KING HEZEKIAH

2 Chronicles 32:31
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon.....God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

WHAT HAVE THEY SEEN IN YOUR HOUSE? [draft]

Hezekiah was a great king.He reopend the temple which his father had sealed and reestablished the Passover- the biggest event in Jewish religious history. But when some ambassadors from Babylon came to visit him, he took them on a tour of the palace and showed them everything......and the gold.He did not realize that they were spies.

Isaiah: What have they seen in your house? 1 Kings 20: 15
Hezekiah : They have seen all that is in my house.

Isaiah      : “...all that is in your house and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon- nothing shall be left.”

Within a few years Jerusalem was ransacked by the Babylonian army. Nothing was left. Even his children were taken to serve as eunuchs in Babylon.

Most people are open books.Our basic instinct is to trust human appearances.If someone dresses like a businessman, talks like a businessman,then he must be a businessman.This is our mental vulnerability.And Hezekiah fell for one of the oldest tricks in military manual.Subterfuge.

In real life people are often deceived to the point of unspeakable losses by deception.Thats how our first ancestors lost their paradise. The game is the same. Hezekiah did not have a discerning eye and foolishly opened up. Society, in which we must live and die, is made up of appearances.Think about this and the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

One may smile, and smile, and be a villain" [William Shakespeare-Hamlet]

KING AHAZ

2nd Chronicles 28: 1-27

“He burned incense.....burned his children in the fire.....v3 encouraged moral decline.....v19...increasing unfaithful....v22 sacrificed to the gods of Damascus......v23....cut in pieces the articles of the house of God shut up the doors and made for himself altars in every corner of Jerusalem.v24

 A FRUSTRATED KING

It is a mystery as why Ted Bundy,given his family background turned out to be one of the worst serial killers in history. Ahaz fits this category. He had none of the qualities his father had.

In the ancient world, it was a  ritual to sacrifice one's own children, to get the attention of the gods. Ahaz got involved.When the Syrians defeated him in battle, he converted to their religion thinking their gods could help.Still nothing changed for him.Finally he cut up all the things that were used in Jehovah's worship and sealed its doors.All services were cancelled indefinitely. He was one frustrated man. Something was boiling below the surface.And He blamed God for whatever was troubling him.

The Bible does not promise that God will give everything in this life once we turn to Him.Take for example the verse in John 14:14. Jesus said “ If you ask anything in my Name I will do it.” Now this verse seems to promise strawberry ice-cream for all of us. But it was spoken in a particular context to the disciples before being sent out as missionaries.

The trying times. Saint Augustine described this season as “The dark night of the soul." You are not alone.Read about Job's agony and  Jonah's utter frustration. They all had their moments of intense private grief. But they did not resort to self destructive ways.Get a hold on yourself. The storm will pass somehow. The truth is-everyone is plagued by some inner struggle. Ahaz's let his frustration ruin him.Don't be undone by yours.  The Midnight Owl
Peope rarely believe that their problems arise from their own misdeeds and stupidity.  Robert Greene

KING JOTHAM

2nd Chronicles 27:1-9
ITS NONE OF MY BUSINESS

And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the Lord). But still the people acted corruptly.

There are only nine verses recorded for King Jotham. He was 25 years old when he became King. His fathers humiliation affected him profoundly but Jotham was able to move on in life. He focused his energies on building programmes, “...he built extensively on the wall of Ophel” and fought a few wars most notably with the Ammonites.

But one thing stands out- he stayed away from the temple.His fathers  humiliation was enough.His influence over the people was minimal to say the least.True, the people acted corruptly- but he decided it was none of his business.

The past has a way of conditioning us to  behave  in a certain way in our present circumstances.If  people are closed up and restricted, if they get edgy on hearing a thing,you can be sure something is simmering underneath. And oftentimes its related to a painful experience.Beware of assuming that church people are different from the rest of the world.Its far safer to face the reality,than to be deceived by peaceful exteriors.

Live your life as your own. Don't let the world foster its own ideas as to how you should live.But in your isolation,be sensible.Isolation has its own pricey tags.It can drive anyone to alcohol,depression,anger,thoughts of suicide and for Jotham it was work- "building extensively".Its impossible to be unaffected by the past. But its all history now.The solution? Say it out loud. "I will not let anyone, friends, foe or family ruin  my life" One's rationality is the last line of defence before  breaking free.
" And when I passed you by and saw you polluted in your own blood,I said to you -"live, yes I said to you- live"   Chapter 16 Ezekiel

KING UZZIAH

2 CHRONICLES 26

And they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, “It is not for you Uzziah to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests......... Get out of the sanctuary for you have tresspassed!
King Uzziah had a phenomenal rise to the top of the royal ladder. “ His fame spread as far as the entrance of Egypt...v 8

Sun Tze in " The Art of Chinese warfare" states that the greatest danger is at the point of victory. It can inflate  the human ego. Uzziah lost all sense of proportion when he entered the temple to burn incense- only reserved for the priests. Before  the priests could throw him out,leprosy broke out on his forehead so that he himself rushed to get out. Until he died he lived in an isolated house and died a leper.In a single evening, everything was undone.

