Justin Houtz

2 Chronicles 1, 1 John 1, Micah 7, Luke 16

DateVersionReading Plan
December 2, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

2 Chronicles 1

2 Chronicles 1:8–12 (ESV) 8 And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. 9 O LORD God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” 11 God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.”

Solomon asking for wisdom rather than riches and the favor shown by God toward Solomon is a familiar text, but I had not seen Solomon’s motive of humble service prior to today’s reading. Solomon asked for wisdom in order that he could “go out and come in before this people” whom God had given him to lead. He was not asking for wisdom to use for his own selfish purposes but to be supplied the means to lead God’s people. Seeing this makes God’s response all the more profound because He not only provided Solomon with the wisdom needed for a fruitful kingship but also riches, possessions and honor. We see here a beautiful demonstration of God’s heart to bountifully give to those of noble and virtuous aim.

1 John 1

1 John 1:6–7 (ESV) 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Truth and lies are incompatible, as mutually exclusive as are light is with darkness. Thus, if we proceed in darkness we are not practicing the truth. However, if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. Our horizontal fellowship stems from and is an extension of our vertical fellowship with the true Light. It is through walking in light—obedient to Christ and the truth of His gospel that He has cleansed us from all sin—that the saints achieve compatible and harmonious relationship with one another.

Micah 7

Micah 7:9 (ESV) 9  I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication.

“God’s people indicate that they are willing to bear the Lord’s “wrath.” This is a metonymy of cause for effect, in which wrath is put for punishment. ‘Because I have sinned’ provides the reason for the divine discipline, showing that the judgment is deserved” (NAC)

Speaking on behalf of Israel, Micah admits their guilt and willingness to bear the indignation of the LORD. This will be until the LORD pleads their cause and executes judgment for them, indicating that He will make things right for them. They will be brought to the light and look upon His vindication, witnessing “the Lord’s righteousness displayed for their advantage”. (NAC). How amazing is our God to respond to a wayward people with such grace!

Luke 16

Luke 16:8–9 (ESV) 8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.

“The “sons of this age” are unrighteous unbelievers who live by the principles that govern most people in the present age. “Sons of the light” are people who live in the light of God’s revelation, and are therefore believers (cf. 11:33-36; Eph. 5:8). The implication is that they are believers who are in fellowship with God (cf. 1 John 1:7). Jesus’ point was that prudent dealings characterize unbelievers more than believers. Disciples can do well by learning from them, in the way they anticipate the future. People “of the light” should be as shrewd in their kingdom investments for God, as people “of the darkness” are in their business investments for themselves.” (Constable’s Notes)

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