2 Chronicles 30:10,11
“So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed at them with scorn and mocked them. Nevertheless, some men of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.”
The kingdom split after Solomon. The northern king set up an idolatrous system that would prevent the people from going south to the temple. I don’t recall outreach from the south like this. I think this is amazing.
We, as christians, are to do the same as these couriers. We are to tell people the good news about Jesus. An effective way is to tell our testimonies. Our state before Christ compared to our state after Christ.
I was lonely. It was my senior year of high school. My friend group was dividing some. I was still friends with them, but less. Some were working and hanging out with their work friends. Another graduated midway through our senior year. I was injured so the activity that bonded us was no longer a part of my life. I accepted Christ at a christian concert. I really didn’t know what I was doing. God had a hold on me. God filled my thoughts. I would talk about Him often. The friend issue really didn’t change. It seemed to dissipate. My interest in God captivated. I had a new thirst. A friend from my school became my best friend. God brought Gordon into my life. He was ten years older and a seminary student. I began to attend the christian club at college. I met other christians at college as well. Friends began to take on a different role. Our bond was Christ and living for Him. We encountered professors hostile to faith. Our bonds grew greater. My high school friends had their purpose. Their fading was difficult. But God gave new ones. Ones that were fellow sons and daughters of Him. These were purposeful. The 80’s had some evil parts. My fellow believers kept us holy. This happened over forty years ago. Todays explanation has made the most sense. My testimony is still a little fuzzy in my mind. It is getting clearer. Our story is important.
We also connect applications of the gospel to what we hear people say. If they are worried we tell them of God’s peace. It’s a peace that passes all understanding. That’s great news. Some struggle with obsessions. We tell them of the power of God which can set them free. More good news. They may have health issues. We speak of His healing power. But also of how He can use all for the good. God is great.
Unfortunately not all accept this news. Some respond they way todays people did, with mockery. I Peter 4:4 says, “In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you;” They don’t understand why we left. They see what they do as normal. I still have relationships with my old friends. Some have come to Christ.
Others accept the message. How cool that some from the northern kingdom came south to worship. I wish I knew more about them. God sparked life for some in the north. I’m sure some kept the faith and passed it on to their children and grandchildren. Great stories that we’ll learn about in heaven.
Thank You Lord for this passage. Give us the words to say. Help us to share Your good news to others.