Life is full of  unpredictable misfortunes. So dont create our own. Political scenes are just so full of this situation where new politicians cross the line only to meet monsters greater than themselves. By then its just too late. They get  trampled and rush to get out.

Keeping our progress and reputation in perspective can save us from horrific blunders. Half of our personal success comes from knowing when to stop and not overstep our boundaries.Because you don't know whose foot you are stepping on.There are situations, which if you enter unthinkingly, you cannot get out that easily. It may be true that God forgives. But people won't when their personal interests are affected.There are no exceptions to this rule.

Know the harsh reality of life. What has taken decades for you to built can be ruined by just one bad decision- as Uzziah found out. Being presumptious has a very big price tag.When the feeling of self importance rises up within you, take a deep breath and keep Uzziah in mind.And his blunder won't become yours.  The Midnight Owl

KING AMAZIAH

2 CHRONICLES 25

Choose your battles carefully.Never offend the wrong person.

“Have we made you the King's counsellor? Cease!! Why should you be killed?”

Ancient kings would always bring back hostages and gold  from the countries that they had conquered.But Amaziah's souvenirs were unique- he brought back their gods. After defeating the Edomites,he subjected them to unbelievable cruelty. He took ten thousand captives and brought them to a high cliff and threw them all down, “so that they were all dashed to pieces” When a prophet cautioned him about his new religion, Amaziah threatened him with death too.

Amaziah then began provoking the King of Israel to war with his belligerence. But King Joash told the king to tone down, stay at home and celebrate his victory.But Amaziah was determined to meet Joash in war. In the ensuing battle, Joash decimated his army and ransacked all his treasures.

Having ruined the army, Amaziah returned home only to find that there was a political conspiracy against him. The problem with political conspiracies is that you just can't differentiate  friends and foes anymore.Silent enemies are everywhere.And they smile sweetly while hiding a dagger and bidding their time.Amaziah fled,but someone found him hiding in Lachish.And that was that. The last thing we are told about him is that they carried his corpse on horses and brought it back to Judah.

In a world which is increasingly  filled with stressful and sensitive people, it is the height of  stupidity to be ruffling anyones feathers or to be pushing someones buttons. Avoid all battles and do not offend the wrong person because forgiveness is not found in their vocabulary.There is no reversal of this law. Don't bother looking for one.As Amaziah found out.

It is my opinion the most fitting epithaph on Amaziah's tombstone  would be “ I SHOULD HAVE STAYED AT HOME.”

                                   "Provocation comes before swords." (Arabic proverb)

KING JOASH

2 CHRONICLES 23 & 24
“Then Joash the King did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada had done to him, but killed his son 2 Chronicles 24: v 22
 Joash was born into a treacherous situation. After Ahaziah's  death, his mother Athaliah immediately destroyed all the royal heirs of Judah. Joash was saved by Jehoshabeath who hid him for six years.Later her husband the priest Jehoiada secretly won the alliances of all the military commanders of Judah and when Joash was seven years old, they anointed him King, the youngest ever to sit on the throne. Then Athaliah was executed.

But when the Jehoiada died, Joash formed the wrong alliances who poured poison into his ears. Jehoiada's son- Zekariah confronted him. Surely King Joash would listen to him.Zekeriah staked his life on the sense of gratitude he thought Joash would feel for him. Josiah was a person who rose in life by the sheer  patronage of other people's leadership,and soon  forgot the assistance he had received. At Zekeriah's moment of realization, he could still have saved his own life but friendship and love can blind every man's eyes to the real situation. Nobody believes that someone we have helped so much can turn against us, and Zekeriah kept on believing that until King Joash ordered him to be stoned to death.

But that was a very dangerous thing to do, for the people knew how Jehoiada has protected Joash.It stirred up all kinds resentment in the crowd. Remember this. For revenge, people can silently wait for a thousand years.And you won't know from which direction it comes. And when Josiah returned severely wounded to recover, from the only battle he fought, his own servants, whom he least suspected came into his bedroom and slaughtered him.

