Daily Bread

THE EYES OF THE LORD RANGE THROUGHOUT THE EARTH

2 Chron. 16:1-14

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (9^a)

First, Asa relied on man- not God- for victory (1-9). Judah had peace until the 35^th year of Asa’ reign. Then trouble came in the form of the king of Israel. This time, however, Asa did not depend on God. Instead, he made a treaty with the Ben-Hadad and paid him with gold and silver to protect him and Judah. It was shameful for the king of Judah to do so. It didn’t glorify God and only revealed his fear and unbelief. Therefore, God sent Hanani the prophet to rebuke him. In his rebuke he gave a great promise for all God’s people: “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth watching over his people and servants who are fully committed to him. We can trust this promise today. God’s eyes are ranging now over Arizona to strengthen M. David Kim (Tempe, AR) and heal him. God’s eyes are ranging over the ME to strengthen his servants who are gathering together in Sri Lanka. God’s eyes are ranging over M. Jose, Maria and Abraham who are serving there with message, prayers and cello performance. God’s eyes are ranging over India and God’s people there. God’s eyes are ranging over Argentina to strengthen M Marcos and Ruth and all the flock of God. God’s eyes are ranging over me and my family. God granted me a successful hernia surgery. I feel stronger every day. Praise Jesus! Now I am preparing to go out as a missionary to Korea alone. My wife will stay behind to make a home for our sons until God’s time for her to join me. In the meantime, I must pioneer like A. Paul. May God’s eyes watch over M. Hannah, Paul and John to strengthen them and also to strengthen/guide me to start a new missionary life.

Second, Asa did not repent (10-19). Asa was furious and did not repent. He put Hanani in jail and brutally oppressed some of God’s people. He had a bad temper. Later, he got a disease of the feet (gout) and died. He did not seek the LORD’s help but only that of the physicians. This is sad because he ran a good race for most of his life. I learned here to finish well. Paul says in Romans to live by faith from first to last (Ro 1:17). This is what I plan to do with the help of my God.

Father, have mercy on me to keep on living by faith from first to last. Help me to run the good race of faith from start to finish. Thank you that your eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen the hearts of those fully committed to you. Help my heart to be fully committed to you and to be busily engaged in the work of God. Protect all your people from Arizona to Argentina and from India to Sri Lanka and from Sudan to Ukraine. Protect your servants who are working in ME and bless the work of their hands. Bless your servant M Jose Ahn (his three-man army) to give great encouragement to our coworkers at the ME conference in Sri Lanka. Let your eyes continue to range throughout the earth to strengthen Damon at Dream School, Jonathan and Frieda in Indonesia, Chris Sagel and family, John and Maria Peace and all the lonely servants and single house church ministries scattered here and there. Remember our family of mission while we are apart. Help M Hannah, Paul and John to be strong in your grace and to help each other. Grant that I may pioneer a new missionary life in Korea by working at Dream School and serving English Bible study/messages at HangYang UBF. Help me to pray for Korean youth and for the evangelization of C. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One Word: The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth…