a miserable alcoholic who only wishes to die, and now, Yahweh has redeemed him and given him new life:
"How can you be so calm about it? You're being held prisoner for no reason, without even a trial." (spoken by Queen Abijah, Zechariah's daughter, Hezekiah's mother)
"It's all right Abijah. Yes, at first I questioned God throughout the long, boring days and sleepless nights. I kept waiting for Him to vindicate me and to punish my enemies. And when He didn't, I immersed myself in the Holy Torah, always questioning, demanding answers.
But when I read the Book of Job, and I discovered another victim of injustice who demanded answers from God. And do you know what I learned from Job? Yahweh doesn't owe us an explanation for what He does. He's sovereign over all:'Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens- what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave-what can you know? If he comes along and confines you in prison...who can oppose Him?'
So you see? I don't need to know why anymore." (Zechariah's response)

Yeah, ummmm...how many times have I asked "Why?" and forgot that God doesn't owe me an explanation? It was such a perfect time for this reminder, and encouraged my heart Saturday as I wondered "why" on pretty much every aspect of my life.

Thank you, Lord, for great stories that bring you glory. You are an awesome God- and so worthy of our praise. Thank you that BECAUSE you are sovereign, I don't need to wonder and worry.