Such is the fate of all those who miscalculate the power of retribution. The Midnight Owl

KING AHAZIAH

2 CHRONICLES 22 “His going to Joram was God's occasion for Ahaziah's downfall.....” v 7: 1-9

 A FATEFUL VISIT

A tragic story. His father died from a dreadful disease.His mother  was a curse in his life. “for his mother advised him to do wickedly.” (v 3) He went to war with Jehoram, the son of Ahab and Jehoram was sorely wounded in the battle.His personal tragedy began when he decided to visit Jehoram as he was very sick.This visit  orchestrated  his death.

Does God engineer circumstances? After Jehoram recovered he went to war against Jehu. But there was a prophecy on Jehu.That God would use him to wipe out Ahab's descendants. And now Ahaziah was a friend to Jehoram, Ahabs descendant. He simply chose the wrong friendship  and went against the wrong man Jehu, a sadistic sort of  guy.First Jehu slaughtered all the sons of Ahaziah's brothers. Ahaziah fled and  was discovered hiding in Samaria. Jehu showed him no mercy.

His choice of friendship was fatal. Understand this.We did not choose our family or our relatives. But we did choose our friends.And Ahaziah chose Jehorams friendship-which caused his ruin.Choosing friends is within our power so choose carefully.Learn this truth.You can be everybodys friend  to share your faith- but dont take everyone to be your friend.Jesus never did and neither should you try.

"Friend, betrayeth thou the Son of Man with a kiss?"  Jesus final words to Judas in Gethsemane.

KING JEHORAM

2 CHRONICLES 21 :1-20

A DREADFUL LETTER FROM ELIJAH.

"And when Jehoram was established over the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and killed all his brothers with the sword, and also others of the princes of Israel.” v4

The Chinese have a saying " Blood is thicker than water:" For Jehoram, it was just exactly that- just a saying.
As soon as he was enthroned, he slaughtered all his brothers. If there is one thing he could not allow- it was any competition to the throne. Strange as it may seem, he did not inherit any of his fathers God fearing qualities.“...and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit harlotry, and led Judah astray.” ( v11)

Lord Acton once said “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely”  One day, Jehoram received a little letter from Elijah.(v12-15) which read “... and you will become very sick with a disease of your intestines, until your intestines come out by reason of the sickness, day by day.” Within two years of receiving Elijah's letter, Jehoram was lying on his bed in afflicted with a strange disease- until his intestines burst out.

Further the Philistines, Arabians and the Ethophians raided his territory and carried away all the treasures of his house including his wives and children, except for one son Jehoahaz. What started as a great campaign to secure his position ended by Jeroboam losing everything and incurring Gods wrath.

The final words about him are found in verse 20. “ …....and to no one's sorrow departed.”. Like it was a great relief that finally he was dead. Regretfully, he contributed nothing in his lifetime. We all have only one life to live. And time passes by very, very fast. Dont end it in misery and regrets.

KING JEHOSHAPHAT

1 CHRONICLES 17-20

THE AFTER LUNCH REQUEST

“ And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshapat “,Should you  help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? 9 v 2
The old adage says that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and King Jehoshaphat found that out the hard way.It all happened when he went to visit King Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab held a feast for him. After the feast, came the request “ Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead?”

Problem was, it was Syrian territory. Jehoshaphat, caught in a diplomatic situation  requests that they hear  a prophet. Ahab was ready.He assembled 400 prophets who prophesied that this war would be a phenomenal success. Jehoshaphat had doubts. Finally Micah, a loner, was brought in who warned that this battle would be a disaster.He was arrested on the spot and quickly hushed away.(v 26).

Then Ahab  had another request.You dress in your kingly armour while I disguise myself.After all, Ahab was an old friend.But Ahab did not tell him that the King of Syria had ordered his troops to attack only the king.(v 30) When the battle began, the Syrian army rushed straight for Jehoshaphat but he cried cried out in panic.It was a miracle he survived. But King Ahab was not so fortunate. A random arrow ended his life.

The problem with King Jehu was that he was always drawn into the wrong partnerships and friendships.Learn the lesson- Keep friendship for friendship sake. A big part of your personal happiness in life is inextricably linked to what you do not allow yourself to get dragged into.Observe this rule and you will benefit more than reading all the latest books on happiness.- Vijay

KING ASA

2 CHRONICLES CHAPTERS 14-16
“ Then Asa was angry with the seer , and put him in prison for he was enraged at him because of this...” v10
Asa inherited the Kingdom from King Abijah. Like King Saul, this man started off well but failed to stride in balance. He led a spiritual revival and strengthened the military. When the Ethiopians came against him with a million troops, he defeated them with a smaller army because he relied on God for the success. Right after the battle, a prophet called Azariah has a word with him. The message? “ Don't be presumptuous when you go to war, you have to trust Me for your victories.” 

But Bible stories rarely have a happy ending.  The blunder came just before another war with the King of Israel Baasha. Its a different Asa now. He had faced the Ethiopian army but now he immediately asked for assistance from King Ben- Hadad the King of Syria and offered to buy him over!!“ Then Asa bought silver and gold from the treasuries .....Let there be a treaty between you and me......v 2,3”

After the war,a  prophet called Hanani confronts King Asa and pronounces  “...from now on you shall have wars.”v 9 By this time, Asa's ego had swelled. He ordered the prophet to be arrested. Anyway he had won the war, what else was there to fear from an old prophet? Who was he to talk to a King like that?

But the divine chastisement soon came without any further warnings. King Asa subsequently became diseased in his feet. (v12). He died in his sickness. With the leadership comes the responsibility. Any man who thinks that God would not require an accounting, need to look at this King. What a turn of events!! Learn  from Asa's dishonourable exit and you will avoid your own.
Therefore be ye steadfast, immovable, always labouring in the labour of Lord, knowing that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:

KING ABIJAH 2 CHRONICLES 13:1-22

v 13 But Jeroboam caused an ambush to go around behind them.
After Rehoboam's death, Jeroboam resurfaced to settle the old score with his son Abijah. Although Abijah feared God there was one terrific handicap that he had- and that he was a longwinded bigmouth. Instead of engaging the enemy, he decided to give another one of his speeches. V4 Then Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim which is in the mountains of Ephraim and said “ Hear me Jeroboam and all Israel....

In his prewar speech, he reminded Jeroboam of all the evil he had done in Israel and all his personal rebellious history, his unfaithfullness towards God,introducing false religions and on and on.But while Abijah was delivering his magnificent speech, Jeroboam wasted no time. He set  an ambush. In alarm the priests sounded the war trumpet.

Just what did King Abijah hope to accomplish by bringing up Jeroboams past behaviour? That  he  would go down on his knees and say “I apologise?” Instead of engaging his mind on the immediate  situation, he brought up the Jeroboam's past. If there is one thing that people don't want to hear,it is their own own sordid history being mentioned,more so, publicized. The wounds are just made worse. It pushed Jeroboam over the edge.

There is only one solution in the given circumstances. When in the presence of  Jeroboams-don't dig into their past. It only heightens their resolve to resist. Bringing up anybody's past is never a good idea to solve problems.And never make the mistake of  extending the olive branch to Jeroboams. Their long line of broken relationships and endless quarells should just tell you something. Pray and  flee from the situation.
 The Midnight Owl

A PERSONAL THOUGHT

LINA JOY V MAJLIS AGAMA ISLAM WILAYAH & ANOR [2004] 2 MLJ 119 . PAGE 143
The High Court stated at p. 143 "... therefore a person as long as he or she is a Malay and by definition under Article 160(2) is a Malay the said person cannot renounce his or her religion at all." { TO BE CONTINUED}

KING REHOBOAM

2 CHRONICLES 10:8-11
“ ....... my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with bullwhips!”
Rehoboam suceeded King Solomon.. But Solomon left a legacy of slavery and expensive building programmes. After Solomon died, there was an uprising among the people. Jeroboam, an old rival of King Solomon returned from Egypt and took advantage of the conflict, demanded that he get rid of the old policy. Rehoboam was in a political fix. If he gave in, it may also be seen as a sign of political weakness.He refused to budge.The situation worsened. And they stoned the tax collector Hadoram to death C10 v 18. His ego dented, he immediately assembled his troops for war but  Shemaiah a prophet refrains him.

Jeroboam  was  discerning enough to know that it was the people's faith and rituals that united them as a nation. Riding on their disillusionment, he started his own religion. The rituals were all the same, burning incense, the priests-everything was faimilar- except that he erected 2 calf idols which he had seen in Egypt. He succeeded in planting the tares among the wheat.

In life  we are faced with an infinitely variety of changing circumstances. Nothing lasts forever.Its foolish to assume that everything will stay the same way forever for anyone.Yesterdays friendship sours and  new situations emerge.Just when we settle in, somebody rocks the boat.Remember this. If we rub people the wrong way- even the eloquence of  Socrates cannot save the day.

Once your words are out, there is no way of recalling them even if you deeply  regret it afterwards.There are times when it may not be in your best interests to speak your mind. Learn the lesson from Rehoboam, or pay the price. Vijay